The day of the Stark Expo had finally arrived. The sleek, modern expo hall shimmered under the bright morning sun, a testament to Stark Industries' innovation and influence. Engineers, scientists, investors, and media personnel from around the world gathered in anticipation.
Alex parked his car outside the expo hall, the familiar hum of Avalon Industries' AI drones scanning the perimeter. He was dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his silver hair shining under the sunlight, and his piercing blue eyes scanning the crowd.
"Where's my brother?" Alex asked Pepper, who was already near the entrance, arranging some final details for the press and VIPs.
Pepper opened her mouth to reply—but before she could speak, a mechanical whirring sound echoed through the entrance hall. Alex's eyes narrowed, and he turned toward the source.
From the crowd, Tony Stark made his grand entrance, clad in the sleek armored Stark Expo suit, a slightly toned-down version of his Iron Man technology designed for public appearances. Alex's lips curled into a small smile as he recognized the confident stride of his brother, the very embodiment of genius and charisma.
The Expo Begins
The hall quieted as the lights dimmed. A holographic screen illuminated the space with a pre-recorded message from Howard Stark, the legendary founder of Stark Industries. His voice boomed across the hall:
"Welcome to the Stark Expo. Today, we honor innovation, ingenuity, and the pursuit of progress. This is the future, and together, we will shape it."
Alex's gaze swept across the audience before landing on Tony, standing at the side of the dais, his arms crossed, eyes reflecting pride and a touch of amusement at his younger brother's composed demeanor.
The expo showcased everything from next-generation energy solutions, aerospace prototypes, clean-tech robotics, and even a sneak peek at Avalon Industries' collaborative technologies, which had been subtly integrated into the expo to showcase the synergy between the two companies. Alex noted how many investors whispered among themselves about the combination of Stark and Avalon influence.
After the Expo – The Parking Lot Encounter
Once the expo concluded, Alex, Tony, and Happy Hogan walked toward their sleek convoy of cars in the parking lot. The air was filled with chatter and the faint scent of luxury cars and technical equipment.
Before they could reach the vehicles, a woman in a sharp business suit approached Tony. She handed him a legal envelope.
"Subpoena," she stated plainly, her gaze unwavering.
Tony frowned and shook his head. "I don't want anything from anyone right now. No legal entanglements today."
Happy, ever the practical one, stepped forward and took the envelope. "Don't worry, boss. We'll handle it," he said with a reassuring nod.
Road to Washington, D.C.
The convoy made its way toward Washington, D.C., the city buzzing with governmental activity. Alex, sitting in the back with Pepper, was already instructing Red Queen, Avalon's advanced AI system, to gather information:
"Find out who else was invited to this meeting," Alex said calmly. "Compile their political and business history, controversies, any black history files or potential liabilities. I want everything that might matter."
Red Queen responded immediately:
"Acknowledged. Compiling data… estimated time for completion: 15 minutes."
Alex leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs as he watched the cityscape glide past. Pepper glanced at him, slightly amused.
"You really plan ahead for everything," she said, shaking her head.
Alex smirked. "Planning is survival. Especially when my brother and his toys are involved."
The Meeting Begins
Upon arriving in D.C., they were escorted into a grand conference room adorned with dark wood paneling and large windows overlooking the National Mall. Judges and government officials took their seats at the front of the room, each wearing expressions of authority and scrutiny.
Tony Stark walked confidently to the front, taking his place facing the judges. His suit, though lighter than his Iron Man armor, gleamed under the fluorescent lights, reflecting the boldness and technical mastery he was known for.
Alex and Pepper sat at the back, observing carefully. Alex's mind was already analyzing the body language of the judges, their reactions to Tony's presence, and the underlying political dynamics. He also noted subtle patterns in the seating arrangement, signaling potential alliances or rivalries within the panel.
The Tension Builds
The meeting commenced with the lead judge opening the session:
"Mr. Stark, Mr. Stark Industries, we are here today to discuss the recent subpoena and your company's compliance with federal and international regulations. We expect full transparency and cooperation."
Tony's eyes flicked briefly toward Alex, who gave a subtle nod, silently assuring him. Alex's calm, calculating presence provided Tony with a quiet confidence he didn't realize he needed.
Alex leaned back slightly, observing as Tony began presenting documents, project summaries, and evidence of Stark Industries' compliance with legal and technological regulations. Alex also noted any potential weak points or areas the judges might exploit, already formulating contingency plans in his head.
Pepper, sitting beside Alex, whispered: "Your brother has no idea you're quietly guiding him, does he?"
Alex smiled faintly, eyes fixed on Tony. "He'll figure it out soon enough… or maybe not. Either way, he's covered."
The atmosphere was tense, but Alex's presence provided a hidden shield for Tony. Every question asked, every skeptical glance from the judges, Alex had already anticipated.
The scene ends with the judges deliberating Tony's responses, unaware that Alex is quietly orchestrating backup strategies in real time, ready to ensure his brother comes out unscathed