In Marvel With Unique Skill Great Sage (MCU) [109]

"Should any accidents occur due to the military's use of this technology, Stark Industries will not accept any responsibility. Furthermore," she added firmly, "any benefits or advantages the military gains from using our proprietary technology rightfully belong to Stark Industries..."

Beneath the table, hidden from the cameras, Pepper's fingers tapped a light, silent rhythm a small, private release for the immense pressure she was under.

"We absolutely do not condone their strong-arm tactics," she continued, her voice firm but controlled. "Our legal team is actively pursuing all available options to seek justice and fair compensation..."

Of course, the reality was a bit more complicated. The Mark II had been given to the military, albeit after removing some key technologies, as part of a difficult prior agreement. 

But with Colonel Rhodes playing along (reluctantly), Stark Industries was publicly spinning the story as the military simply stealing the suit. 

This was a calculated move to win public support and gain leverage for future negotiations with the government.

"As for... the terrorist attack orchestrated by Hammer Industries," Pepper's expression turned serious, "we condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms... Yes, it was Iron Man, the hero known as Sky Knight, and Colonel James Rhodes who bravely stepped in to save the day, potentially preventing a national tragedy. As an American, I want to express my sincere, personal gratitude to them..."

Truth be told, Pepper was the last one to find out exactly what had happened at the Expo and the villa. She remembered arriving home yesterday, confused about the giant smoking crater near the entrance... 

Learning the whole terrifying story this morning had shocked her deeply, and she'd given Tony quite an earful about keeping her in the dark.

"They arranged the escape of a known terrorist from a prison in Monaco, an act which resulted in a fire and the murder of an innocent person used as a decoy..." she explained gravely. "They smuggled this dangerous individual into the United States and planned further devastating attacks across the country..."

"To achieve this, they attempted to illegally copy the Mark series armor. Rest assured, all of these counterfeit suits have now been completely destroyed. Their attempts were crude, unstable, and ultimately, a failure..."

Ivan Vanko's real goal was just revenge against Stark, but the general public didn't need to know the messy details. Lemu had subtly helped shape the public story, making it seem like a broader terrorist plot against America, foiled yet again by the heroic Iron Man and his allies. Free positive publicity? Why waste it?

"And finally..." Pepper paused, turning a page in her notes. "Regarding the factories and equipment left behind by the now-defunct Hammer Industries... Stark Industries will be acquiring these assets, guided by a spirit of humanitarian concern. We want to assure all former Hammer employees that there is no need to panic. Factory operations will continue, and salaries will be paid without interruption..."

….

Nick Fury was visiting the Stark villa for the third time in almost as many days.

It was the afternoon following Ivan Vanko's explosive end. Fury arrived with Natasha again and made himself comfortable in Stark's living room.

The one-eyed man in the long coat poured himself a cup of tea from Stark's personal stash, leaned back casually against the expensive sofa, and propped his feet up on the coffee table without even bothering to take off his shoes.

"So," Fury began, his tone casual but his gaze sharp as he looked across at Lemu. "That whole collection of drones Hammer built... you just planning on keeping them?"

He took a slow sip of tea. "Looking at this from a legal standpoint, property rights and all that... those things really shouldn't belong to you. An alien."

Lemu glanced around. Stark was absorbed in his phone off to the left. Agent Romanoff sat at the far end of Fury's sofa, maintaining a careful distance from her boss, offering only a polite, neutral smile to everyone.

Lemu leaned back in his own chair, taking a few seconds to seemingly gather his thoughts, letting the accusation hang in the air. Then, he turned to Fury, his expression dramatically shifting to one of deep sorrow. "Are you... discriminating against me?"

He leaned forward slightly, his voice trembling with manufactured emotion. "Are you actually discriminating against me... simply because I am not from this planet?"

His eyes glistened with unshed tears, filled with a look of profound sadness and righteous accusation.

"On this great land," Lemu began, his voice growing louder, taking on a preachy tone, "a land where people from countless backgrounds and origins are meant to live together side-by-side, in peace and friendship, like brothers and sisters... I truly believed I was becoming one of you."

"I thought I shared the same duties, the same rights, as every person born here! I thought I had become a part of this nation... I poured my heart, my soul, my energy into saving America from the evil plans of Hammer and Vanko! I fought tirelessly!"

He dramatically placed a hand over his heart. "And this is how you repay my efforts? By denying my contributions?"

His voice became thick and hoarse, catching with emotion, expertly crafted to sound heartbreaking.

"Do you know something, Director Fury?" Lemu asked, locking eyes with the man. "I have a dream."

He stood up slowly, striking a pose. "I have a dream that one day, right here on the sunny, golden beaches of California, beings who arrived from the stars beyond your sky will be able to sit down together with the humans born of this soil, joined together in true fellowship!"

He gestured broadly. "I have a dream that one day, even an organization like SHIELD," he paused, looking pointedly at Fury, "an organization sometimes shrouded in shadows and secrecy, will transform itself into a shining beacon, an oasis of true freedom and justice for all beings!"