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Washington, D.C.Senate Armed Services Committee HearingTen minutes ago
Outside the Capitol, the place was packed with people.
Reporters held up every kind of camera imaginable, blocking the entrance entirely.
Flashes went off nonstop, the white light almost blinding even in the morning sun.
"Senator Stern! What's your take on Stark Industries' armor tech?" a CNN reporter yelled as he squeezed to the front, shoving his mic at Senator Stern as he headed for the door.
Stern stopped, adjusted his tie, and gave the classic politician's smile. "National security isn't a joke. Any weapon tech that could threaten public safety must be regulated."
"But Mr. Stark insists his armor isn't a weapon," the reporter pressed. "What's your opinion?"
Stern's smile froze just a bit. "When a guy can fly through New York wearing that thing and even fight in it, it's hard not to call it a weapon."
A few steps away, Justin Hammer was also swarmed by reporters.
He wore a sleek silver suit, his hair slicked back like a proud peacock.
"Mr. Hammer, as a tech expert here today, do you think the Iron Man suit qualifies as military hardware?"
Hammer dramatically spread his arms. "Come on, folks, do you really have to ask? Look at the footage.
Palm blasters, micro-missiles, laser cutters. If that's not a weapon, then my pen's a dove of peace!"
The reporters burst out laughing.
Just then, a deep engine roar approached from the distance.
A silver-gray Audi R8 drifted smoothly to a stop at the Capitol steps.
The door lifted open, and out stepped Tony Stark, that trademark cocky grin flashing under his sunglasses.
The reporters all turned instantly and surged toward him.
"Mr. Stark! Any comments before the hearing?"
"Is it true the military wants to seize your armor tech? Will you give in?"
Tony pulled off his sunglasses, flashing that signature smirk. "Relax, people. I'm just here for the coffee."
He pointed at the Capitol. "Heard they serve a decent Blue Mountain."
"You're not worried about your tech being taken over by the government?" someone called out.
Tony shrugged. "First of all, it's not a weapon. Second—"
He gave a playful wink. "Second, no one's taking it from me."
With security flanking him, Tony strutted up the stairs and into the building, the media hot on his heels, livestreams rolling.
The hearing officially began.
Senator Stern banged the gavel. "This session is to evaluate whether Stark Industries' Iron Man armor poses a national security threat and if it should be placed under military regulation."
He turned to Tony, seated at the witness stand. "Mr. Stark, your statement, please."
Tony leaned back lazily. "Simple. The armor's my private property—like my watch or my car. It just happens to fly and shoot lasers."
The room erupted into murmurs.
"You're mocking Congress!" one senator slammed the table.
"That suit could level an entire block!"
Tony threw up his hands. "My car could run people over too. Should we confiscate all sports cars?"
Stern sneered. "Don't play word games, Mr. Stark. We've brought in Justin Hammer, CEO of Hammer Industries, as a technical expert."
Hammer strutted up to the stand with a tablet in hand.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he tapped the screen, playing a video.
"This is Iron Man's flight log over New York. Speeds over Mach 5, maneuverability like a fighter jet."
He switched clips. "Here's the palm cannon's energy readout—easily enough to pierce tank armor."
Finally, a blurry video popped up. "And this—just three days ago. A man in a black armored suit—presumably Stark's new partner—caught a runaway truck with one hand. Now imagine if someone like that turned to crime..."
The room broke into chuckles. Everyone knew the guy was talking about Superman saving lives.
Tony rolled his eyes. "Hammer, your PowerPoint skills are better than your robots."
Stern banged the gavel. "We've also invited Colonel Rhodes to speak on behalf of the military."
James Rhodes stepped up with a serious face. "Just to be clear, I'm here as a private citizen."
He glanced at Tony. "Tony's my friend, but as a soldier, I have to think about national security."
"So, Colonel," Stern asked, "do you believe the Iron Man suit qualifies as a weapons system?"
Rhodey hesitated. "From a technical standpoint... yeah, it kinda looks like one. But it's more of a tool."
Hammer jumped up, cutting him off: "See? Even the military admits it's a weapon!"
Tony's expression darkened. He turned to the back doors of the hall—but they were still empty.
Stern pressed harder. "Mr. Stark, given the armor's weapon capabilities, Congress is requiring you to surrender all tech documentation and halt private development immediately."
Tony took a deep breath—then smiled.
"Funny thing."
He said it slowly. "The armor's not actually my invention."
The room went silent.
"What do you mean?" Stern frowned.
"I mean," Tony stood up, "the armor tech, including the arc reactor, came from my partner—Superman."
Almost like it was planned, the rear doors of the hearing room swung open.
Jiro walked in, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that couldn't hide his muscular build.
He said nothing, but the entire hall instantly fell silent—you could hear a pin drop.
"Sorry I'm late."
He walked toward the empty seat next to Tony. "Had a few issues on the way."
Tony raised a brow. "Like what?"
"Gang shootouts in L.A., a few terrorists trying to bomb the city center."
Jiro sat down calmly. "I sent them up to the Arctic to dig ice for the science team."
Tony made a weird face. "Dig... ice?"
Stern suddenly jumped up. "Superman! This is an official hearing—you're not welcome here!"
Jiro looked at him, golden light flickering in his eyes. "Senator, under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, I have the right to attend any public hearing."
He paused. "Or are you here to defend criminals?"
Stern's face turned all sorts of colors before he dropped heavily back into his seat.
The hearing continued—but the vibe had totally shifted.
When Hammer tried once again to prove the armor was a weapon, Tony cut in, "Let's make this clear. The suit's a support tool Jiro designed—for rescue and crime-fighting. Like a cop's sidearm. What matters is the user."
"Ridiculous!" Stern slammed the table. "Who can guarantee this tech won't be abused?"
Jiro stood slowly.
It was a small movement, but everyone instinctively held their breath.
"I can."
His voice wasn't loud, but it silenced the entire chamber.
"The suit is my creation, meant to protect the innocent. If someone wants to take it," his gaze swept over the room, "they're welcome to try."
Stern gulped. "Is that a threat?"
"Just stating facts."
Jiro adjusted his cuff. "I respect the law. But I won't let anyone use it as an excuse to steal."
He turned toward the livestream camera, speaking directly to the American people. "I'm not here to destroy the world. I just want humanity to live in peace. But if anyone violates my rights…"
He didn't finish the sentence—but the message was crystal clear.
Audience Gallery
Natasha Romanoff crossed her legs, tapping her fingers on the armrest. "This guy's even more interesting than the reports said."
Coulson pulled out a mint from his suit pocket. "Considering he might be able to catch a missile barehanded, I'd say this is him holding back."
"Fury's gonna like him," Natasha narrowed her eyes. "Or he's already figuring out how to recruit him."
Coulson folded the candy wrapper into a neat square. "I'm more worried about what that might trigger."
Their chat was interrupted by a stir in the crowd—Jiro and Tony both stood up to leave.
Senator Stern opened his mouth, but didn't dare shout adjourned.
Other senators exchanged nervous glances, their hands unconsciously crumpling the documents they held.
One of them squinted, already planning to submit a request for an "Anti-Superman Program" as soon as they got back.
Hammer looked like a rooster being strangled—red-faced, but unable to get a word out.
Only Colonel Rhodes let out the faintest sigh of relief.
"....."