An Extremis soldier approached with Hermione.
Aldrich Killian turned around.
"Why are so many of you missing?"
He frowned, looking displeased.
"After the attack on Tony Stark, this little girl's security was beefed up."
Following Hermione's instructions, the Extremis soldier answered expressionlessly.
Killian nodded, accepting the explanation and becoming even more certain that his guess was right.
For Stark Industries to care this much, with security strong enough to wipe out a squad of special forces, this little girl had to be Tony's daughter.
He walked up to Hermione and studied her closely.
"Bet you didn't expect us to meet again."
Hermione widened her eyes, staring at Killian in surprise.
"It was you?"
Killian smiled.
"Surprised?"
There was a hint of mockery in his voice.
"Don't blame me. Blame Tony Stark. His arrogance is what brought this about."
Hermione said nothing, merely blinking. After a long pause, she suddenly spoke.
"Do you have any apples? Get me one. I'm hungry."
Killian froze, then burst out laughing.
"What an interesting little girl. You're about to die, and you're still thinking about eating an apple? Fine, I'll grant you that last wish."
He waved a hand, signaling for his men to bring her an apple.
Hermione took the apple and crunched away, looking perfectly relaxed, as if she were here on vacation rather than having been kidnapped.
The surrounding Extremis soldiers exchanged looks. They all thought this little girl was remarkably unflappable.
Boom!
Before long, a tremendous roar suddenly came from the distant sky.
Then countless armored figures streaked through the night, roaring toward them and surrounding the area.
Tony and Rhodey also stepped out of cover.
"Tony Stark, you're finally here."
Killian's voice echoed across the deck.
He looked at the suits of Iron Man Armor hovering overhead without the slightest