Chapter 4
Chapter 4: Washington DC
"I am Iron Man." Eversince Tony Stark had revealed himself as a mutant, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration for the world, particularly after his battle with the true merchant of death, Obadiah Stane. However, the United States Government didn't share the world's view of him as a hero. They were gripped by fear—fear of the unknown and the immense power he wielded. Their aim was not to celebrate him but to control him, stripping him of his freedom and turning him into a weapon.
"Mr. Stark, please state your name for the record," Senator Stern said sternly.
"Not a question I've ever been asked. Uh, it's Tony. Tony Stark," Tony replied.
"Mr. Stark, do you or do you not possess special abilities, or 'superpowers,' as they're known?" Stern asked, his tone unyielding.
"I do," Tony replied.
"And what is the nature of your powers, Mr. Stark?" Stern continued.
"I can create an advanced form of technological armor around myself," Tony said, adhering to his lawyer Saul Goodman's advice to tell the truth.
"Is this 'advanced technology' the same thing we've seen you use to fly and fight criminals, terrorists, and other enemies of the state, Mr. Stark?" Stern questioned with a hint of disbelief.
"That's correct," Tony affirmed.
“So you admit to being a vigilante like those X-Men” Stern said.
“Yes but I call it being a hero” Tony replied.
"So, you're telling us that the technology we've seen you use is just 'advanced technology,' Mr. Stark?" Stern pressed.
"No, it's my mutation, a natural power stemming from the X-Gene, something I was born with," Tony clarified.
"What's your relationship to Obadiah Stane, Mr. Stark?" Stern inquired.
"He was my godfather, but he died last year while trying to kill me on live TV, right after I streamed a Senate meeting where you offered him money and control of my company if he killed me. That was Obadiah Stane," Tony responded.
"That is not what happened, Mr. Stark. Is it not true that the US government provided you with a generous grant to develop a weapon with the full support of the Department of Defense? Is it not true that you closed down weapon manufacturing, leaving the US defenseless?" Stern accused.
"You mean shutting down the production of weapons that were being used against American citizens, weapons that were supplied to terrorists by the very man you had tried to assassinate me to replace with, right? As for what actually happened, my lawyers, as well as the press years ago, have video footage of you summoning Stane to a Senate meeting and greenlighting my death. He ultimately failed and was killed when I used my mutation to form the Iron Man suit around myself and kill him in self-defense," Tony countered.
"Mr. Stark, you've created a unique and dangerous situation. I have here a resolution signed by the Secretary of Defense, which would place you and your technology under the control of the US government. This would ensure the safety of the nation and global stability. You would, of course, be compensated handsomely, but I'm sure your lawyers have advised you to reject this offer."
"Mr. Senator, you must be confused. The Iron Man technology can't be removed from me; it's a part of me. So unless you're proposing human experimentation, especially on a mutant, you can forget it," Tony retorted with a smirk.
"How dare you speak to me like that? Are you a mutant scum threatening me and this Senate? You're nothing but a filthy lower lifeform!" Stern screamed.
"Senator Stern, I, Saul Goodman, on behalf of Tony Stark and Stark Industries, am filing several human rights violation charges. First, for greenlighting Mr. Stark's death for no reason other than his decision to cease weapons manufacturing in his own company. Second, for demanding Mr. Stark hand over his Iron Man technology, even though it's an intrinsic part of his mutation—a natural power that forms the Iron Man suit around him."
"I will not stand for this!" Stern shouted.
"You don't have to, since we're leaving," Tony declared.
"What? You can't do that; we're not done!" Stern protested.
"Sorry, but we're not under arrest, and you can't stop me," Tony said.
"Muties have no rights! You're not human!" Stern yelled.
"We may not be human, Senator, but we are still alive, and we have feelings. So next time, remember that we have eyes and ears everywhere," Tony said as the Iron Man armor formed around him.
"I'm going to enjoy this. Goodbye, Senator," Tony said as he flew away from the Senate chamber and headed back to Malibu.
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