The day after the press conference, Avengers Base.
Tony had pulled off something huge last night, which was why nearly all the Avengers had gathered today. Well, not quite everyone—Thor was still at home looking after his father, and T'Challa was in Wakanda, attending the meeting only by video.
"Guess what? Yesterday, that Pentagon spokesman said we were suspending our cooperation. Last night, before I even went to sleep, the Pentagon practically blew up my phone."
Tony lounged on the sofa in the center of the new Avengers Base. Grinning, he sat up, picked up his glass, and took a small sip. "You have no idea how politely and desperately General Ross begged last night. Hahaha."
"Actually, I was there last night... Strictly speaking, Hulk was."
Banner, seated nearby, added his own account. After Captain had helped Tony inside to rest yesterday, Hulk had also come over to show his concern—by giving Tony a Burger King burger. Hulk remembered that Tony liked those, so he had jumped to some Burger King at a gas station in New Jersey and bought one.
Then Hulk witnessed the entire call between Tony and General Ross while Tony ate his burger. After only a few words, Tony put the call on speaker so Captain and Hulk could listen too.
"J.A.R.V.I.S. recorded it, but I think hearing it live was more entertaining. I was haggling with General Ross when he suddenly asked me what was happening and what was roaring over there."
"So I told him, 'Oh, General, it's nothing. Hulk's just laughing over there. Oh no, he laughed too hard and turned back into Banner.'"
At that, nearly everyone laughed. After Hank finished laughing, he asked Tony, "And then? How did things end up between you and General Ross?"
"I told him that the