"Sir, I'm detecting an unauthorized breach at the Research and Development Center," JARVIS reported, his tone calm but urgent.
Tony paused, glancing at the holographic display. "How many?"
"There are twelve intruders, sir," JARVIS confirmed.
Tony clenched his jaw as he moved quickly towards his suit.
"Great. Just what I needed tonight."
Rhodey, already suited up in his War Machine armor, fell in step beside him.
"Looks like Hammer's making another move for your tech, Tony,"
he said, his voice crackling through the comms.
"While you were busy with drones and Ivan Vanko, he's been biding his time."
Tony smirked, a hint of sarcasm lacing his words.
"Hammer's an idiot if he thinks he can even lay a finger on my tech. JARVIS disrupts their communications and scrambles any systems trying to piggyback off our network. And while you're at it, see if you can trace any signals back to Hammer's base of operations."
"Understood, sir,"
JARVIS responded smoothly.
"Comm disruption and system scrambling initiated. Analyzing digital signatures for possible trace to Hammer Industries."
After a few tense seconds, JARVIS's voice broke through the silence. "Sir, the signal has been traced back to a private yacht anchored off the coast of Malibu."
Tony's eyes narrowed as the realization hit.
"A yacht? Of course, he'd choose a fancy hideout. Always trying to impress the wrong crowd."
He exchanged a determined glance with Rhodey.
"Alright, Rhodey, you go deal with the intruders in Stark Industries. I'll handle Hammer and his goons. It's time we end this."
Rhodey nodded the weight of the mission settling on his shoulders.
"You sure you want to take him on solo? Hammer's got a history of backup."
"I'll be fine,"
Tony replied, his voice steady.
"I'm not going to let him slip away. Just make sure those intruders don't get their hands on anything useful."
"Got it. Just don't do anything reckless,"
Rhodey warned, knowing how Tony's bravado often led to chaotic situations.
"Reckless is my middle name,"
Tony shot back with a smirk, already moving toward the exit.
"Just don't forget it,"
Rhodey called after him as he activated his suit's systems.
With a flick of his wrist, Tony's suit powered up, armor plating sliding into place with a satisfying click.
"JARVIS, plot a course for the yacht and give me a live feed of what's happening on board."
"Course plotted. Activating surveillance drones now to provide real-time updates on the yacht's security personnel and any potential threats,"
JARVIS informed him.
As the suit enveloped him, Tony felt the familiar rush of adrenaline.
"Let's show Hammer what happens when you mess with Stark Industries."
Meanwhile with Hammer
The atmosphere on the luxurious yacht was charged with anticipation. Justin Hammer stood at the center of an opulent lounge, surrounded by several well-dressed businessmen, each nursing a glass of fine whiskey. The faint sound of waves lapping against the hull provided a soothing backdrop, contrasting sharply with the tension in the air.
"Tonight is the night, gentlemen,"
Hammer declared, his confidence palpable as he raised his glass.
"With Stark distracted by our little diversion at his precious Stark Industries, we'll finalize our deals and secure our place in the market. This is the beginning of a new era."
One of the businessmen, a stocky man with a sharp jaw and slicked-back hair, leaned in, eyes gleaming with ambition.
"You think those intruders will pull it off? Stark's not one to underestimate."
"Of course he is,"
Hammer replied, a sneer creeping onto his face.
"He's too busy playing hero to notice the storm brewing right under his nose. By the time he figures it out, it'll be too late."
"Assuming your team is competent enough,"
another businessman chimed in, skepticism evident in his tone.
Hammer's expression hardened.
"My men know what's at stake. They're already in position at Stark Industries, ready to grab whatever tech they can lay their hands on. Once we have that, Stark will be scrambling to catch up."
The group exchanged wary glances, the tension in the room palpable. The stocky man raised his glass, forcing a smile.
"To new beginnings, then."
"Cheers to that!"
Hammer responded, clinking glasses with the others.
As they toasted, Hammer's eyes flicked to the window, where the distant skyline of Los Angeles was visible against the evening sky.
"Just think about it—Stark's reputation is in tatters, and we'll be the ones to step into the spotlight. Imagine the contracts, the partnerships. This is our moment."
Just then, the yacht's communications officer interrupted, her voice tense.
"Mr. Hammer, the communication we sent to Stark Industries with the team has been cut off. It seems we are experiencing some disruption."
Hammer's expression soured, his earlier confidence quickly fading.
"What do you mean we've lost communication? Get it back!"
The officer's fingers flew over her keyboard, desperation creeping into her voice.
"I'm trying, sir, but we're being jammed. I can't pinpoint the source, but it looks like—"
"Looks like what?" Hammer snapped, his patience waning.
"Sir, it looks like his AI has detected us. They're onto our plan,"
she replied, anxiety evident in her tone.
"They've likely activated countermeasures. Stark may be already on his way here."
Hammer slammed his fist against the table, causing the whiskey glasses to rattle.
"No! This can't be happening! We planned for every contingency, and now Stark's just going to swoop in and ruin everything?"
The stocky businessman stepped forward, trying to regain control of the situation.
"Hammer, we need to pivot. If Stark is coming, we have to prepare the defenses and be ready to move our plans to a secondary location."
"Secondary location?"
Hammer hissed, disbelief coloring his voice.
"We're not backing down! We have everything we need right here! I won't let Stark intimidate us!"
"Right now, it's about survival, Justin!"
the businessman insisted, urgency rising in his tone.
"If Stark shows up and finds us unprepared, we'll be sitting ducks. We need to protect our interests!"
Hammer ran a hand through his hair, frustration boiling beneath the surface.
"Fine! Prepare the yacht's defenses. Arm the crew. If Stark wants a fight, we'll give him one. But I want that tech from Stark Industries, and I want it now!"
The officer nodded, her fingers dancing across her controls.
"Activating all defense systems. We'll be ready for him."
"Good,"
Hammer said, regaining some of his composure as he glanced out the window at the darkening horizon.
"Let's show Stark that he isn't the only one with tricks up his sleeve."
Back to Tony
"JARVIS what is our ETA,"
Tony asks as he sours through the air towards the yacht
"Sir ETA is 2 minutes 13 seconds, it seems Hammer knows we are coming he has activated the yacht defences I am working on infiltrating it and shutting it down"
"well keep it up also call Pep"
"JARVIS, what's our ETA?"
Tony asked, his voice steady as he soared through the air toward the yacht, the wind whipping past him.
"Sir, ETA is 2 minutes and 13 seconds. It seems Hammer knows we are coming; he has activated the yacht's defenses. I am working on infiltrating the systems and shutting them down now,"
JARVIS replied, his tone calm yet urgent.
"Good. Keep it up. Also, call Pepper,"
Tony instructed, his mind racing with strategies for the impending confrontation.
"Connecting you now,"
JARVIS said, and a moment later, Pepper's voice came through the comms, laced with concern.
"Tony! What's going on? I just heard from JARVIS about the yacht and Hammer."
"Yeah, Hammer's gone full paranoid. He's activated all the defenses, and I'm about to crash his little party," Tony replied, trying to keep his tone light despite the gravity of the situation.
"Be careful!"
Pepper warned, her voice steady yet filled with apprehension.
"Always," Tony reassured her, though he knew the danger ahead was real.
"I need you to do something for me: get ready to take control of Hammer Industries. With Justin soon to be in jail, his company will be in shambles."
"Are you serious?"
Pepper's voice crackled through the comms, a mix of surprise and excitement evident.
"You want me to run a company that's been struggling to keep up with Stark Industries?"
"Absolutely. This is a prime opportunity,"
Tony replied, his tone firm.
"With Hammer out of the picture, we can scoop up his assets and resources. We could pivot that company into something innovative instead of the mess it's been. Plus, it'll send a clear message that we won't tolerate anyone trying to step on our toes."
Pepper paused for a moment, weighing his words.
"You really think we can turn it around?"
"Of course! You've got the vision, and with your leadership, Hammer Industries could finally move away from all that shady business and focus on legitimate tech development. Just imagine what we could do—clean energy, advanced robotics, maybe even some of the humanitarian projects we've talked about."
"Alright, I'm in,"
Pepper agreed, her determination rising.
"But you need to make sure you handle Hammer first. I don't want any loose ends."
"Don't worry. I'll make sure he's locked up for good,"
Tony promised, the adrenaline coursing through him as he neared the yacht.
"ETA is now 1 minute and 30 seconds,"
JARVIS chimed in, cutting through their conversation.
"Let's wrap this up," Tony replied, focusing on the distant silhouette of the yacht against the setting sun.
"Sir, there is something else. Although Miss Potts has instructed me not to inform you, I believe it is necessary for you to know," JARVIS said, his tone shifting to a more serious note.
Tony's expression hardened. "What is it, JARVIS?"
"Sir, after the blast, when Miss Potts and Miss Rushman were running for safety, they were attacked by Hammer's team. It seems they were attempting to kidnap Miss Potts as leverage against you."
Tony's heart began to race, the gravity of the situation hitting him like a punch to the gut.
"Are they alright?"
"Fortunately, yes. They were able to subdue the kidnappers with relative ease. It seems that administering the serum to Miss Potts was the right choice, sir. She exhibited enhanced strength and agility during the encounter."
A mix of relief and anger coursed through Tony.
"That's good to hear, but I can't believe Hammer would stoop that low. He's playing a dangerous game."
"Indeed, sir,"
JARVIS replied.
"But you must also consider that this could escalate. Hammer may retaliate now that he knows you're coming for him."
Tony gritted his teeth, determination hardening his resolve.
"Not if I get to him first. I'll make sure he understands that no one threatens my people and gets away with it."
"Sir, you have approximately 45 seconds until you reach the yacht. I recommend preparing for a tactical approach," JARVIS advised the urgency in his voice sharpening.
"Right. Let's get this over with,"
Tony said, adjusting his suit's systems for combat.
"And JARVIS?"
"Yes, sir?"
"Make sure Pepper and her team are safe. I want them out of harm's way, no matter what happens."
"Understood, sir. I will monitor their situation closely,"
JARVIS confirmed.
Tony moves ahead with full-speed anger scheming his features,
As the yacht loomed closer, Tony's resolve solidified. The glow of the setting sun casts a fiery hue across the water, creating an almost cinematic backdrop for the showdown ahead. He activated the suit's stealth mode, minimizing his profile as he prepared to breach Hammer's defenses.
"JARVIS, how's the infiltration coming?"
Tony asked, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the yacht's layout from above.
"I've bypassed the outer security systems, but the mainframe is still locked down. I'm working on it now. If you engage, I recommend using non-lethal methods initially; we don't want to escalate too quickly,"
JARVIS replied, his tone cool and composed.
"Understood. But if Hammer tries anything funny, I won't hesitate,"
Tony responded adrenaline coursing through him.
"Sir, you're approaching the perimeter. Initiating distraction sequence now,"
JARVIS announced.
In an instant, small drones deployed from the suit, zipping toward the yacht and creating a series of minor explosions on the far side. The sound of chaos erupted as the yacht's crew scrambled to assess the disturbance, the flickering lights casting shadows over the deck.
"Time to make my entrance,"
Tony muttered, descending rapidly toward the deck.
With a controlled thud, he landed in a crouch, the impact resonating through the vessel. The startled crew froze, eyes wide as they realized who had arrived.
"Looks like your party just got crashed!"
Tony announced, rising to his feet and surveying the scene.
"Now, where's Hammer?"
Before he could get an answer, armed guards rushed toward him, weapons drawn. Tony reacted instinctively, using his suit's repulsors to disarm the closest guard with a blast that sent the weapon flying.
"Now, let's keep this civil!"
he called out, dodging a volley of gunfire. He countered with a series of precise strikes, incapacitating the guards one by one, all while keeping his movements fluid and calculated.
"JARVIS, any sign of Hammer?"
he asked, ducking behind a pillar as bullets ricocheted off the metal.
"I'm scanning the interior now, sir. He appears to be in the main cabin, but I recommend proceeding with caution. There may be more hostiles waiting,"
JARVIS advised.
"Got it. I'll take the back entrance,"
Tony decided, darting toward a side door that led into the yacht. He pushed through, scanning the luxurious interior filled with expensive decor and scattered paperwork—evidence of Hammer's frantic operations.
"Sir, you have approximately three guards in the cabin, and Hammer is attempting to initiate an escape plan via a secondary exit,"
JARVIS warned.
"Not if I can help it,"
Tony muttered, quickly making his way toward the cabin door. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to center himself. This was it. The showdown he'd been gearing up for.
With a swift kick, he burst through the door, startling the guards inside.
"Party's over, gentlemen!"
Tony stepped into the cabin, the atmosphere thick with tension. Hammer was frantically trying to gather his scattered documents, his expression shifting from surprise to anger upon seeing his nemesis.
"Nice yacht you've got here, Hammer. Too bad it's about to become a sinking ship,"
Tony said, a smirk curving his lips.
Hammer's eyes narrowed, resentment boiling beneath the surface.
"You think you've won, Stark? You've destroyed everything I've built! My company is in ruins because of you!"
"Your company? Please. It was on shaky ground long before I showed up,"
Tony replied, crossing his arms.
"Stealing my tech and plotting against me was a bad play. What did you expect?"
"Enough of your smugness!"
Hammer shouted, his desperation peeking through.
"If you think hiding behind that suit makes you invincible, you're dead wrong. Take it off, Tony. Face me like a man."
Tony raised an eyebrow, a mix of amusement and curiosity flickering in his eyes.
"You want me to step out of my suit? Alright, let's see how that goes."
He disengaged the suit, the nanites retracting, revealing him in his attire.
"There, happy now?"
he said, his grin unwavering.
"Now you're just a man,"
Hammer sneered,
"I'll enjoy taking you down."
"Really?"
Tony replied, stepping forward confidently.
"Let's see you try."
Before Hammer could react, Tony launched himself at the nearest guard, moving with blinding speed. He ducked under a wild swing, countering with a powerful uppercut that sent the guard staggering back.
Another guard rushed in, but Tony sidestepped him, grabbing his arm and twisting it behind his back. With a swift motion, he propelled the guard into the nearby wall, the impact knocking the wind out of him.
Tony's reflexes were heightened, allowing him to anticipate movements as he weaved through the remaining guards. One attempted to tackle him, but Tony dropped to a crouch, using the guard's momentum against him. He rolled to the side, bringing his knee up into the guard's midsection as he passed, leaving him gasping on the floor.
With adrenaline pumping through him, Tony moved gracefully, combining martial arts techniques he had honed over the years with the enhanced abilities granted by the serum. He ducked and rolled under a barrage of punches, retaliating with rapid jabs to the solar plexus and hooks to the jaw, each strike landing with precision and power.
As the last guard fell, Tony straightened up, his chest heaving slightly from the exertion. He turned his attention to Hammer, who was now backed against the cabin wall, his confidence crumbling under Tony's relentless assault.
"What's the matter, Justin? Did you think you could just waltz into my life and take what's mine without consequences?"
Tony challenged, closing the distance.
"I-I have connections! You can't just do this!"
Hammer stammered, panic replacing his bravado.
"Connections?"
Tony laughed darkly, shaking his head.
"You mean the kind that led you to try to kidnap Pepper and try to steal my tech? Those connections are about to be severed."
Hammer's eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape route, but Tony stepped forward, blocking any chance of flight.
"You don't have to do this, Stark. We could work together! Imagine the tech we could develop!"
Hammer proposed, desperation evident in his voice.
"Work together?" Tony scoffed, his demeanor firm.
"Don't make me laugh"
With a steely determination in his eyes, Tony advanced toward Hammer, who was now cornered against the opulent wood paneling of the cabin.
"This is your last chance, Justin. You can either cooperate, or we can do this the hard way,"
he said, his voice low and commanding.
Hammer's bravado had vanished, replaced by a mix of fear and defiance.
"You think you can intimidate me? You're just a man without his toys!"
Tony chuckled, shaking his head.
"You clearly underestimate me."
With a swift movement, he lunged forward, grabbing Hammer by the collar and lifting him off the ground. The yacht swayed gently, but at that moment, it felt like the world had come to a standstill.
"You're going to tell me everything about your plans, or I'll make sure you regret ever crossing paths with me,"
Tony said, his voice steady as he locked eyes with Hammer.
"Alright! Alright!"
Hammer gasped, the fight draining from him.
"I didn't mean for any of this to happen! I just wanted to get ahead!"
"Too late for regrets, Justin,"
Tony replied, tightening his grip just enough to remind Hammer of who was in control.
"You're done. You'll answer for everything you've done—starting with the attempted kidnapping of Pepper."
Suddenly, the distant sound of sirens pierced through the cabin, growing louder with each passing moment. The yacht's communications officer, who had remained largely silent, hurriedly stepped forward.
"Mr. Hammer, the police are on their way! You can't just—"
"Save it!"
Hammer snapped, his fear palpable.
"You think this is over? I have connections! I'll be out in no time!"
"Not this time, Hammer,"
Tony said as he stepped back, allowing the yacht's doors to burst open. The sound of boots hitting the deck echoed as law enforcement personnel flooded into the cabin, ready to take control of the situation.
"Stark! You can't just leave me here!"
Hammer shouted, desperation lacing his voice as the officers approached.
"Just watch me,"
Tony retorted, a satisfied smirk on his face. He gestured to the officers, who quickly moved in to secure Hammer, cuffing him with swift efficiency.
"Tony!"
Rhodey's voice rang out in his comms,
"I took down the intruders at Stark Industries. They didn't stand a chance."
Tony turned, relief washing over him.
"Glad to hear it, Rhodey. I'm just wrapping up here with Hammer."
"Looks like he finally got what was coming to him."
"Yeah,"
Tony replied, crossing his arms.
"I think he's learned that you don't mess with Stark Industries—or the people I care about."
With Hammer taken care of Tony finally relaxed,
Tony leaned against the railing of the yacht, his gaze fixed on the horizon as the last remnants of the day's chaos began to fade into the evening sky. The sun dipped low, casting a warm golden hue over the water, a stark contrast to the tension that had unfolded just moments before.
"Who knew an idiot like Hammer could cause so much trouble?"
he muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.
"JARVIS, what's the status of the expo?"
"Sir, a few civilians were injured, but nothing permanent. They are being taken care of by medics on-site. Thanks to the swift deployment of the rescue drones, all civilians were evacuated from harm's way in time,"
JARVIS replied smoothly, his calm tone providing a much-needed sense of reassurance.
"Good,"
Tony sighed, relief washing over him.
"I don't know what I would have done if someone had died. That's not a risk I'm willing to take."
"Your efforts have minimized potential casualties significantly, sir,"
JARVIS continued.
"The rescue drones were able to intercept swiftly, and the rapid response from the local authorities has ensured that order is being restored."
Tony nodded, his mind racing as he processed the day's events.
"We can't let Hammer get away with this. His reckless ambition could have led to something catastrophic."
"Indeed," JARVIS affirmed.
"I recommend implementing additional security measures for the expo and conducting a thorough review of our protocols to prevent future breaches. This incident has exposed vulnerabilities that need immediate attention."
"Agreed. We can't afford any more surprises,"
Tony replied, his tone turning serious.
"Let's ensure every angle is covered. I want security drones patrolling the area and enhanced monitoring of the network. Hammer might be in custody now, but his influence is far-reaching."
"Understood, sir. I will begin preparations immediately,"
JARVIS responded.
"Additionally, I suggest coordinating with law enforcement to gather intelligence on any remaining associates of Hammer Industries."
"Right. Let's not give him any chances to regroup,"
Tony said, determination setting in his voice.
"And I want a full report on the injuries at the expo. I'll need to reach out to the victims and their families."
"For now I would recommend taking a well-deserved rest sir, Miss Potts has asked me to make sure you come home after Hammer is taken care of"
Making Tony laugh a little knowing Pepper would worry if he didn't come home now with that Tony activated the thrusters, feeling the suit hum to life, He shot a glance at the cityscape, the lights flickering beneath him, a stark reminder of the responsibility he bore.