Smith called Fox into the office and said, "This is the contact info for Stark Industries' secretary, Pepper. Prepare a list from Bulma's procurement sheet—equipment and materials that are hard to buy—worth about 100 million dollars. Give it to her."
Fox asked in confusion, "Are we using their channels to purchase?"
Smith shook his head. "No, she hired me to rescue someone. That equipment is part of the payment."
The amount stunned Fox. The Assassin Alliance had spent millions on her before, but a hundred million? "Who is worth that much?"
"Tony Stark," Smith said flatly.
Fox blinked, then nodded. "Yeah... he's worth it. But he's in trouble?"
"Kidnapped in Afghanistan. Also," Smith continued, "Stark Industries' stock will drop. Without drawing attention, short the stock using our cash reserves."
"Shouldn't helping them raise their value?"
Smith didn't explain. "Do as I say. I'll tell you when to buy and sell."
"And for the rescue? Should we send people to Afghanistan?" Fox asked.
"I'll handle it personally. That kind of money deserves a personal touch."
...
The Next Day — Afghanistan
Smith exited the airport and instantly sensed the tension in the air and the lingering scent of gunpowder. Though the Assassin Alliance had a small outpost here, it was just a speck. After taking their arranged vehicle, he made his way to the site of Stark's attack.
...
Meanwhile — Inside a Cave
Tony had finally created a miniature arc reactor to replace the car battery he'd been lugging around.
Yinsen glanced at the device. "That doesn't look like a Jericho missile."
"It's not," Tony said without looking up. "It's a miniature arc reactor. The large one at my house powers the factory. This one should keep the shrapnel from reaching my heart."
"What's the power output?"
"If my math's right—usually is—three billion joules per second."
"That's enough for your heart for a few millennia."
"Or to power an industrial machine for fifteen minutes."
Tony then unfolded a blueprint. "This is our escape tool."
Yinsen looked confused. "What is it?"
Tony rearranged the paper. "See it now?"
A crude but recognizable iron suit stared back at him.
"My God… incredible," Yinsen whispered. "You're a genius."
...
Desert
An armored vehicle kicked up dust as it raced through the desert, stopping near the highway where Tony had been ambushed. Smith got out and instructed the driver, "Head back. I'll call if I need pickup."
"Yes, sir."
Alone now, Smith scanned the vast desert. Activating his scouter, he picked a direction and flew low using Bukūjutsu (Flight Technique). He carefully searched the region, knowing no one good lived out here.
...
Cave — Later
Tony finally sat upright and glanced at the arc reactor in his chest. He smiled for the first time in weeks. "Thanks for installing it, Yinsen. I couldn't have done it alone."
"You're our only hope of getting out," Yinsen replied.
Grasping each other's hands, their resolve was clear. Tony was almost ready. Once the armor was complete, he'd escape—and make these terrorists regret their actions.
Still needing rest and a bit of levity, Tony pulled out a board game. The two began playing in the dim light, their hope slowly growing.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My P@treon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][[email protected]/euridome]
[Thank You For Your Support!]