John thought that Coulson looked more like a kind elder brother than an agent. And John really liked this character in the movie. It felt like Coulson was born with a special power: "Trust me." Just talking with him will people drop their guard on their own.
Interested in Coulson, John had a pleasant conversation with him. But ultimately, Coulson was on a mission, and no one could distract him from it. He skillfully redirected the conversation back to Tony Stark.
"You know, we've already been approached by the DOD, the FBI, the CIA…" Pepper added from the side.
'I suppose this explains Potts' reluctance to engage with me. I'm just the latest in a long line of government representatives trying to get a word with Stark,' Coulson thought.
"We're a separate division with a more specific focus. We need to debrief Mr. Stark about the circumstances of his escape."
Hearing this, Pepper assured Coulson she would speak to Tony about it. With that, Coulson said goodbye to both John and Pepper and took his leave.
---
Meanwhile, Obadiah Stane was trying to take control of the press conference from the podium, but Tony had already left the stage. Instead, Tony had decided to sit in front of the podium.
Once again, Tony had one-upped Stane, who let out an undignified, "Ahhhhh," as he scanned the room to locate Stark.
Sitting in front of the journalists and casually eating a Burger King meal, Tony tried to lighten the mood.
"Hey, would it be all right if everyone sat down? Why don't you just sit down? That way, you can see me, and I can… well, a little less formal and…"
Tony continued munching on his burger as the bemused crowd of journalists reluctantly sat on the floor. Stane, with great reluctance, also sat down beside Tony, his dignity visibly bruised.
John, Rhodes, and Pepper shared a brief exchange.
"What's up with the love-in?" Rhodes whispered.
"Don't look at me. I have no idea what he's up to," John replied.
---
The rest of the press conference proceeded smoothly, ending with a significant announcement.
"There are questions I would have asked him. I would have asked how he felt about what this company did. Was he conflicted? Did he ever have doubts?"
"Or maybe he was every inch the man we all remember from the newsreels."
Tony took a deep breath and continued with conviction, "I saw young Americans killed by the very weapons I created to defend and protect them. And I saw that I had become part of a system that is comfortable with zero accountability."
John, listening to Tony's speech, smiled and whispered to himself, "Here it comes."
A reporter asked, "What happened over there?"
Tony paused for a moment and then replied, "I had my eyes opened."
He stood up, once again towering over everyone, including Stane, who had reluctantly lowered himself moments ago. Now, Tony looked like a king addressing his subjects, ready to make a proclamation.
"I realized I have more to offer this world than just making things that blow up."
With a powerful and rehearsed tone, he continued, "And that is why, effective immediately, I am shutting down the weapons manufacturing division…"
---
Stark Mansion – A Few Hours Later
John found Tony in his lab, standing in front of a projection screen.
"Brother, after coming back, you just disappeared! Do you remember the research I talked to you about?" John started to complain upon seeing Tony.
John knew Tony had his own projects—specifically the Iron Man suit—but he couldn't sit still anymore. He was eager to surprise Tony with his progress.
"Of course, I remember. I was just about to find you for something as well. Now that you're here, come take a look."
John glanced at the projection, already understanding what Tony wanted to show him but feigned ignorance.
"Is it a robot? Why do you want to build a robot, brother?"
"Look carefully, John. It's not a robot—it's a mechanical armor. If you can't understand, take a look at this." Tony handed some draft notes to John.
John flipped through the notes. "Huh… Mark II… The Mark II suit is sleek and aerodynamic, a complete redesign of the Mark I armor, which you built in the cave."
He continued reading, "The Mark II features advanced technology, including repulsors, a unibeam, and the AI J.A.R.V.I.S. It's the first fully functional suit of its kind in this world."
"So… you built a fully functional armor while being kidnapped, and they just let you do it? Are they stupid? Anyway, I think it's impressive."
"Just impressive? That's it? Don't you have anything else to say?" Tony asked, a bit anxious about John's lack of reaction.
"Yeah, it's good. What else do you want me to say? What I mean is, you're focusing on external strength, while my research is all about internal strength. So, I can't exactly give you a detailed critique. But if you help me with my research, I might have some pointers for you."
John glanced at Tony, whose mouth hung open in disbelief.
"You rascal! Are you saying you're smarter than me?" Tony turned around, feigning hurt.
"After all this time, you're actually looking down on me? And here I was, waiting to hear some compliments from you!"
Seeing Tony acting like a spoiled brat, John sighed. "Fine. It's a groundbreaking invention, and nobody else in this world could build it in the next 10 to 20 years. You're a genius, brother."
Hearing John's compliment, Tony let out a barely noticeable smirk.
"Are you happy now?" John asked, rubbing his temples.
"Happy? Oh, I'm very happy. You know me well, brother," Tony replied with a straight face, hiding his smile.
"Now, can we finally get back to my research, please?"