Beacon.

The Mandrin

"Some people call me a terrorist, I consider myself a teacher. America, ready for another lesson. In 1864 in Sand Creek Colorado the U.S. military waited till the friendly Cheyenne braves had all gone hunting, waited to attack and slaughter their families left behind, and claim their land. Thirty-nine hours ago the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait was attacked. I did that. A quaint military church filled with wives and children, of course. The soldiers were out on maneuvers, the braves were away. President Ellis, you continue to resist my attempts to educate you, sir. And now, you've missed me again. You know who I am, you don't know where I am, and you'll never see me coming."

The footage that had taken over the American airwaves a few days earlier flashes scores the screens of the bistro in downtown L.A. where Tony and Rhodes are meeting and then footage of the Presidents response.

"Central to my Administration's response to this terrorist event, is a newly minted resource. I know him as Colonel James Rhodes, the American people will soon know him as the Iron Patriot."

The talking heads take over at that point. "Same suit, but painted red, white, and blue." Joan Rivers scoffs. "Look at that. And they also renamed him Iron Patriot. You know, just in case the paint was too subtle."

Rhodey looks at Tony. "It tested well with focus groups, alright?"

"I am Iron Patriot..." Tony mocks in a deep voice.

Rhodey rolls his eyes. "Listen, War Machine was a little too aggressive, alright? This sends a better message."

Tony scoffs. "So what's really goin' on? With Mandarin. Seriously, can we talk about this guy?" He slides closer Rhodes.

"It's classified information, Tony." Rhodey begins but when Tony raises a eyebrow he sighs, they both know if he doesn't tell him Tony will just have Kindle hack the information. "There have been nine bombings." He admits.

"Nine!" Tony hisses.

"The public only knows about three. Here's the thing, nobody can ID a device. There's no bomb casings." Rhodey shares.

"You know Kindle and I can help, just ask. I got a ton of new tech, I got a prehensile, I got a... I got a new bomb disposal. Catches explosions mid-air. Kin is working on this ideal for energy absorption..."

"When's the last time you got a good night's sleep?" Rhodey asks suddenly.

"Four days ago, slept like a rock." Tony responds. "What is your point. Einstein slept three hours a year. Look what he did?"

"People are concerned about you, Tony. I'm concerned about you. Kindle is concerned.@

Tony sits back. "You're gonna come at me like that? Wow!"

Rhodey has the sense to look ashamed at the low blow. "No. No, look, I'm not trying to be a dic..."

A young girl and smaller boy come up to their table. "...tator."

"Do you mind signing my drawing?" The girl asks presenting him with a brightly colored picture of Iron Man and a red crayon.

"If Richard doesn't mind." He looks to Rhodes  "You alright with this, Dick?" He looks at the girl. "What's your name sweetie?"

"Erin." She smiles shyly and Tony looks at the boy standing next to him who has glasses and tossled bound hair. "I loved you in A Christmas Story, by the way." He jokes as he is signing Erin's drawing.

Rhodey leans over. "Listen, the Pentagon is scared. After what happened in New York... aliens, come on. They need to look strong. Stopping the Mandarin is priority, but it's not..."