Chapter 4: Stark's Return and the Truth Unveiled

As Tony Stark stepped off the plane, the familiar scene from the movie played out before him, but there were subtle differences. The most glaring was the absence of his bodyguard, Happy Hogan. Instead, security personnel and a group of government officials awaited his arrival.

Tony took a deep breath, his mind racing. His memories of the original Tony Stark's experiences merged with his own thoughts. He knew he had to play his role convincingly.

Noticing the paper held by a waiting officer, he smirked and recalled the movie scene. "Are you sad because your boss is back?" he quipped, flashing a half-smile.

The officer, taken aback for a moment, chuckled awkwardly.

Tony continued, "Well, good news. You don't have to job hunt anymore."

As the conversation ended, the group surrounding Tony examined him closely, some whispering amongst themselves. One finally spoke up, "Mr. Stark, you look awful. You should go straight to the hospital."

Tony waved off the concern. "No need. I have a meeting first. After that, I'll head home and schedule an appointment with the best doctor in the world."

At that moment, a group of men in black suits and sunglasses approached. One of them stepped forward and addressed him.

"Mr. Stark, the debriefing has been arranged. You'll be meeting with representatives from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division."

Tony glanced at Rhodey, who had been standing just behind him, and said, "Security check. Confirm their credentials."

Rhodey gave the agents a once-over, took a moment to verify their IDs, then nodded. "They're legit."

With that settled, they all entered an armored vehicle. The security around them was intense, with an escort ensuring their safe passage to the meeting location.

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The Meeting Begins

The conference room was sealed off from the outside world. Every attendee had been required to surrender their mobile devices before entering. Tony knew that meant whatever was about to be discussed was highly classified.

Taking a seat at the head of the table, Tony scanned the room. High-ranking officials from various intelligence and military agencies filled the space.

He leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Alright, before we start, how about a roll call? I'd like to know exactly who I'm talking to."

A brief pause followed before the first agent stood up.

"We're from the CIA," the man stated crisply.

"We're from the FBI," another agent followed.

"Army Intelligence," a third voice added.

"United States Navy SEALs," chimed in another.

Finally, a man in a sharp suit, exuding authority, spoke. "Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "That's a mouthful."

The man remained composed. "We call it S.H.I.E.L.D."

Tony smirked. Now that's more like it.

With introductions out of the way, he straightened up. "Alright, gentlemen, I called you all here because I don't want to repeat myself. I have something important to say."

He took a sip of water, steeled himself, and then continued, "During the Jericho missile demonstration, we were heading back when we were ambushed. Our convoy came under heavy fire. The soldiers assigned to protect me fought back, but one by one, they were killed in front of me. I got out of the car, knowing staying inside was a death sentence."

His expression darkened as he recalled—or rather, pretended to recall—the traumatic memories. "I tried calling the base for help, but then a missile landed just feet away from me. It had the Stark Industries logo on it." He paused, letting the weight of that statement settle in. "It exploded. I lost consciousness."

The room was silent. Some of the soldiers in attendance exchanged knowing glances, likely recalling their own battlefield experiences.

Tony continued, "When I came to, I was a prisoner of the Ten Rings terrorist group. They wanted me to build them a Jericho missile. They already had a stockpile of Stark Industries weapons."

Murmurs spread through the room, but Tony pressed on. "At first, I refused. They tortured me. Showed me fake ransom videos, trying to break me. But there was another captive—a doctor named Yinsen. He saved my life. He kept me alive, not for the terrorists, but because he believed I could help stop them."

He exhaled slowly before delivering the next part. "Yinsen and I formed a plan. I pretended to comply, but instead of building their missile, I built something else—an escape plan. An explosion. A chance."

Tony's voice hardened. "But Yinsen… he didn't make it. He bought me time, but he was killed." He clenched his jaw, letting the room feel the weight of his words.

Finally, he concluded, "After the explosion, I escaped. And eventually, the military found me."

---

The Aftermath and the Plan Forward

Silence. Then, Agent Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D. broke it. "Mr. Stark, are you certain the weapons were from Stark Industries?"

Tony met his gaze. "One hundred percent. I used their own weapons to make the explosion. I recognized the blueprints, the materials—everything. This isn't just a one-off theft. Our weapons have fallen into the wrong hands, and I don't believe it's by accident."

Coulson exchanged glances with other officials. "You believe there's a leak?"

Tony nodded. "Yes. Our weapons weren't just stolen—they were supplied to them. Someone, somewhere, allowed this to happen."

More murmurs. Officials shifted in their seats, realizing the implications.

Tony took control again. "Now, before you all start asking questions, let me be clear. I'm not pointing fingers yet. But I am taking action. After this meeting, I'll be holding a press conference. I'll announce my return like I just landed on U.S. soil and make a statement."

He smirked slightly. "Some of you might be surprised by what I say, but don't be. I have my reasons."

One of the military officers leaned forward. "And what exactly do you plan to announce?"

Tony's expression darkened. "A temporary shutdown of Stark Industries' weapons manufacturing. Until I know for sure that our weapons aren't being funneled into terrorist hands, I won't let a single new weapon roll off the production line."

Shock rippled through the room. Some looked outraged, others intrigued.

Coulson studied him carefully. "That's a bold move, Mr. Stark."

Tony smirked. "Yeah, well, I'm a bold guy."

He stood up, signaling the end of the meeting. "Investigate everything. Find out how my weapons ended up with the Ten Rings. I'll be conducting my own internal investigation at Stark Industries as well."

He turned to one of the officials. "And one more thing—find Yinsen's family. I owe them everything, and I plan to make sure they're taken care of."

With that, the meeting adjourned. Tony Stark walked out, knowing that his next move would change the world forever.

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