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United States, Washington.
After leaving S.H.I.E.L.D.'s small outpost, Lee Stein and Tony Stark came here.
They had come to receive awards. In light of their "heroic actions" the previous night, the United States government had decided to award them honorary medals in recognition of their efforts.
"Today, I am honored to be here to present this distinguished award to Mr. James Rhodey, Mr. Lee Stein, and Mr. Tony Stark. Without question, they are all pillars of the nation..."
Countless reporters' cameras kept clicking away. On the awards stage, a pudgy middle-aged senator wore an extremely forced fake smile as he delivered his speech.
This was Senator Stern, the man who had repeatedly spearheaded efforts against Tony Stark and the Iron Man Armor incident. He had always found Tony Stark thoroughly displeasing.
Still, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s influence was undeniably formidable. This powerful senator had actually been forced to come personally to present Tony Stark with an award. Though his expression was foul and his face was the color of pig liver, as though he had eaten shit, he had come in the end.
"Thank you for your outstanding performance. You deserve this."
After reluctantly saying a few words, Senator Stern officially began the medal presentation. He was fairly normal when facing Rhodey, offering him a compliment before pinning the medal to Rhodey's chest.
"Mr. Lee Stein, thank you for your outstanding performance. You deserve this."
When it came to Lee, Senator Stern's behavior became much more perfunctory.
Then came Tony Stark.
The words were still the same, but the smile on his face was even faker. He even deliberately jabbed Tony Stark while pinning on the medal, muttering sourly, "How can someone be as annoying as you?"
Tony Stark answered with a smug grin, and Senator Stern's expression turned even fouler.
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