Ironman: Fallen Shield

The Second Doubt

Tony leans back in his chair, the faint glow of holographic displays reflecting in his tired eyes. He steepled his fingers, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Jarvis, I need you to access the facial recognition data from Times Square on New Year's Eve. Cross-reference it with social media profiles, public records, anything you can find. I want a list of everyone who was present at the time of the incident."

"Already compiling the data, sir. However, accessing private information without a warrant is a legal gray area."

Tony waves a dismissive hand. "Don't worry about legalities, J. We're past that point. This is about finding Steve's killer, and if that means bending a few rules, so be it."

"Understood, sir. Expanding the search parameters to include phone records, location data, and any available online activity."

Hours pass as Jarvis sifts through mountains of data, his algorithms working tirelessly to identify and analyze the digital footprint of every individual present in Times Square that fateful night. Tony paces restlessly, his mind racing with possibilities.

"Anything, Jarvis?"

"I've identified several individuals with potential connections to anti-establishment groups, extremist ideologies, and even a few with known criminal records. However, nothing concrete linking them directly to Captain America or the Avengers."

Tony frowns. "Dig deeper, J. Scan their online activity, their social media posts, their private messages. Look for any indication of animosity towards Steve, any hint of a motive."

"Expanding the search parameters, sir. This may take some time."

Tony nods, his impatience battling with the understanding that thoroughness is key. He can't afford another misstep, another Vikram Ghosh situation. He needs solid evidence, a clear link, before he makes his next move.

As the night wears on, Tony's frustration grows. He feels like he's grasping at straws, searching for a needle in a haystack. He's about to give up for the night when Jarvis's voice cuts through the silence.

"Sir, I may have something. An individual by the name of Samuel "Sam" Wilson. Former Air Force pararescueman, known associate of Captain America. His social media activity shows a recent surge in posts expressing disillusionment with the government and superhero intervention. He also appears to have been in close proximity to Captain America at the time of the incident."

Tony leans forward, intrigued. "Sam Wilson... I remember him. He helped Steve out a few times. But why would he turn against him?"

"His recent online activity suggests a growing resentment towards authority figures and those perceived to be upholding the status quo. He also expresses a belief that superheroes are interfering with natural human evolution and hindering societal progress."

Tony's eyes narrow. "So, he sees Steve as a symbol of the old order, an obstacle to his vision of the future?"

"It's a possibility, sir. Further analysis of his private communications and online activity may reveal a more concrete motive."

Tony feels a surge of adrenaline. Could this be the break he's been waiting for? Sam Wilson, a former ally turned potential assassin. It's a disturbing thought, but it also provides a tangible lead, a direction for his investigation.

"Jarvis, I need everything you can find on Sam Wilson. His current location, his associates, his movements leading up to the incident. And keep monitoring his online activity. I want to know his every move."

"As you wish, sir."

Tony leans back in his chair, a grim determination settling over him. He has a new target, a new suspect. And this time, he won't let emotions cloud his judgment. He will gather the evidence, build a solid case, and bring Steve's killer to justice, no matter who they are.