Stark Tower, top-floor lounge.
Tony lounged on the sofa with his legs propped up on the table, looking as dissolute and improper as ever. He tugged at his tie, cast a sidelong glance at Sean sitting by the bar, and said lazily, "You know, I've never liked dealing with those people in the government. It was like that when Fury was still around, and now that Ross has taken over, our relationship will only get worse."
"I thought you'd show me at least a little courtesy. After all, the famous Iron Man owes this nobody several favors." Sean poured himself a drink, took a sip, and said, "The matter of the Registration Act is escalating. There's a strong demand for it from both the government and the public."
"Among the Avengers, Captain Rogers has refused to accept the Act, Hawkeye Barton is preparing to retire, Thor is staying in Asgard, and Dr. Banner has already agreed... Tony, everyone has to state their position, choose a side, and fall in line. You understand that better than I do."
Stark fell silent for a while. As a former arms tycoon, he naturally understood the rules of the game among those at the top. Before a conflict erupted, everyone had to choose a side to join, or else face a united attack from everyone else.
Stark Industries had once relied on the Department of Defense and had always been a steadfast ally of the military. Later, it shut down its weapons manufacturing plants and transitioned into the energy sector, beginning to approach members of Congress in pursuit of favorable policies and support.
No matter what field one was in or what business one did, there would always be a need for allies and exchanges of interest. That was an eternal truth.
"Tony Stark