Closing his inbox, Tony's thoughts raced. Whether they were superheroes or Marvel villains, they all had goals of their own.
Take Norman and Doctor Octopus, for example. One wanted to expand his company; the other wanted to continue his technological research.
Their methods might be insane, but they all served their own interests.
The Mandarin alone was a complete and utter madman.
Because of what he had experienced in the past, he was obsessed with destroying human civilization, and his actions were utterly deranged.
But precisely because of that goal, Tony could practically predict his next move. He would probably resume his unfinished plan to kidnap Orleans-or kill him.
The United States government had always been a major obstacle to achieving his goal.
As the leader of the United States, Orleans's abduction or assassination would have a tremendous impact on the country, clearing an obstacle from The Mandarin's path.
With that in mind, Tony no longer felt any urgency. He had stationed the Shadow Army around Orleans. If anything happened to Orleans, Tony could find The Mandarin. Why waste time and effort investigating?
Having sorted out his thoughts, Tony relaxed again. Gazing from the balcony at the waves churning in the darkness, he murmured, "My nemesis, huh? Let's see if you're worthy of being my nemesis."
With that, Tony fell completely silent.
Meanwhile, upon returning to S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick immediately summoned Steve and the others and dispatched them to Washington to protect Orleans.
He remained in New York to oversee operations and continue searching for The Mandarin.
Upon receiving their orders, Steve and the others immediately headed to Washington and placed Orleans under their protection.
Together with Orleans's doubled security detail, they formed an impregnable wall around him.
At the White House, Orleans finished his day's work and walked out under