5
[Manhattan , New York, USA , 23/04/2002]
Clark tries to speak, but before he can respond, traffic starts moving again. With a huge grin, Lois shouts excitedly, "Hold on tight, Smallville!"
She hits the accelerator, pushing the car almost to its limit. Lois cuts through traffic, weaving like she's in a race. Clark holds onto his seatbelt, trying not to look completely terrified.
"Careful!" he exclaims, his voice a bit shaky. "Slow down!"
But Lois completely ignores him, laughing as she accelerates even more. "Relax, Clark! You'll get used to my driving... or not."
Clark tries to keep calm, but it's difficult when Lois nearly swipes another car while changing lanes abruptly. "Lois, we don't need to get there this fast!"
"Aw, are you scared, Kent?" she teases, with a playful smile. "I thought farm boys were supposed to be brave."
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Finally, they arrive at the exhibition address, 200 Park Avenue, Stark Industries headquarters. Lois abruptly stops the car, parking with precision. Clark sighs with relief, stepping out of the car a bit shaken.
"We're here," Lois says, with a satisfied smile. "Now let's go, we've got an exhibition to cover."
Clark speaks, still a bit rattled from the experience. "Do you drive like this every day?"
"Pretty much," Lois replies, laughing. "Come on, Smallville. We've got work to do."
They walk towards the building entrance where the exhibition is already beginning.
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As Clark and Lois enter Stark Industries headquarters, they are immediately greeted by a receptionist who asks for their press credentials. Lois hands over the credentials with a forced smile. "We're from the Daily Bugle," she says, trying to sound professional.
The receptionist checks the credentials and signals to a security guard. "They're cleared. You can escort them to the press area."
The guard guides them through a metal detector and quickly checks their belongings. Clark watches everything, slightly surprised by the level of security. "Wow, they really take security seriously here."
"Welcome to Stark's world," Lois replies, rolling her eyes. "Now let's go, I don't want to miss anything important."
They are led to a large conference room where the press is already gathering. Cameras, microphones, and journalists are everywhere, all eagerly awaiting the start of the presentation.
Lois chooses a strategic spot at the front, pulling Clark along with her. "Keep an eye on everything, Smallville. This is your chance to see how a real press show works."
Clark watches as the journalists settle in, chatting and exchanging information. He tries to take in as much as possible.
Suddenly, the lights dim and loud music starts playing. A beam of colorful lights dances around the room, heightening everyone's anticipation.
Then, with a burst of pyrotechnics and a shower of golden confetti, Tony Stark appears on stage. He's dressed in a smart yet casual suit, with a charming smile on his face.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here today!" he exclaims, his voice amplified by speakers around the room. "I'm thrilled to present to you the next big innovation from Stark Industries!"
Lois nudges Clark, whispering. "There he is, the great showman himself. Pay attention, Smallville. You're about to see how a real spectacle is done."
Clark nods, his eyes fixed on Tony Stark, ready to witness the show.
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Tony begins the presentation of the new missile system that the United States government will receive from his company. He raises a model of the missile, theatrically spinning it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, this is the JS-5," Tony announces, pointing to the screen behind him where images of the missile in action appear. "The JS-5 is the future of national defense. Capable of hitting targets with surgical precision up to a distance of a thousand miles. And best of all, it's fully computer-controlled."
He pauses to let everyone absorb the information. Clark furiously takes notes in his notebook, while Lois watches with an impassive expression.
"We've developed the propulsion system using a new alloy that reduces the total weight by 30%, allowing for greater speed and range. Moreover," Tony says, smiling mischievously, "the JS-5 is invisible to current radars. A true masterpiece of military engineering."
He continues explaining the technical aspects of the project, using scientific terms and details that would make anyone's head spin. Clark tries to keep up, jotting down every detail while thinking about how to simplify everything for the article.
"But I won't bore you with more specifications," Tony says with a smile. "The important thing is that the JS-5 will redefine national security and ensure that the United States remains at the forefront of military technology."
Several journalists raise their hands simultaneously, trying to attract Tony's attention. He looks around, clearly enjoying the situation. "Alright, I'll take a few questions. You there, in the grey suit," he says, pointing to a journalist in the crowd.
The journalist stands up, adjusting his glasses. "Mr. Stark, how did you develop the special alloy used in the propulsion system of the JS-5?"
Tony gives an arrogant yet charming smile. "Well, it was a complex process, but nothing I couldn't solve on a Saturday afternoon. Our team worked hard to create something no one else in the world could. In short, it's an engineering masterpiece, and I'm the genius behind it."
Another journalist, a woman with short hair and black-framed glasses, is next. "Mr. Stark, what are the main advantages of the JS-5 over other missile systems on the market?"
Tony raises an eyebrow and responds disinterestedly. "The advantages are so many that I don't even know where to begin. Precision, range, radar invisibility... Basically, if you need a missile that does all that and still impresses your friends, the JS-5 is the obvious choice."
Finally, he points to a young journalist at the back of the room, who looks surprised to have been chosen. "You there, with the yellow notepad."
The young journalist quickly composes himself. "Mr. Stark, how does the JS-5 compare to current defense systems in terms of effectiveness?"
Tony pauses dramatically before answering. "Comparing the JS-5 to current systems is like comparing a state-of-the-art smartphone to a brick. We're on another level. The effectiveness of the JS-5 is unparalleled, and anyone who says otherwise is just jealous."
The young journalist, still holding the yellow notepad, hesitates for a moment but decides to proceed with his next question. "Mr. Stark, there are those who say that LexCorp has made significant advances in similar defense technologies. How would you compare Stark Industries' developments to those of LexCorp? And personally, how do you compare yourself to Lex Luthor?"
The air in the room instantly changes. The murmurs of the journalists cease, everyone waiting for Tony's response. Lois smiles tensely, leaning in to whisper to Clark. "Now this is going to be interesting."
Clark looks at her, still trying to understand why the question provoked such a reaction.
Tony maintains his smile, but his eyes gleam with challenge. He approaches the young journalist, adjusting his suit slightly. "Comparing Stark Industries to LexCorp is like comparing diamonds to glass. Lex Luthor may be good at what he does, but he's not a visionary. He plays it safe, while I'm always one step ahead, innovating and breaking barriers."
He pauses dramatically, letting the tension build in the room. "And as for me and Luthor, let's just say he may have his name in a few headlines, but I'm the one who actually makes things happen. While Lex Luthor is busy trying to dominate the corporate world, I'm changing the world with my inventions. He may be a good chess player, but I'm the one who invented the game."
Lois watches with interest, nodding to Clark to jot it all down. "See? That's the kind of confidence that makes for a good show."
Tony then turns his attention back to the rest of the room. "Any more relevant questions, or are we ready to continue?"
"Sr. Stark, I have a few questions," Lois says, drawing attention to herself.