After dealing with the problem Rhodey had brought him, Tony devoted all his attention to researching the new element.
The trouble with the military was settled. All they wanted was an answer—proof that they had an Iron Man Armor too. Now that Rhodey had flown back in the suit and stood before them, they had it.
The military was no longer in a hurry, which meant Rhodey wasn't either. And with neither of them pressing him, Tony could finally study what his father had left him in peace.
But someone else was getting anxious.
In an underground command center, Nick Fury stood before a massive screen, his brow deeply furrowed.
The screen showed a live satellite image of the Malibu beachfront villa. A red dot marked Tony Stark's location. He hadn't left the villa in two or three days.
Fury turned to the two people behind him. "What's the think tank's analysis?"
Coulson stepped forward with a tablet in hand. "According to the model we built, Tony Stark should be showing severe symptoms of palladium poisoning by now. The toxin concentration in his body has most likely reached dangerous levels."
"The model predicts that he should feel he doesn't have long to live. He should be indulging himself to ease his fear of death while putting his affairs in order. In the process, he should give us a chance to meet him alone."
Fury nodded. That was exactly the opening his plan required.
They would approach Tony in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s name and give him an injection of lithium dioxide to temporarily suppress the symptoms of palladium poisoning. Then they would tell him about Anton Vanko and Ivan Vanko so he knew what he was up against. Finally, they would guide him toward discovering Howard's idea for a new element.
After all