Stephen Strange was just as detestable as Tony Stark had been before Afghanistan. Only suffering could grind arrogant idiots like them into normal people. Now, talking to Stark no longer gave Salomon the urge to punch his eyeballs out of his skull. Still, Salomon could not get along with Tony Stark. If Stark's research ability and pile of black technology had not tempted him, he would have avoided speaking to the man altogether. It was not merely because their tastes differed. Tony Stark liked curvy bombshells, and while Salomon liked them too, he thought a little muscle definition was better. It was because neither of them trusted most people.
Stark did not trust Salomon. He believed Salomon should tell the Avengers about the crisis and let everyone figure out a solution together. Even if they failed, at least they would not die without knowing why. That was the "public's right to know" Stark and Steve Rogers wanted. Of course, things changed when it came to him. For instance, he believed certain intelligence should not be disclosed to the public, because it would only cause social unrest. In short, Tony Stark treated the Avengers as an unofficial official institution. Salomon knew why he thought that way, because, damn it, "the public likes us." Avengers-flavored ice cream was the best-selling kind. Children were guaranteed to receive Avengers merchandise for Christmas. Anything associated with the Avengers sold well, and Hasbro could swear to that.
Tony Stark's undefended thoughts were an open door to an Arcanist.
"Looks like you finally found a way to keep the Avengers from being destroyed. Congratulations, Stark," Salomon said mockingly. "Though your companions will not agree with your idea."
"You have a spy in the White House... damn Mind Reading."
"Your thoughts are easy to read, but I did