The Power of Tony Stark

The next morning, Stark's lab hummed with a quiet intensity. The various pieces of technology, wires, and holographic projections filled the space with a subtle glow as Tony Stark worked tirelessly at his station. He was in his element—coffee cup by his side, focus unbroken, fingers dancing across the interactive display in front of him. Complex schematics of the suit he was building to contain Bruce's transformations spun around in 3D, each angle examined, adjusted, and perfected.

Across the room, Bruce Banner sat reviewing the gamma radiation data they had collected the previous night. His face was drawn with concentration, the weight of their task heavy on his shoulders. Despite their progress, the situation with General Ross was looming, and now that Emil Blonsky, the Abomination, was in the picture, things were rapidly escalating. Time was running out.

"Tony, I've been thinking about the stress response triggers,"

Bruce spoke up, breaking the quiet. His voice was thoughtful but edged with the tension of their reality.

"The suit's suppression field is solid, but if I'm hit with enough gamma exposure… It might not be enough."

Tony glanced up from his work, his brow slightly furrowed.

"You're talking about a full-blown transformation scenario, right?"

"Exactly,"

Bruce nodded.

"If Ross or Blonsky force my hand, I don't know if the suit alone can prevent the Hulk from taking over."

Tony spun in his chair to face Bruce, his expression serious but confident.

"That's why we're building in layers of defense. Gamma stabilizers, neural inhibitors, reinforced shock absorption—this thing isn't just a suit, it's a fortress. And you've seen the data. It'll work."

Bruce got up and crossed the room, his thoughts heavy. He stared at the blueprints Tony had floating in the air—a prototype that was as brilliant as it was necessary. But he knew better than anyone that the Hulk wasn't something you could just cage.

"I trust your design, Tony. But the problem is Ross. He's not going to stop hunting me. And now Blonsky's in the mix, it's a ticking time bomb."

Tony tapped his chin, thinking for a moment.

"Yeah, Blonsky's a wildcard. He doesn't care about Ross's rules. All he wants is to smash things—preferably you. But that's exactly why we need to finish this suit. Once it's operational, you'll have more control than you've ever had. Even if Blonsky comes at you, you'll be ready."

Bruce gave a small nod, but the anxiety gnawed at him.

"It's not just about controlling the Hulk anymore. It's about stopping Ross and Blonsky from turning me into a weapon. If they get their hands on me—on the Hulk—it won't matter how much control I have."

Tony stood up, walking over to his friend.

"Listen, Bruce, I get it. Ross is obsessed, and Blonsky's a psycho. But this isn't just about them. It's about you getting some damn peace. You've been running for years, and you don't have to anymore. This suit—it's your chance to stop looking over your shoulder."

Bruce's eyes were tired, but he understood the truth in Tony's words. The suit wasn't just a defense mechanism; it was a chance for him to live without the constant fear of transforming into the Hulk at any moment of stress or danger.

Tony tapped the holographic projection, zooming in on a specific section of the suit's design.

"Look, the energy dampeners we're installing here? They're specifically calibrated to handle fluctuations in gamma radiation. It'll absorb the spikes before they trigger a full transformation. Plus, with the neural dampeners, you'll maintain cognitive control if the Hulk does break through."

Bruce studied the modifications.

"So, I'll still be the Hulk, but I'll be… aware?"

"Exactly,"

Tony confirmed.

"The Hulk's strength, but Banner's brain. Best of both worlds. We keep tweaking this, and we're gonna make sure Blonsky doesn't get the fight he's looking for."

Bruce remained silent for a moment, the implications of it sinking in. A way to coexist with the Hulk without losing himself. For the first time in a long while, he felt a glimmer of hope.

"And Ross?"

 Bruce asked quietly.

"He won't just walk away."

Tony shrugged.

"Ross wants control. If we beat him to it, what's he got left to chase? Besides, I'm not exactly going to let him take you. We've got options. Stark Industries has resources, and you have friends in high places now."

Tony gave a half-smile.

"We're not exactly easy to push around."

Bruce chuckled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"I hope you're right."

Tony clapped him on the shoulder.

"Trust me. We finish this suit, we'll be ready for whatever Ross and Blonsky throw at us. You'll have control, and once we show Ross he can't win, we'll make sure he backs off. For good."

Bruce nodded, feeling a little more at ease.

"Then we need to finish it. Fast."

Tony returned to his work, his usual smirk back on his face.

"That's what I like to hear. Let's make sure the next time Blonsky sees you, he's the one who regrets it."

They both went back to their respective stations, the tension in the lab replaced with quiet determination.

After few hours

"Sir, it seems Ross has made his move currently he is heading towards Stark Industries headquarters, I believe he has caught on us"

JARVIS informs as both Tony and Banner take in the words while Bruce is troubled and worried Tony looks like he couldn't care less as he smirks,

"Oh? So he thinks he can just barge in my home and threaten me if he believes that he is in for a world of trouble"

Tony muses out loud making Bruce look at him in worry.

"Are you sure Tony maybe I should leave right now I don't want you to get in trouble."

Bruce says to him anxiously as he doesn't want his new friend to get in trouble with someone like Ross knowing how ruthless he can be,

"Trust me Banner he won't be able to touch me, who do you think I am?"

He tells him with an arrogant smile and gets up

"You continue working on the suit, I will deal with him and be back soon JARVIS informed Pep to get our lawyers ready"

As soon as Tony gave the order, the lab's holographic interface flickered, and JARVIS's calm voice responded,

"Understood, Sir. Informing Miss Potts and assembling legal counsel immediately."

Bruce stood by his workstation, uneasy. He could feel his heart rate picking up, the familiar pulse of anxiety that always accompanied any mention of Ross. His mind flashed back to countless close calls, endless chases, and the destructive consequences of every confrontation. He was about to speak, to insist on leaving again, but Tony turned back toward him with a calm, almost casual confidence.

"Bruce,"

Tony said, tone lighter than the situation deserved.

"You've got to trust me. Ross thinks he's some unstoppable force, but he's playing in the big leagues now. The guy can show up with his tanks and his soldiers, but this is Stark Industries. He's not going to walk in here and get what he wants."

Bruce hesitated.

"Tony, you don't understand what Ross is capable of. He's not just after me anymore—he wants the Hulk, and he'll stop at nothing. This could get ugly, fast."

Tony's eyes glinted with a mischievous spark.

 "Oh, I understand perfectly. But the thing is, Banner, I've dealt with power-hungry military types before. They think because they've got a badge and a few weapons, they can push everyone around. They're not used to people pushing back. Ross won't see this coming."

Bruce gave him a skeptical look.

"And what exactly is your plan, Tony? Walk in, say something clever, and hope Ross just gives up?"

Tony smirked as he picked up his sunglasses from the table and slid them on.

"You know me too well, Banner. That's pretty much exactly the plan."

Before Bruce could argue further, Tony was already heading for the door.

"I mean it, though. Stay here, and keep working on the suit. We're almost done, and when it's finished, Ross isn't going to have anything to chase. I'll handle him. "

Bruce frowned, clearly still uncomfortable.

"Tony…"

But Tony was already gone, his footsteps echoing through the hall. Bruce stood frozen for a moment, conflicted. The rational part of his mind told him Tony could handle this—Stark wasn't one to back down from a fight, and his influence, wealth, and tech made him a formidable opponent. But the darker, more primal part of Bruce—the part that always lurked just beneath the surface—warned him that trouble was inevitable.

He paced the lab, fighting the growing tension within. He couldn't focus, not with the threat of Ross looming so close. He knew Tony had been right to dismiss Ross's bravado, but there was something else—something gnawing at Bruce. Ross had resources, yes, but he also had Blonsky. The Abomination was far more dangerous than any army, and if Ross unleashed him, things could spiral out of control quickly.

Bruce's mind raced through worst-case scenarios as he tried to return his attention to the suit, but his heart wasn't in it. As much as he trusted Tony's capabilities, this wasn't a simple game of corporate maneuvering. Ross wasn't just another rival businessman. He was obsessed.

"JARVIS,"

 Bruce spoke up after a moment, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him,

"Can you track Ross's movements? Let me know the second he arrives."

"Of course, Dr. Banner," JARVIS responded calmly. "General Ross is approximately 15 minutes away from the premises." 

Bruce nodded, his stomach sinking. He needed to be ready. He had a feeling that this wasn't going to end with a simple legal showdown. Ross wasn't one to play by the rules, especially when the stakes were this high.

Meanwhile, outside Stark Industries, Tony strolled through the halls, a spring in his step despite the impending arrival of an armed military convoy. He wasn't worried. In fact, he was more than a little amused at the idea of Ross storming into his territory. The man didn't seem to understand the difference between a battlefield and a boardroom.

"JARVIS,"

 Tony said,

"Give me a visual of Ross's convoy."

A holographic display blinked to life before Tony, showing a military caravan winding its way through the streets toward Stark Industries. Ross's vehicle was at the center, flanked by armored trucks and a handful of soldiers.

Tony grinned.

"Pulling out all the stops, huh? How dramatic."

He turned toward the large windows overlooking the city skyline. The day was bright and clear, the perfect contrast to the storm brewing below. He tapped his earpiece and casually said,

"Pepper, are the lawyers on standby?"

Pepper's voice came through, calm but with a hint of exasperation.

"Yes, Tony, they're ready. Are you sure you don't want to handle this more quietly? Ross showing up like this could cause a PR disaster."

Tony chuckled.

"Relax, it's going to be fine. Ross thinks he's intimidating. I'm about to show him what real power looks like."

As he watched the convoy approach, Tony's mind was already racing through contingency plans. He had more than a few tricks up his sleeve—if Ross wanted a confrontation, he'd get one. But it wouldn't end the way the general expected.

"JARVIS, have the front gates opened when they arrive. Let's not keep our guest waiting."

JARVIS responded immediately.

"As you wish, Sir."

Tony straightened his Armani suit inside which he had his gauntlets ready in case of trouble and took one last look at the city below. This was his world, and no one—not even Thaddeus Ross—was going to walk in and make demands. He was Tony Stark, after all. And if Ross wanted to challenge him in his own home, he'd learn the hard way that some fights weren't worth picking.

"Let the games begin,"

Tony muttered to himself, walking toward the entrance to greet his uninvited guest.

The convoy came to a grinding halt outside Stark Industries, military vehicles flanked by soldiers who moved swiftly into position, their presence radiating intimidation. Soldiers lined the entrance, ensuring that no one would get in or out without their knowledge. The clanking of their boots reverberated through the air, punctuating the otherwise calm surroundings.

From the central armored vehicle, General Thaddeus Ross stepped out, his jaw set in grim determination, his uniform pressed to perfection. His presence alone was enough to turn heads, but it was the heavily armed soldiers on either side that completed the image of sheer, forceful authority.

As Ross approached the sleek marble steps of Stark Industries, he caught sight of a figure waiting for him, casually standing under the modern, gleaming overhang of the entrance. Tony Stark, dressed in his signature charcoal Armani suit, stood with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, a bemused smirk on his face. But Tony wasn't alone. Behind him was Pepper Potts, impeccably dressed and unfazed, holding her clipboard. To her left, an entire entourage of high-powered lawyers stood, all impeccably dressed, briefcases in hand, ready for the inevitable.

Ross strode up, soldiers keeping pace beside him. He barely registered the bodyguards flanking Tony's side, focusing only on the billionaire genius in front of him.

"Stark," Ross growled, taking off his sunglasses and glaring at Tony.

"We know Banner's here. I'm not playing games. Hand him over, or I will drag him out of here myself."

Tony raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion, and then spread his hands innocently.

"Banner? Bruce Banner?"

He tapped his chin, pretending to think.

"You know, I've heard of him. Pretty big green guy sometimes, right? But here? Nah, I think you've got the wrong address, Ross."

The general's patience was visibly wearing thin.

"Don't toy with me, Stark. You're harboring a fugitive, and I have the authority to take him into custody."

Tony's face lit up in mock realization.

"Oh, *that* Banner. The one who's *definitely not* in my building, right?"

He shot a glance back at Pepper, his smile widening as if to ask, *Can you believe this guy?*

Pepper, ever the professional, kept a straight face, though there was a slight twitch of amusement at the corner of her mouth. She stepped forward, clipboard in hand, and addressed Ross.

"General, I believe you might want to review some legal documents before making any further allegations."

One of the lawyers stepped up with a sealed folder, holding it out toward Ross.

"We've already filed injunctions for harassment and unlawful intimidation tactics. Should you continue this line of action, we'll be more than happy to escalate this to a federal lawsuit."

Ross didn't even glance at the papers. His face darkened, the muscles in his jaw tightening as his eyes narrowed at Stark.

"You think you can hide behind your lawyers, Stark? You think some fancy paperwork is going to stop me from getting Banner?"

Tony smiled coolly, casually adjusting his cuffs.

"Oh, I don't *think* it will, Ross. I know it will. See, here's the thing—you're not as untouchable as you think you are. You show up here with your soldiers, throwing your weight around, and you expect me to just roll over? That's cute."

Ross took a step forward, his face red with rising fury.

"I have the full backing of the United States government. You will hand Banner over, Stark, or I'll—"

Tony interrupted him, raising a hand.

"Yeah, yeah, I know—big scary General, threats, yada yada. But there's a little problem with your plan."

He pulled out his phone, and scrolled through his contacts.

"You see, I've got friends in places you don't. And, I mean... all this aggression, it's a bit much, don't you think?"

Ross's eyes flared with anger, his fists clenching.

"You arrogant—"

But before Ross could finish his sentence, Tony tapped the screen and raised his phone to his ear.

"Mr. President. Hey, it's Tony. Yeah, sorry to bother you. Just having a little... situation with one of your generals."

There was a stunned silence as Ross froze, his fury momentarily overtaken by shock. The soldiers behind him exchanged uneasy glances, suddenly uncertain.

"Yeah, Ross,"

Tony continued, glancing at the now very still general.

"He's here at Stark Industries, throwing his military weight around, making a scene. I've got, like, a dozen lawyers ready to sue him into next week, but I figured I'd give you a heads-up. You know how it is. Don't want to escalate things too much."

Ross could hear the voice of the president faintly through the phone, though he couldn't make out the words. The tone, however, was unmistakably sharp and displeased.

Tony's smirk grew as he nodded.

"Uh-huh. Yeah. Well, I'll let him know. Thanks for the quick chat, Mr. President. Have a good one!"

With that, Tony hung up and slipped the phone back into his pocket.

Ross's face was a mask of fury and disbelief.

"What... what the hell are you doing, Stark?!"

Tony shrugged.

"You've been pulling this tough guy routine on me, Ross. But guess what? It's over. The President was not exactly thrilled about you storming private property without any real evidence. He told me to tell you—stand down. Now."

Ross sputtered, unable to find the words. His anger had reached a boiling point, but he was trapped. Stark had outmaneuvered him, not with weapons or force, but with influence and connections. The soldiers around him, once so certain of their mission, began to hesitate, unsure of what to do next.

Pepper stepped forward, once again holding the clipboard.

"General Ross, if you'd like to leave with whatever dignity you have left, I suggest you heed the president's orders. We've already drafted a press release stating that Stark Industries was fully cooperative with the investigation."

Her tone was calm, and measured.

"Or, if you prefer, we can move forward with the lawsuits and let the public know exactly how out of control this situation has become."

Ross's face turned beet red as he turned back toward his convoy, his fury barely contained. Without another word, he stormed back to his vehicle, the soldiers falling into formation around him. They all quickly retreated, the military presence dissipating as fast as it had come.

As the convoy pulled away, Tony turned back to Pepper with a grin.

"Well, that was fun. What do you think, Pep? Lunch?"

Pepper smiled, shaking her head.

"Only you, Tony. Only you could get the president involved and call it fun."

Tony shrugged.

"What can I say? Some people just don't know how to play nice."

As General Ross stormed back to his convoy, his mind raced with frustration and humiliation. Tony Stark had not only outmaneuvered him but had done so with infuriating ease. His plans to capture Bruce Banner had been thwarted not by force, but by a phone call—just a single call to the president himself. Ross couldn't shake the image of Tony's smug grin, and the fact that he was leaving empty-handed only fueled his rage.

But before he could even open the door to his vehicle, his phone rang. The ringtone cut through the tense silence like a blade. Ross paused, glancing at the screen. It was the president. His heart sank, knowing full well what was about to come. Reluctantly, he answered.

"Ross,"

came the president's voice on the other end, tight with restrained anger.

"What the hell are you doing? I just got off the phone with Tony Stark. You care to explain why you're leading a full military unit onto private property, harassing one of the largest and most influential corporations in the world?"

Ross straightened his shoulders, gritting his teeth.

"Mr. President, with all due respect, Stark is harboring a fugitive—Bruce Banner. He's a danger, and—"

The president cut him off sharply.

"Do you realize what you've done? Stark Industries is a cornerstone of this country's economy. Not just that—Stark's tech, his innovations, his influence… Do you have any idea what kind of strain you've put on our relationship with him? He's not just some guy with deep pockets, Ross. Stark practically has global influence. His company holds contracts with almost every major defense, technology, and medical institution in the world!"

Ross could feel the blood draining from his face.

"Sir, I was only trying to—"

"Trying to what?"

the president snapped.

"Jeopardize one of our most valuable partnerships? Stark Industries isn't just any corporation, Ross. It's a powerhouse. Their research alone is decades ahead of anything else. And Tony Stark—he's got connections that stretch further than you can even imagine. The man influences with governments, heads of state."

There was a moment of silence as the weight of the president's words settled in. Ross's anger began to wane, replaced by a deep sense of dread.

"Do you want to be the one who screws up our relationship with Stark, Ross?"

the president continued.

"Do you want to be the one responsible for damaging one of the most important economic and technological alliances we have? Stark isn't just some rich playboy—he's a key player in the global market, and you just tried to storm his building like some third-rate thug."

Ross struggled to respond, his throat tight with frustration.

"I didn't mean to cause any... strain on relations, Mr. President. I was only focused on capturing Banner—"

"Forget Banner!" the president barked.

"This isn't just about Banner anymore. This is about the bigger picture. Stark Industries is critical to our national interests. Do you think you can afford to alienate Tony Stark? He's got more power in his little finger than you realize. Stark doesn't just have money—he has influence. His tech has reshaped entire industries in the last few months alone. You can't afford to piss him off, Ross, and you just did."

The words hit Ross like a hammer. He'd underestimated Stark. Grossly underestimated him. He'd come here with force, thinking that his authority would be enough to intimidate Stark into compliance. But Stark had wielded something far more dangerous—his power and influence. And Ross knew, deep down, that this wasn't a battle he could win.

"Sir,"

Ross finally muttered, his voice stiff,

"I'll stand down."

"Damn right, you will,"

the president said coldly.

"And you'll do so immediately. This is the last time I want to hear about you pulling a stunt like this. You've embarrassed yourself and this administration. From now on, you'll go through the proper channels. Am I clear?"

"Crystal clear, sir,"

 Ross said, his pride thoroughly crushed.

The president hung up without another word. Ross stood there for a moment, the phone still in his hand, before slowly pocketing it. His face flushed red with shame and fury. He turned back toward his convoy, his soldiers waiting for orders, though none dared speak a word.

As he climbed back into the vehicle, Ross's jaw clenched. Tony Stark had not only won this round, but had sent him away humiliated. And worse, Ross knew that Stark's power was something far beyond what he'd ever truly considered. Stark's influence reached into places he could never touch, and the general knew that going forward, he'd have to tread far more carefully. For now, he had no choice but to swallow his pride and retreat, knowing that the billionaire had outmaneuvered him—and that the president himself had given the final word.

As the convoy sped away from Stark Industries, Ross seethed in silence, his mind already turning to how he might regain the upper hand. But one thing was certain—Tony Stark was a man with more power than Ross had ever anticipated. And today, he'd been reminded of just how dangerous underestimating him could be.

Back at mansion, Tony sauntered into his lab with a swagger that could only come from having thoroughly trounced someone like General Ross. The tension that had briefly filled the air during Ross's visit had dissipated, and now Tony looked every bit the man who had just orchestrated a seamless victory without even lifting a finger.

Bruce Banner, sitting at a workbench, tinkering with the gamma-shielding components for the suit, glanced up as Tony entered. He'd been on edge the entire time, half-expecting to hear alarms blaring or see military vehicles storming through the glass windows of the Tower. When none of that happened, he figured Tony had handled it, but he wasn't sure how.

"You're back,"

Bruce said, setting down his tools, a mix of curiosity and anxiety playing across his face.

"What happened with Ross? He didn't… get violent, did he?"

Tony grinned, walking over to a sleek bar in the corner of the lab and pouring himself a drink.

"Violent? Ross? Nah. Let's just say the general had a sudden change of heart when he realized who he was dealing with."

Bruce raised an eyebrow. "

You mean you didn't have to—"

"—punch anyone? Nope,"

 Tony said, cutting him off, taking a sip of his drink.

 "Didn't even have to put on the suit. All it took was some classic Stark charm, a few lawyers, and a well-placed phone call to a certain someone."

Bruce frowned, still not entirely understanding. "Phone call? To who?"

Tony smirked, the kind of smirk that usually meant he had orchestrated something that bordered on genius. He walked over to Bruce, leaning casually against the workbench.

"The president,"

Tony said with a flourish, as though it were the most casual thing in the world.

Bruce blinked in disbelief. "Wait… you called the president?"

"Yup. While Ross was huffing and puffing about how he's going to drag you back to whatever dungeon he's got lined up, I made a quick call to the White House. Reminded them of a little thing called Stark Industries, you know, the company that helps keep this country—and half the world—functioning. Figured it wouldn't take much to get Ross yanked back on his leash."

Bruce was still processing this as Tony paced the room, gesturing dramatically.

"You should've seen him, Banner. Ross was practically foaming at the mouth, all ready to storm the place with his little army. And then, bam—his phone rings. And guess who's on the other end? The president himself, giving him an earful about how he's jeopardizing international relations, defense contracts, and the very fabric of America's technological progress. All because he wanted to play soldier outside my building."

Tony threw his hands up, enjoying every second of reliving the encounter.

"Ross got read the riot act. He had no choice but to stand down. And trust me, it wasn't a polite conversation. By the time he hung up, he looked like a kid who'd been sent to the principal's office."

Bruce leaned back, absorbing the sheer magnitude of what Tony had pulled off.

"So… Ross just left?"

"Like a scolded puppy,"

Tony confirmed with a grin.

"He had no choice. His boss told him to back off, and when you get that kind of call from the Oval Office, you don't argue. You slink away, tail between your legs. He won't be bothering you anytime soon. Not if he knows what's good for him." 

Bruce let out a deep breath, the weight of his constant fear of Ross lifting, even if only temporarily.

"I don't know what to say, Tony. I didn't expect you to go to bat for me like that. Not with the president involved."

Tony waved it off, though his grin remained.

"Eh, it's what friends do, right? Plus, Ross needs to learn that I'm not the guy you mess with. Not in my house, not in my city. Does he think he can waltz in here and make threats? Not on my watch."

Bruce shook his head, still amazed at how effortlessly Tony handled situations that, in his own life, had always been fraught with danger and fear. He glanced back at the prototype suit they were working on, the very thing meant to give him some control over the Hulk.

"I guess I owe you… again."

Tony raised his glass.

"You owe me nothing, Banner. Just keep working on that suit with me, and we'll call it even."

Bruce smiled faintly.

 "Still, thanks, Tony. I don't know what I'd do without you right now."

Tony downed the rest of his drink and set the glass on the counter.

"Lucky for you, you don't have to find out. I've got your back. Now, what do you say we get this suit ready so that next time Ross shows his face, we don't need lawyers. We'll just let the suit do the talking."

Bruce chuckled.

"Deal."

He felt a surge of relief knowing he had someone like Tony in his corner. With the genius, billionaire, and his vast influence shielding him from the likes of Ross, maybe, just maybe, there was a future where he didn't have to run. 

As they turned their attention back to the suit, the lab buzzed with renewed energy.

Back at the hidden military base. General Thaddeus Ross strode into the command center, his face a mask of simmering fury. The moment he entered, soldiers straightened up, sensing the volatile mood of their commanding officer. They all knew better than to speak. All except one.

Sitting in the corner, sharpening the edge of a large combat knife, was Emil Blonsky—the Abomination. He had been waiting impatiently for Ross's return, eager for the chance to finally face the Hulk again. When Ross stormed in, Blonsky's yellow eyes gleamed with a twisted sense of amusement.

"Well, well, looks like the general's little visit to Stark didn't go as planned,"

Blonsky growled, not bothering to hide his contempt. His hulking form loomed over the others, a reminder of the raw power that Ross had at his disposal. He stood up, his monstrous frame casting a shadow across the room as he approached the general.

"What happened, Ross? Thought you were gonna drag Banner out by his throat."

Ross clenched his jaw, his fists tight at his sides.

"Stark called in reinforcements… powerful ones. The president himself intervened. The man threatened me about straining relations with Stark Industries. Called me reckless, said I was endangering national security."

Blonsky laughed darkly, leaning closer.

"So what now, General? Are you gonna back off? Listen to the president like a good little soldier?"

Ross's eyes flashed with fury.

"I don't take orders from Stark or anyone else who doesn't understand the stakes. Banner is a threat, and I'm not about to let some bureaucrat tell me how to handle it."

He turned on his heel and faced Blonsky, his voice dropping into a low, determined growl.

"We're going to find Banner. Whether the president likes it or not."

Blonsky's smile widened into something more menacing.

"That's what I like to hear. So what's the plan?"

Ross moved to the central console and tapped on the screen. Satellite maps and gamma readings from all across the country popped up. He zoomed in on California, the coastline of Malibu now in sharp focus.

"Banner's with Stark,"

 Ross said, his voice was cold and calculating.

"Stark has that high-tech mansion in Malibu. If I were Banner, that's where I'd be hiding. With Stark's tech, they're probably working on something—something to help Banner control the Hulk. But gamma radiation is unique. It can be tracked."

Blonsky stepped closer, his monstrous body casting a long shadow over the screens. "So we track the radiation and we find Banner," he said, a dark thrill creeping into his voice.

"And when we find him…"

Ross nodded. "You destroy him. And Stark, if you have to. I don't care what the consequences are anymore. Banner's a threat to national security, and I'm going to eliminate him—president or no president."

Blonsky's massive hand curled into a fist, the anticipation of violence making his whole body tense.

"I'll make sure there's nothing left of him or his little billionaire friend."

Ross tapped a few more keys, pulling up a concentrated gamma radiation reading near Malibu.

"We'll move tomorrow. Let Banner and Stark sleep easy tonight, thinking they've won. But tomorrow, you're going to hit Malibu, and you're going to hit it hard. I want the city to know the wrath of the Abomination."

Blonsky's grin was savage.

"Consider it done."

Ross watched as Blonsky strode out of the room, his monstrous form disappearing down the hall. His mind was racing. Disobeying the president's direct orders was dangerous, but Ross no longer cared. He had spent too long chasing Banner, and now he was closer than ever. No one, not even the president, was going to stand in his way.

The next morning, as the sun rose over Malibu, everything seemed peaceful—almost serene. Stark's mansion sat perched on the cliffs, an architectural marvel overlooking the Pacific. But beneath the surface, chaos was about to erupt.

In the distance, the ground began to tremble, and the air filled with the ominous sounds of destruction. From the city below, a towering figure charged forward, ripping through buildings and streets like they were made of paper. The Abomination, in his full monstrous glory, unleashed his rage upon the city. Cars flipped, buildings crumbled, and screams echoed through the streets as the people of Malibu fled in terror.

Blonsky had his orders, but all he could think about was finding Banner. He could feel the faint trace of gamma radiation growing stronger as he neared the mansion. Every step closer brought him nearer to the confrontation he had craved for so long.

As panic spread through the streets of Malibu, the Abomination roared, his bellow shaking the very foundations of the city.

"HULK!"

he screamed, his voice booming across the coast.

"Come out and fight!"

In the distance, from the mansion's high-tech security systems, a silent alert triggered, flashing a warning across Tony Stark's screens: Gamma anomaly detected.

Inside the mansion, Tony and Bruce exchanged a knowing look. The storm they had hoped to avoid had arrived. And this time, it wasn't going to wait at the doorstep.