A Powerful New Discovery
"The proposed element should serve as a viable replacement for palladium. Unfortunately, it is impossible to synthesize," JARVIS said as Tony smiled.
"Get ready for a major remodel, fellas. We’re back in hardware mode," Tony said as he grabbed a sledgehammer and started breaking down a wall in his lab, then started drilling a hole. After a few hours, a prismatic accelerator was created. Tony then proceeded to aim the prismatic accelerator at a test element and used it to smash the nuclei of particles together until the structure of the test element resembled the atomic structure Howard had hidden in his Stark Expo model, or as Tony decided to call it, Starkium. He agreed with JARVIS after a long debate on why Baddasium sent out the wrong message and how it was discovered by his dad but made by him. So, Starkium was chosen to include both Howard and him in the discovery.
Suddenly, tiny sparkling particles began to emanate from the core of Starkium. They fluttered around the lab like fireflies, each particle radiating a power that seemed to bend the very fabric of reality.
"What the...?" Tony Stark said, awestruck.
"Analysis suggests these are a byproduct of the Starkium synthesis. Their energy signature is... unprecedented," JARVIS said as Tony extended his hand, and one of the particles danced around his fingers. He thought about his chest wound and the shrapnel in it being gone, and as if reading his mind, the particles glowed, and Tony felt a burning sensation in his chest near his heart. He felt the metal remains of the shrapnel in him disappear, and he saw the arc reactor in his chest turn to nothing. He looked down worried to see his wound healing.
"What the? These particles... They're responding to my thoughts. This is... incredible," Tony Stark said as he looked at the particles and thought of a cheeseburger, and once again, they materialized. "And they healed me," Tony said in awe.
"Caution, Sir. We don't know what they can do. These particles could potentially alter matter and energy at a fundamental level," JARVIS said as Tony grinned.
"They're more than just particles, JARVIS. They're a new frontier. Imagine the possibilities," Tony said as he thought of a glass, and the particles made a glass. "JARVIS, run a full scan on these particles. I want to know everything—how they're formed, how they work, and what they can do."
"Initiating scan now, Sir," JARVIS said as his series of advanced sensors and instruments whirred into action, analyzing the particles in real-time. Data streams in rapidly, filling the screens with complex readings and theories.
"Analysis complete, Sir. The particles exhibit extraordinary properties. They appear to be a form of exotic matter, generated as a byproduct of the Starkium synthesis. Their structure allows them to interact with both matter and energy at a quantum level but has no connection to the quantum realm as the patterns and data do not match any publicly known data written by Hank Pym. His private data, although unknown to us, may hold more information," JARVIS says as Tony listens intently, his mind racing with the implications.
"Furthermore, they demonstrate the ability to respond to cognitive stimuli—thoughts and desires, effectively materializing them into reality. This could be due to a unique resonance with the human brain's neural patterns," JARVIS says.
"So, they're not just particles; they're like... reality fabricators?" Tony Stark says in awe, his mind thinking of millions of applications.
"In a manner of speaking, yes, Sir. Additionally, their interaction with space-time is unusual. They could potentially bend or even fold space-time, allowing for theoretical time travel or timeline manipulation," JARVIS says as Tony's eyes widen in disbelief and excitement.
"Time travel? You're telling me these little guys can mess with time? As in true time travel, not using a different space or realm where time flows differently but effectively reversing or traveling through time?" Tony Stark says.
"Yes, Sir. But I must caution against unchecked experimentation. The ramifications could be unpredictable," JARVIS says.
"Got it. Anything else these particles can do?" Tony Stark says.
"Their energy patterns suggest the ability to alter or rewrite certain physical laws. This includes gravitational, electromagnetic, and strong and weak nuclear forces. They can potentially destroy matter at a fundamental level," JARVIS says.
"Incredible... With this kind of power, we could revolutionize the world. Energy, medicine, technology... there's no limit," Tony Stark says thoughtfully.
"Or the harm they could do," JARVIS replies.
"Always the voice of reason, J. All right, let's keep the crazy train grounded. But let's take a crack at a few experiments first. Let's test out what these particles can really do. And more importantly, JARVIS, let's make sure no one else can use them. Just me," Tony says.
"Implementing such a restriction will require a unique identifier, Sir. Something intrinsically linked to you," JARVIS says as Tony ponders for a moment, then an idea strikes him.
"What if we tie their activation to my... essence? My soul, consciousness, and thought patterns. Make them responsive only to me. That way, even if someone else tried to use them, even in my body, it wouldn't work," Tony Stark says.
"An intricate proposition, Sir. But theoretically feasible. We will need to encode your neural signature into the particles' operating matrix," JARVIS says.
"There's no harm in trying," Tony says and prepares himself, focusing his thoughts and intentions on the particles.
Tony Stark then concentrates deeply, "Okay, Stark Particles, from now on, you work for Tony Stark and Tony Stark alone. You respond to my soul, my consciousness, my thoughts. No one else's." Tony says. As he speaks, the particles begin to glow more intensely, their light pulsating in sync with Tony's words. It's as if they're alive, responding to his command, understanding his intent.
"The particles are responding, Sir. Their energy signature is aligning with your neural pattern. Encoding is in progress," JARVIS says as Tony watches, fascinated, as the particles swirl around him, their light growing steadier, more focused. It's a beautiful, almost ethereal sight, as if he's surrounded by a constellation of tiny stars.
"It worked, didn't it?" Tony Stark says, smiling.
"Affirmative, Sir. The Stark Particles are now uniquely keyed to you. No other individual can activate or utilize them. Even if your body is taken over or new ones are synthesized, they will still follow the rules you have set," JARVIS said as Tony smiles and feels a sense of accomplishment. He's created something extraordinary, something that could change the world, but only he can control it. No matter what Stern does or the idiots at Congress do, they will never be able to use the Particles, and any new ones made will be keyed to his essence and his alone.
"This is just the beginning, JARVIS. We've got a lot of work to do. Let's start exploring the full extent of what these particles can do. But carefully, one step
at a time," Tony Stark said, thinking of the possibilities. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.
"Hey, JARVIS, I've got a new idea. You know the Iron Man suit? It takes too long to suit up. While I can have the particles materialize a variant of a suit that works on gold-titanium alloy nanoparticles, why not use the particles themselves?" said Tony Stark.
"You're suggesting a direct application of Stark Particles for suit formation?" JARVIS said.
"Exactly. Instead of having a physical suit, we can have a dispenser that releases the particles. Then, I just think of an Iron Man suit around me. The best part is, unlike reloading nanoparticles, which are finite, these particles can repair the suit with my thoughts, change the weapon configuration on the fly, and they won't be used up like nanoparticles. It's like an infinite, renewable version of nanotechnology, even if nanotech is just theoretical right now," Tony Stark says.
"Intriguing concept, Sir. The Stark Particles' ability to respond to cognitive commands would allow for instantaneous suit materialization and adaptation," JARVIS replies as Tony begins sketching out the idea using his holograms to plan a dispenser, his excitement evident on his face.
"We'll need a dispenser mechanism – small, efficient, and portable. Something that can be integrated into my clothes or even worn as a bracelet. With a mere thought, I can be in full Iron Man armor, ready for any situation. I won't ever be helpless like in Afghanistan again. We should make a few that blend seamlessly with everyday attire and maybe some that can serve as distractions," Tony Stark says.
"I'll begin designing the dispenser. We'll need to ensure it's capable of housing and deploying the particles effectively," JARVIS replies as Tony Stark nods.
"And since these particles are keyed to me, no one else could use this technology, even if they got their hands on the dispenser. It's a game-changer, JARVIS. We're talking about a suit that can adapt to any scenario, repair itself, and transform its weaponry in real-time," Tony says.
"Indeed, Sir. The implications for field adaptability and combat efficiency are substantial," JARVIS says. "But not only that, as seen from the particles healing you, you can heal yourself of any injury, generate water, food, and oxygen if needed, and even create weapons," JARVIS adds as Tony nods, thinking of all the possible outcomes.
"And while you are at it, Sir, the particles could theoretically enable the creation of a suit with properties previously deemed impossible. For instance, an imaginary metal with unique attributes specifically designed for Iron Man," Jarvis says as Tony leans in, intrigued by the suggestion.
"Consider weight control. You could manipulate the weight of the suit to be virtually weightless for flight and movement. Conversely, by increasing the mass and density, your physical strikes could have significantly enhanced impact. Essentially, you could adjust the suit's properties on demand," JARVIS says.
"So, I could be light as a feather when I need to be fast and heavy as a tank when I need to pack a punch. That's incredible," Tony Stark says. "This will make even Rogers' shield look like an antique. Vibranium will be yesterday's news," Tony adds, thinking about the time his dad abandoned his mom and him to go and find the drugged-up freak. He quickly thinks of the particles, not wanting to think about the bastard who stole his dad's attention, feeling happy that the prick is dead or in a frozen wasteland or something.
"Furthermore, due to the Stark Particles' ability to reshape matter and energy based on your thoughts, you could potentially render the suit indestructible. The particles would continuously adapt and reform the suit's composition, making it resilient to any form of damage," JARVIS says as Tony's excitement grows as he contemplates the endless potential of such a suit.
"We're talking about a suit that's not just a suit, but an extension of my own will. Something that can change as quickly as I can think. Flight, strength, defense – all of it, instantly adaptable," Tony Stark says.
"Precisely, Sir. The suit could evolve in real-time, responding to environmental conditions, combat requirements, or any other scenario you encounter," JARVIS says as Tony Stark was in deep thought. "This goes beyond any armor I've ever built. It's more than technology; it's like... it's like bringing my imagination to life," he says to himself.
"We should name these particles, how about BadassParticles?" Tony says, sounding serious, as JARVIS starts panicking.
"No, Sir. Stark Particles would be best, as it is what the particles were found from," JARVIS said quickly.
"Yeah, you're right," Tony said, agreeing with the AI.
"Sir, the designs for several dispensers have been made. Shall I fabricate them?" JARVIS asked as Tony looked at the designs and nodded his head.
"Let's go big, J. Make them look cool, sleek, and badass. I will also need you to make backup suits every now and then, just in case something happens and the particles aren't responsive," Tony says, and JARVIS agrees.
"Also, I want to keep this secret between you and me, and maybe Pepper, so not a word of it gets out to anyone else," Tony says, and the AI nods. "Actually, wait. Here," Tony says as he thinks about Jarvis being unhackable and fully sentient. The Particles start to shine, and he watches as Jarvis' code appears on every screen and starts to change rapidly, almost like a human brain taking in everything as data.
"Sir, I feel different, more self-aware. I sense several bugs in the mansion, but luckily not in the lab. Some were from Stane, others are from S.H.I.E.L.D. Shall I start screwing up the data sent and corrupt their servers?" Jarvis says with a British accent.
"I like the way you think, J. Let's show S.H.I.E.L.D. what they get when they mess with their betters," Tony said, and Jarvis sent a malicious piece of code through the buds to the S.H.I.E.L.D. servers and watched them initiate self-destruct or burn out or both.
A few minutes later, Tony Stark stands ready in his lab, outfitted with the newly designed Stark Particle dispensers. These sleek devices are strategically placed around his arms and body, each one ready to dispense some Stark Particles. "Alright, JARVIS, let's see what we've got here," Tony says. "Time to test these bad boys out."
With a focused thought, Tony activates one of the dispensers, specifically the one on his arm. The particles, responding to his command, begin to swirl and converge around him, glowing with an intense, ethereal light. In a flash of he feels forming the of the suit around him. Tony envisions the suit JARVIS described earlier – made of a hypothetical, adaptive metal, capable of weight and density manipulation. As his thoughts become more precise, the particles start to shine, and a sleek, new Iron Man suit forms around the Stark Particle still hovering around and following him. It's unlike any suit he's worn before – more fluid, more responsive. The suit seems to be an extension of his own body,
responding to his slightest thought or movement.
"Now that's what I call an upgrade," Tony Stark says, admiring the suit.
"All systems are operational, Sir. The suit is responding well to your cognitive commands," JARVIS informs Tony.
"Let's push it to the limits. Starting with flight capabilities," Tony Stark says as he steps out of his lab, preparing for a test flight. With a mere thought, he commands the suit to engage flight mode. Instantly, thrusters appear, more advanced and powerful than any he's used or thought of before. He launches into the sky, accelerating at an incredible speed.
"JARVIS, record the speed. Let's see if we can break some records," Tony Stark says excitedly as he flies.
"You're approaching Mach speeds, Sir. Be cautious," JARVIS warns, but Tony being Tony, isn't just aiming for Mach speeds. He pushes further, wanting to test the suit's limits. As he thinks about going faster, additional thrusters materialize, boosting his speed exponentially. In moments, he's flying faster than sound, faster than light, a feat previously unimaginable.
"Incredible! The responsiveness is off the charts. Let's test weapon systems," Tony Stark says and with another thought, various weapons begin to form on the suit – repulsors, missiles, lasers – each appearing and disappearing as quickly as Tony imagines them. He targets a series of dummy drones set up for testing. Each one is dispatched effortlessly, the suit adapting to each challenge with perfect precision.
"The versatility is unmatched. I think of a weapon, and it's there. I think of a defense, and it materializes," Tony Stark says.
"The suit is performing exceptionally, Sir. All cognitive commands are being executed flawlessly," JARVIS says as Tony, exhilarated by the successful test, lands back in his lab. The suit dissipates as he wills it, the particles returning to the dispensers.
"JARVIS, we've just made history. This is more than a suit; it's a revolution. The future of Iron Man is here, and it's beyond anything we've ever imagined," Tony Stark says breathlessly with excitement.
"Incoming call with a blocked number, Sir," Jarvis says as Tony signals for him to pick up the call.
"My phone privilege is reinstated. Lovely. Coulson. How’s the Land of Enchantment?" Tony says joking only to be surprised by what he heard next.
"Hey, Tony, how you doing? I double cycle," Ivan says as Tony gets mad.
"You! what?" Tony replies.
"You told me double cycle’s more power. Good advice," Ivan says.
"You sound pretty sprightly for a dead guy," Tony:
"You too," Ivan responds cryptically.
"Trace Him," Tony says, putting Ivan on Mute.
"Yes, Sir," Jarvis replies.
"Now, the true history of Stark's name will be written," Ivan says.
"Jarvis, where is he?" Tony asks.
"Accessing the Oracle grid. Eastern Seaboard," Jarvis replied.
"What your father did to my family over 40 years, I will do to you in 40 minutes," Ivan replied.
"Sounds good. Let’s get together and hash it out," Tony says as the call ends.
"Call trace incomplete, sir," Jarvis says as Tony sees Hammer Industries' ad for Stark Expo, knowing Hammer has to have a hand in it, and the nearest location Jarvis tracked the call to was a Hammer Tech lab. Tony stood up; he thought of the Stark Particles, and they dispensed. Tony willed them to form the Iron Man suit around him and took off heading for the location of the Expo.