"You came too late. I'll be leaving in another twelve minutes," Salomon said bluntly. "Whatever you have to say, say it now. I have things to do."
Tony Stark cautiously moved forward, then stepped straight into an icy puddle. His waterlogged thrusters vaporized some of the water with a pleasant hiss. He was not at all surprised that Salomon knew he was coming. Salomon possessed powers and knowledge others could not comprehend; perhaps Salomon had known his destination from the moment he took off from Stark Tower.
"I have questions for you. I'm here on behalf of the Pentagon and the White House," Tony Stark said. "You definitely don't want a military conflict, so you have to answer me."
"Are you sure you want to speak in diplomatic language, Stark?" Salomon appraised him. "The news says you accepted an appointment from the White House. So now, every time you open your mouth, you represent the United States?"
"I'm really not good at this... Fine. Tell me, where is Thaddeus E. Ross? And Bruce Banner—he's my friend." Tony Stark blinked. "Let me tell you, I don't care about that obnoxious old bastard. Toss him wherever you want, as long as I can find him. At the very least, hand Doctor Banner over to me. I can put in a good word for you in Congress. Maybe I can even get a few economic sanctions lifted."
Perhaps realizing those promises were unlikely to come true, Tony Stark paused before continuing. "Don't you want investment from Stark Industries? I can establish a company with no connection whatsoever to Stark Industries, move production lines into your country, and solve over a hundred thousand employment problems for you. Just give me Doctor Banner."
Salomon looked at Tony Stark with pity. Clearly, this upstart capitalist with