When Alvin doubled back to find Ivan and the others, he discovered that Stark had also made it to Ivan's Repair Shop, even though he should have been resting at home...
With military leaders from all over the world gathering in New York to discuss going to war with aliens, how could Stark not have heard about it...
Alvin watched as little Morgan got back on her Virtual Motorcycle and happily zoomed around, shouting. He pretended not to notice Stark's annoyed expression and said to Ivan and Dr. Yinsen, "Guys, you've struck it rich...
"I got you nearly seventy billion dollars in funding. Hurry up and make these contraptions look halfway decent.
"We need to put together a team of our own and try out all your best ideas on them..."
Stark realized Alvin was ignoring him. He spread his hands and called out unhappily, "Hey, buddy, we're supposed to be on the same side..."
Alvin looked at the sulking Stark with amusement. "Don't be like that. Ivan and Dr. Yinsen's team has finally got a little money to work with...
"Of course we're on the same side. After your Mech Armor launch, you'll have orders pouring in. You and Ivan are starting on equal footing now...
"Why not have a little friendly competition? Two legs are always steadier than one.
"Wouldn't that take some of the pressure off you...?"
As he spoke, Alvin glanced at Barney, who had turned up at the Repair Shop at some point. The man was acting like a diligent mechanic, wrench in hand as he worked to remove a mechanical leg from one of the Eight-Legged Machines...
After a moment's hesitation, Alvin looked at Stark and Ivan. "How about we put together two teams and have them compete?
"We'll test them in the field,