Chapter 12: CHAPTER 12: Countdown
"JARVIS, how is your system vulnerability scan going?"
Tony went to his lab and asked.
[Sir, I have checked several vulnerable spots, just like the one that was hacked last night.]
[I'm repairing them, my estimate is that it will take about three days to be repaired.]
Tony took a sip of his chlorophyll that was on the table and frowned.
This thing tastes horrible.
"That's good. I didn't like what happened last night and I'd rather avoid it happening again."
Thinking about what happened last night, Tony was a little scared.
Fortunately, that bald guy who broke into his house had no malicious intentions, but came to invite him to join a group of super friends, or something like that.
He can't remember or rather, he doesn't care to even try to remember.
But he still remembers the bald man's identity.
Nick Fury, the director of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, or S.H.I.E.L.D. for short.
He is Phil Coulson's boss.
"Get ready to work, JARVIS"
"I had some great inspiration for new armor."
"I need portable armor that is easy to use and also provides me with good instant combat power."
"This set of battle armor is temporarily positioned as Mark V."
[The database for the Mark V armor has been created. Please provide the data as per your request, sir.]
[It is important to highlight that, with current materials, the pursuit of lightness means that many powerful weapons will be sacrificed.]
Tony's hands were already constantly working the keyboard, designing his new armor.
"I know, JARVIS"
"This set of armor will be designed for emergencies and doesn't need to be very strong."
"At least the next time that pool ball head breaks into my house, I can give him a good beating."
Without his armor, Tony wouldn't naively think he would be the SHIELD Director's opponent.
[Understood, sir.]
JARVIS, as the best butler and artificial intelligence, can do almost anything Tony ordered.
He is also one of Tony's proudest creations.
Sometimes, JARVIS can even talk to Tony as if he were an old friend.
Just like now.
[Sir, you said you wanted to ask Mr. Morgan something? How's it going?]
Tony finished drinking his chlorophyll in one gulp and said with some disappointment.
"I must have been crazy to think he would know anything, he's just a science fiction writer."
"Many of his descriptions of technology come from his imagination."
Tony told JARVIS the exact communication he had with Arthur last night.
"Wait..."
Suddenly, Tony realized something was wrong.
"JARVIS, did I say something strange just now?"
[Mr. Morgan mentioned the Ark reactor, if his description is correct.]
With JARVIS' reminder, Tony immediately realized what was happening.
When Arthur talked to him last night, he mentioned the name of the power source in his chest.
Tony has not disclosed this technology publicly.
Outsiders only know that he invented the Iron Man Armor.
Few people know that the core technology of Ironman's armor is the Ark Reactor in his chest that also sustains his life.
Tony is sure he never revealed any relevant information to Arthur.
So how did he know the name of this thing?
"JARVIS, I think it's a coincidence."
"Writers are good at naming things, aren't they?"
Tony could only comfort himself like this.
Not even JARVIS, without the support of a data model, can answer such incredible questions.
[Perhaps, sir.]
Tony slightly regretted leaving so quickly last night.
Couldn't he just sit and talk to Arthur for a while longer?
"Maybe it really is a coincidence."
Tony improved his mood and continued to design his portable armor, the Mark V, while constantly simulating experiments with new elements.
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Two hours later.
It was only when JARVIS' voice sounded that he came to.
[Sir, Miss. Potts is here.]
"Send her down, JARVIS"
Before JARVIS could respond, Pepper's voice sounded from behind him, "Don't bother, I already knew you're in the lab right now."
Pepper entered the laboratory and saw the projection in the air.
It was full of 3d armor modeling images, except for the graphics, she couldn't understand the rest.
Tony turned his chair around, "It's all messy in here, I'll clean it up when I have time."
"Why are you looking for me?"
"There was a little discussion about the future of Stark Industries among the shareholders."
Pepper said nonchalantly.
Tony looked at the new element's fruitless experiment, calmed down, and said, "Pepper, how about this?"
"Let's find a restaurant and talk while we eat."
"Can I understand that you are inviting me to dinner?"
Tony scratched his head, embarrassed, "that's what I mean."
Pepper looked at her clothes.
She is a woman.
There is always special attention to detail in this aspect.
Tony wanted to tell Pepper that this is very good and there is no need to change.
"It's still early, I'll go upstairs and change my clothes first."
"Is the room that was left for me still tidy?"
"Sure enough, the clothes inside are all custom made."
When Tony built this house, he set aside a room especially for Pepper.
But Pepper never stayed there.
But even so, Tony will still ask someone to clean it regularly.
"Well, first book the restaurant."
"I'll change my clothes first."
Tony nodded, "No problem, I'll wait for you."
Looking at Pepper's back walking up the stairs, Tony's eyes gradually became a little melancholy.
Then he picked up the test box on the table and pressed it hard with his thumb.
[10%]
"JARVIS, I feel like my life is on a countdown."
[Lord, do not be discouraged. We haven't finished our experiments with elements yet, and perhaps we can find an alternative element in the future.]
"Perhaps..."
Tony knows better than anyone what existing elements on Earth can be found.
He just doesn't want to admit defeat.
"JARVIS, help me find restaurants with Michelin ratings."
"The environment must be beautiful."
"And most importantly, I want to reserve the entire place."
[Understood, sir.]
Tony looked at the clothes on his body, "Maybe I should also change into a suit suitable for a date."
(End of chapter)