Chapter 8: Obadiah Stane
"Leon, Tony you guys are moving too slowly! The plane is already waiting!"
At the private villa, as Tony and Leon finished getting ready, Pepper's impatient voice rang out. According to the schedule, they should have reached the airport over an hour ago. But both had slept soundly and now time was running tight.
Tony shot Pepper a look as he leaned back against the counter. "Relax, Pepper. It's a missile demonstration, not a battlefield deployment. They need us more than we need them."
Leon smirked as he adjusted his cuffs. "Still, showing up late doesn't exactly scream 'cutting-edge military contractor."
Tony shrugged. "We're bringing them the future of warfare. If they can't wait a few extra minutes, they don't deserve it."
".....' Pepper looked at them with a mix of irritation and disbelief.
Before Pepper could interject, Leon added, "But Tony, what about security? Did you arrange any extra bodyguards this time? Are we sticking with our usual detail?"
Tony waved off the concern. "Extra bodyguards? They're such a hassle. Besides, we've got Colonel Rhodey with us. Once we meet with him, nothing can go wrong. There's really no need to worry about threats."
Leon frowned. "Maybe so, but not every encounter in Afghanistan is with terrorists. There are trained mercenaries too. If local militias decide to make a move, it could hit us hard especially considering our standing as one of the major arms manufacturers of the US military."
Tony countered, "Alright, I get it, but trust me, this is just a routine demonstration. The US military won't let anything slip."
Leon shook his head. "The demonstration itself could lead to complications when it's time to leave. After last night's events, I still have my concerns. I insist we bring our own professional security, fully armed."
Tony sighed. "Leon, I understand your concerns, but this request seems a bit excessive."
Leon replied firmly, "I know the risks, and other companies in our field always travel with heavy security. We can't afford to cut corners on this."
Pepper stepped in, adding, "Honestly, Tony, you're well protected at home, but overseas things are different. We need to be prepared for any eventuality."
Sighing, Tony relented. "Alright, alright if that's what you want, then we'll arrange extra guards. Pepper, get a full security team on board, and while you're at it, grab me some burgers for the flight."
Within twenty minutes, the trio arrived at a private airport where a sleek private plane awaited. Outside, a contingent of sixteen highly trained, tactical guards dressed in black, stood in formation.
Stark Industries, Obadiah Stane's office
A secured message arrived.
"Very good. I was only planning on dealing with Tony but didn't expect Leon to tag along. Leon, while you may not be deeply involved in Stark Industries' core operations, you're still Howard's son with a 10% stake. Frankly, if you're coming along, consider yourself added to the list of liabilities. I'll deal with you as well."
Obadiah with a cold smirk sent a command to someone through secure mail.