"So..." Tony understood what Homelander meant. "What do you want to do?"
"We have to take the initiative." Homelander's eyes burned with intensity. "Control the narrative and cordon off the scene."
"We're holding a press conference. Right now."
"A press conference?" Tony resisted the idea. "At a time like this?"
"Yes, Tony. You need to step forward." Homelander's tone was firm. "You need to tell the world what happened."
"Only then can we legitimately take control of the site and keep out the government agencies that would only get in the way."
"And..."
Homelander looked Tony straight in the eye.
"That's the price you have to pay."
"...I understand."
Tony sighed, resolve returning to his eyes.
"I'll do it."
An hour later.
The press room beneath Vought International Headquarters was packed.
Cameras from over a hundred media outlets were trained on the podium.
After Ashley briefly explained what had happened,
Tony Stark walked onto the stage in a plain black suit, his face haggard.
Flashbulbs blazed, and shutters rattled without pause.
No grand opening. No dazzling entrance.
Just a simple statement.
"I'm Tony Stark."
His voice was low as it echoed through the hall.
"Many people call me Iron Man. They call me a superhero. But today, I'm standing here not as a hero, but as a man who made a mistake."
The room fell silent.
"The crisis at Avengers Tower began with my arrogance."
Tony looked straight into the cameras without flinching.
"I tried to create an artificial intelligence to protect the world, but I failed. I created a threat called Ultron."
The room erupted. Reporters fought to raise their hands, but Tony ignored them and continued.
"Because of my mistake, hundreds of innocent hostages are trapped in Avengers Tower, their lives in danger."
"To take responsibility for