Chapter 16 - The Birthday I

[Welcome back to WHiH World News, and right now joining us is the CEO of Stark Industries, Ms. Pepper Potts. It's raining money, Ms. Potts—After Mr. Stark's announcement of a new construction subsidiary, you have added almost ten billion to Stark Industries' worth. It's as if Stark Industries is once again the darling of the market, and there is news of more. Beauty products and computer chip manufacturing? Where does this—]

"Mute," Tony ordered and focused back on his new Iron Man suit, which had received some more upgrades. They made it much more comfortable and gave it a better life support system, even in case the suit went offline.

What was being discussed on the television wasn't wrong, however. Setting aside the construction project, he had also come to discover a new formula for a better de-aging beauty cream that works to hide wrinkles. It was just a byproduct of his intense research on curing his Palladium poisoning.

At the same time, his intense research on Arc reactors, and the production of Iron Guardians helped him create some new computer chips. Smaller, faster, and better. Of course, he didn't plan on revealing any world-breaking inventions, but he felt confident of at least being ahead of all the competitors across the world.

More money is always better. He thought, considering how much money he was spending on the Iron Guardians project and his philanthropy. The money spent on various media companies to clean up his image was also significant.

Yet, he didn't have what he needed the most. The cure was nowhere to be found, and to his dismay, he barely had five more days to live, according to the calculation. The magical injection from Fury had lost its effects already.

"Sir, you have a call from Senator Stern."

"That potato?!" Tony exclaimed, perking his head from his workbench. "What does he want?"

"It seems to be a conference call along with the chairperson of the party," Jarvis informed. "Should I connect?"

"Go ahead." Tony annoyedly accepted it. If it was just Stern, he'd have ignored it. "Did the sun rise from the west?"

"Mr. Stark, such a delight to speak with you as always." Senator Stern voiced from the other side, clearly pressured to call him. "The chairperson wished to speak with you regarding your political interest in the future of our country."

"Of course, aren't we all patriots here? Not at all into stealing each other's technology." Tony replied with a jibe. "What is this about?"

"I'd have invited you for dinner, Mr. Stark. But we know you are a very busy man." The Chairperson spoke finally, a hoarse old voice, very measured. "I'll get straight to the point. The party leaders have shown interest in backing you for next year's election, that is, if you are also interested in joining us on this venture."

Ugh, I didn't expect they'd be interested this quick. Tony frowned deeply but maintained calm. Now isn't the right time.

"We're still months away from the caucuses, right? I mean, putting my energy into the election this early is like trying to run a marathon in flip-flops. Not gonna happen. Besides, I'm kinda busy plotting the future of Stark Industries. You get it, right?" Tony replied, sounding careful but not particularly worried. After all, his company had enough politicians from both sides in its back pocket. "Tell you what, once I'm ready to dive into this political circus, I'll personally invite you to dinner."

There was silence for a little while before the Chairman responded. "Unfortunate, but we understand your situation. Our offer is open to you, Mr. Stark, you just have to give us a ring."

"I'll remember that. Peace out." Tony cut the call and quickly ordered Jarvis. "Block that number."

"The number has been blocked." Jarvis did as asked, but let out its computed concern as well. Its intelligence level was only increasing with time. "Sir, if I may... If you truly wish to enact significant change in your capacity as President, you will require the unequivocal support of Congress."

Tony sighed, once again cursing his tongue for announcing his intention to run in the election without doing deep research. But he was Tony Stark, and that meant no backsies.

"I know… But if I go groveling for their support, I'll just end up as their puppet, dancing to the tune of whatever interests they serve. What I need is the power to make some serious policy changes with a solid majority backing me up."

"How will you accomplish that, Mr. Stark?"

"Why do you think I'm working so hard? I'm trying to make as much money as possible. And when you're Tony Stark, even the Capitol starts to look like a playground. But hey, we're not playing dirty here; there's a whole new crop of young faces in Congress itching to shake things up, unheard by the old guard. I'll just give 'em a little nudge, maybe shine some light on the old shady ones, and voila! Say hello to a more, uh, 'vibrant' political landscape. It's a marathon, not a sprint." Tony blabbered nonchalantly and got back to his work. "By the way, what's the status on that Professor Amanda?"

Getting back to the main topic, Tony had noticed that ever since he had announced his presidential bid, even more women were flocking towards him. Although he never had trouble tempting women, it had somehow become too easy now. There was clearly something going on, something intentional.

Jarvis quickly projected information on the screen. "Sir, from my investigation, it appears that Professor Amanda Kreed never left the MIT premises. The individual you encountered posing as Professor Kreed was, in fact, an impostor. Regrettably, I have yet to uncover any leads regarding the impostor's true identity or current location. I am currently engaged in tracking her movements subsequent to her departure from Stark Tower."

Tony annoyedly stared at the screen. "The things she was talking about… She didn't seem harmful, but rather… curious?"

"A spy?" Jarvis wondered.

"Could be," Tony muttered, aware that there were too many national and international agencies keeping their eyes on him. "In any case, continue to dig up dirt on her. I'm going to take a short nap."

"It's your birthday, Sir."

"I know, and it might just be the last one. I'm going to enjoy tonight's party to my heart's content—for the last time," Tony mumbled and walked over to his makeshift bed in the workshop itself. The assembly line for Iron Guardians continued to build the armor behind the scenes under the watchful eyes of Jarvis.

####

Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters,

"Do we really need to do this? He's too eccentric."

Charles Xavier peered up from his desk, fixing his gaze on Ororo, the esteemed teacher of Agriculture and English at the school. "Ororo, there has never been a President in recent history who wasn't a career politician. Stark, however, brings a different perspective. He enters the office with a clear agenda, driven by a desire for change. Out of all, perhaps he's the only man and 'politician' who would scientifically understand the hidden existence of us mutants."

"I agree," Raven voiced, being the main force behind the whole operation. She stood there in her shape-shifted human form at that moment. "He isn't like any other politician we've dealt with before."

"But we can't be sure until he's completely aware of mutants," Beast chimed in.

Raven agreed with that, though she kept it to herself how she got close to Tony Stark, and what it was going to cost to get close to him for that answer. "I'm working on that. I'll be seeing him tomorrow at his planned visit to a charity kitchen."

"Why not just look into his mind?" Jean Grey suggested, the strongest telepath in the room.

"We must never do such a thing." Charles seriously denied it, warning in his tone. "That's the quickest way to lose his trust before we even earn it. Furthermore, he remains unaware of the existence of mutants. Entering his thoughts will yield us no answers."

Seeing the room go silent, Charles continued with more information. "Logan sent me a letter."

Everyone in the room focused on the Professor. It had been years since Logan had left and yet none of them had forgotten the feral man.

"I don't know where he is, but he informed me that Hydra is interested in Stark, and Emma Frost might be working with them," Charles revealed.

Everyone appeared annoyed by that information. They had dealt with Emma Frost in the past, and it wasn't pleasant dealing with her each time. The woman knew how to use her telepathic powers to the best of her abilities and situations.

"That makes her an enemy of the government, doesn't it?" Cyclops asked. "She's nothing but a terrorist if she's with Hydra."

"I wouldn't be so certain. Hydra's tendrils have woven through every facet of society, from the depths to the pinnacles of power. If they're backing Emma Frost, then I'm afraid it's only a matter of time before she reaches Stark." Charles cast a meaningful look in Raven's direction, a silent communication laden with urgency. "We'll have to be the first."

Raven gave a silent nod.

Following that, the meeting turned calmer. Just the usual school-related issues.

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