The Audi R8's engine let out a low growl, deftly shaking off all pursuit amidst the flashlights and chasing reporters, merging into the traffic flow of Los Angeles, which was as dazzling as a sea of stars.
Inside the car, the deafening rock music was turned up to maximum volume. Tony tapped his fingers on the steering wheel to the rhythm, enjoying the defeated expressions of the reporters left far behind in the rearview mirror, as if he had just won an F1 race.
"I have to say, this feeling is fantastic." Tony leaned back contentedly in his seat and loosened his tie, completely relaxed.
"Watching those guys scramble like headless chickens is more satisfying than drinking a glass of Lafite. I've already thought of their headline for tomorrow: Stark Brothers' Mysterious Return, Suspected of Alien Possession."
"If you're referring to being wanted by the entire city's police force and facing interrogation from those tedious old conservatives tomorrow, then yes, it's fantastic," Henry said, crossing his legs and sounding nonchalant.
"I bet they're racking their brains right now trying to figure out what to charge us with. Illegal possession of weapons of mass destruction, or endangering public safety?"
"Details, Henry, don't worry about those boring details." Tony waved his hand, his face full of disdain.
"We're Starks. When have we ever followed the rules? Besides, what can they do to us? Fine us? I can buy their Capitol Hill with money and turn it into a giant golf course. As for the interrogation? I can conveniently chat with them about some of my new energy proposals."
Henry shrugged. He largely agreed with his older brother's approach.
Soon, the R8 smoothly turned into the long, private driveway of the Malibu beachfront villa. The sun was slowly sinking into the Pacific Ocean, painting the entire sky a brilliant orange-red. The familiar sea breeze, carrying a salty scent, blew in through the car windows.
The car slowly entered the underground garage, and as the sensor lights illuminated one by one, it parked steadily among the many limited-edition luxury cars.
Tony and Henry got out of the car. Tony looked around this place he knew so well, looking at all his personal toys. Every sports car, every piece of equipment here carried his efforts and memories. He took a deep breath. The air still seemed to carry the scent of motor oil and metal. He knew this was the smell of home.
"I'm back," he murmured to himself.
"Welcome home, Mr. Tony, Mr. Henry." Jarvis's gentle voice filled the entire garage, and the lighting softened and brightened accordingly.
"I have detected fluctuations in both of your physiological indicators, with faster heart rates and higher-than-normal adrenaline levels. Should I prepare a relaxing aromatherapy spa service for you and play some soothing classical music?"
"Oh, Jarvis, my dear old friend." Tony immediately reverted to his arrogant persona. He skilfully operated a holographic control console, bringing up the back-end data.
"Leave the spa for now. Did you miss me while I was away? Did you secretly use my servers to calculate Pi to the hundred billionth decimal place to pass the time? Or did you download anything you shouldn't have, like the Hansen family's WIFI password next door?"
"Sir, my programming does not allow me to 'miss' you; that is a complex human emotion. Nor does it permit me to engage in any unauthorized network activity," Jarvis answered precisely.
"However, according to my logs, Mr. Henry's account attempted to log into your private party invitation list database multiple times during your disappearance."
"See, Henry, that's the downside of artificial intelligence," Tony teased his brother.
Henry, exposed in his minor mischief, showed no embarrassment. Instead, he laughed and complained.
"No sense of humour at all, and a snitch. Jarvis, you should take a page from my book and watch more stand-up comedy; it would help your emotional intelligence. That way, next time you could say, 'Sir, I missed you very much, like missing a perfect system upgrade.'"
"I will add your suggestion to my learning database and prioritize it, Mr. Henry."
"Alright, enough reminiscing." Tony took a glass of red wine and drank it in one gulp, his face showing impatience. He grabbed Henry's wrist, intending to drag him toward the lab, but quickly realized he couldn't move him. Just as he was about to turn around and say something, Henry smiled and followed him.
"OK, that's not important. Don't waste time! I can't wait to study this walking miracle of yours! I swear, you're more fascinating than any new element I've ever encountered! You're God's love letter to physics!"
"Of course, I'm very powerful now," Henry laughed, then teased, "Seriously, big brother, I think you could be gentler! You're wrinkling my expensive combat suit! And I haven't eaten yet! I need a double cheeseburger to replenish my energy! You're abusing a superhero who just rescued you, you know? That's unethical!"
"The burger will happen, and the party will happen!" Tony said without looking back.
"But before that, I have to satisfy my curiosity! That's more important than anything! Long live science!"
The lab doors slowly slid open before them, revealing a world full of futuristic technology inside.
"Jarvis! Activate the highest precision biological scanner for me! Engage 'God's Eye' mode! From the cellular level to the genetic sequence, scan him inside and out, from the macroscopic to the microscopic! I want to know how every atom in his body is arranged!"
Tony shouted instructions the moment he entered the lab, looking as excited as a child who had just received the newest Lego set.
Henry was half-pushed onto a circular scanning platform. Countless soft blue light beams began to sweep over him, presenting his body data in a three-dimensional, holographic format on the giant screen.
"I have to say, Tony, you look just like a mad scientist preparing to dissect an alien," Henry lay on the platform, crossing his legs and bickering with Tony.
"Can't you let me take a shower and change first? I still have Afghan sand on me, and that will affect the accuracy of your scan results."
"Just bear with it. Scientific progress requires sacrifice, especially the sacrifice of your personal hygiene." Tony was completely focused on the massive holographic screen in front of him, which was rapidly refreshing with dazzling data and 3D models.
"Don't move, yes, hold that pose. My God, the density of your muscle fibres is unbelievable—it's tougher than the most advanced carbon nanotubes in our lab. Jarvis, zoom in on his bone micro-structure! This is the most perfect crystal structure in nature! It's not bone; it's a work of art!"
"Is it? Thanks for the compliment. I think so too. I must say, you finally have some taste."