High above the North Pacific Ocean, a colossal Helicarrier tore through the clouds, its bow pointed straight toward Sokovia.
Inside the Helicarrier's vast hangar, Tony Stark stood alone before countless expressionless Mutant soldiers.
Something was clearly wrong with them. Their faces were vacant and bewildered, devoid of any sense of self. They looked like cargo without souls.
Tony recognized them at a glance: the trump card President Richards had kept hidden in the shadows—the Mutant Clone Legion.
In the past, he might have stormed into the president's office and grabbed him by the collar to demand answers. But after Marcus, the "Apocalypse," and the tragedy at Brookmont Elementary School, Tony had grown cold. He was no longer even surprised that the president had an army like this hidden away.
Trash ended up in the dump sooner or later.
Tony had also made his decision about the coming assault on Sokovia. Unless absolutely necessary, he would stay out of anything beyond his part in the fighting.
He had once believed President Richards could lead the world into the light. For a time, Tony had even been willing to give his life for that cause. But Richards had proved to be nothing more than a well-disguised tyrant whose sole aim was to eliminate his opponents.
Tony Stark had no love for this world's Hydra, but President Richards had disappointed him completely.
"Rhodes, are you listening?" Tony asked calmly over War Machine's private channel.
"Tony? What is it?"
"Once the fighting starts, find somewhere quiet to hide. Don't engage."
Tony paused, then added, "Better yet, find an excuse to fly back."
"What are you talking about? Tony, we're the vanguard!" Colonel Rhodes sounded stunned.
"If you don't want to die, listen to me!" Tony cut him off coldly and ended the call.
"Whew..."