Another group that the movie never really showed was Colonel Rhodes’ superiors in the military—or, more accurately, the faction of the military that had been infiltrated by HYDRA.
Led by General Johnson, they were furious over Stark’s decision.
“Stark Industries has countless contracts with the military! And he just shuts down the weapons division like that? How dare he!” General Johnson slammed his hand against the table, roaring like an enraged lion.
“He’ll pay dearly for this!”
Rhodes sat silently, a bitter expression on his face.
He had no idea what he was supposed to do anymore.
On one side stood military orders, absolute and unquestionable.
On the other stood his best friend, Tony Stark.
Tony had only just escaped death, and now he had been dragged into yet another terrifying storm.
Rhodes was torn.
His head remained lowered as his hands clenched tightly beneath the table, his fingernails digging into his palms.
He was terrified that the moment he looked up, his commanding officer would order him to arrest Tony Stark.
“Colonel Rhodes!”
“You’ve always been responsible for coordinating with Stark Industries.”
“This time, your mission is to persuade Stark Industries to change its mind.”
“You have only a few months.”
“Otherwise…” General Johnson snorted coldly.
“The military is not to be trifled with. Stark will suffer the consequences.”
Exactly what Rhodes had feared.
Slowly, he raised his head to look at the elderly man seated at the end of the conference table.
Though age had weathered his appearance, his commanding voice and imposing gaze still carried overwhelming authority.
“Yes, sir!” Rhodes stood at attention despite the pain in his heart.
“I’ll accomplish the mission!”
But… how am I supposed to do that?
Tony just barely survived…
He questioned himself over and over.
It would be one of the hardest choices he’d ever have to make.
Then, someone came to mind.
A veteran executive of Stark Industries.
Someone who likely had no desire to see Stark Industries sever its ties with the military.
…
The Next Morning — Stark’s Garage
Yawning, Roger walked into the garage carrying a tray.
Breakfast.
“For fuck’s sake, Tony…” Roger complained as he looked at the energetic billionaire.
“Don’t tell me you’ve been working all night? You just got back, your injuries haven’t even healed, and now you’re trying to die of exhaustion in your garage?”
He set the breakfast beside Tony.
“Oh! Roger!”
“I’ve missed your cooking so much.”
“What’d you make today?”
Tony put down the glowing device in his hands and lifted the lid.
Inside was a plate of steamed rice noodle rolls with egg and lean pork, accompanied by a bowl of boat congee.
Don’t ask where it came from.
Roger had simply made it himself.
“…What’s this?”
Tony pointed suspiciously at the rice noodle rolls.
“Rice noodle rolls.”
“Soft and silky. They’re delicious.”
Roger answered absentmindedly while picking up the arc reactor Tony had been building.
Tony immediately gagged dramatically.
His face filled with horror as he actually stepped backward.
“You people make food out of intestines?!”
“That’s terrifying!”
“Take it away!”
“I’d rather die than eat that!”
Roger rolled his eyes.
“It’s made from plant protein, okay?”
“It has absolutely nothing to do with animal intestines.”
Good thing I didn’t bring out the braised pork intestines still sitting in my storage, Roger thought.
That would’ve completely traumatized him.
Relieved, Tony cautiously picked up the food and took a careful bite.
His eyes lit up.
Not bad.
Very good, in fact.
Soon he was eating one mouthful after another.
Roger held up the arc reactor and compared it to the glowing device embedded in Tony’s chest.
“So…”
“This is the same thing as the one in your chest?”
Tony took the reactor back and walked over to what looked like an operating chair.
“Yeah.”
“It’s a miniature electromagnetic reactor.”
“It keeps the shrapnel inside my body from reaching my heart.”
Roger fell silent.
Of course he knew exactly what it was.
He also knew all about the shrapnel lodged near Tony’s heart.
But he couldn’t say any of that.
The moment he did, he’d expose himself.
Remaining quiet made him seem mysterious enough.
“Roger…”
“My good brother.”
“I need your help.”
“Can you replace this thing for me?”
Tony tapped the glowing reactor in his chest and looked at Roger sincerely.
But from Roger’s perspective…
Something felt off.
There was unmistakable suspicion hidden in Tony’s eyes.
He’s probably wondering if I had something to do with what happened…
Or maybe he thinks I know some inside information.
Roger could only sigh inwardly.
Being Tony’s caretaker is a rough job.
Walking over, Roger measured the opening in Tony’s chest with his fingers before helplessly spreading his hands.
“My hands are too big.”
“I can’t fit them in there.”
“I think Pepper should do it.”
“Her hands are smaller.”
“They’ll fit.”
Tony paused.
That actually made sense.
He also realized that testing Roger like this had been a pretty foolish thing to do.
It was hurtful.
When called, Pepper arrived at the garage, looking rather puzzled by the scene before her.
“See?” Roger grinned triumphantly.
“I told you Pepper’s perfect for this.”
He smiled reassuringly at her.
“Don’t worry.”
“Tony just needs you to swap out his battery.”
“It’s not difficult.”
Together, Roger and Tony did their best to reassure—and thoroughly bluff—Pepper into replacing the arc reactor.
She reluctantly began the procedure.
The entire time, she wore a look of utter disgust.
Roger nearly burst out laughing several times but managed to hold it in, afraid of distracting her.
Finally…
The replacement was complete.
Pepper let out a huge sigh of relief.
Seeing the expression on her face, both Tony and Roger burst into laughter.
But after listening to Pepper complain, Tony suddenly became serious.
“There’s no one else I could ask.”
He gazed deeply into Pepper’s eyes.
Roger, sitting atop a workbench with his arms folded, dragged out an exaggerated whistle.
“Woooooow…”
“That’s so cheesy.”
“I’m gonna puke.”
“Tony…”
“Was that a confession?”
Pepper’s face instantly flushed crimson.
Stamping her foot, she glared at Tony.
“But Roger’s right here!”
“Why didn’t you ask him?”
Tony looked at the utterly heartless Roger and sighed.
Fortunately, his genius mind quickly came up with the perfect excuse.
“Uh…”
“It’s like this, Pepper…”
“I’m just not very comfortable with another man… going inside my body.”
“Cough—”
“Hahahaha!”
Bang!
Roger laughed so hard at that line that he toppled right off the workbench onto the floor.
A little later, Pepper held up the old arc reactor.
“What should I do with this?”
“Throw it away?”
“Smash it?”
“Burn it?”
Tony answered casually.
But Pepper couldn’t bear to destroy it.
Climbing back to his feet, Roger smiled.
“Pepper…”
“Why not keep it?”
“It’d make a pretty nice souvenir.”
As he spoke, he turned around, slung an arm around Tony’s shoulders, and quietly began whispering something into his ear.
Just grab the PDF and binge the entire story from start to finish!Guys,
(End of Chapter)