The Invention Left By A Little Stark | Book 2

23) 'CHAOS AT CROSS TECH!'

The day before your birthday, Tony finally had some time to himself.

In true Stark fashion, he was spending this time watching news reports on his own announcement with the mayor. From what he could see, the reviews were surprisingly good.

"Hey, JARVIS. We got any comments on the event?" He asked.

"Plenty, sir." The AI replied. "66.4% of people on social media show positivity, 20.2% are negative, and the remaining 13.4% approve but appear to live too far to attend."

"Hmm. If only people listened back when I told them New York is where it's at."

"If only indeed."

With an amused smile now softening his features, Tony continued to mindlessly scroll through various news reports until one in particular caught his eye.

CHAOS AT CROSS TECH!

The photo appeared to be of a trashed lobby which was easily recognizable as the Cross Technology building even without the upturned state of it.

"J, put this up for me."

On his command, the article increased in size and formed a hologram in front of him. It made it much easier to read and sort through the information. He noticed a video accompanying the report and told JARVIS to play it while he skimmed over everything else.

To the side of the main hologram, the video opened with a jarring cut to a soaked news reporter standing beneath a black umbrella, her hair plastered to her cheekbones.

"Good morning. I'm Mary Venn with Channel 8. We're outside the Cross Technologies building in San Francisco where late yesterday evening, a violent event tore through the building's main lobby during a torrential downpour. Three individuals were confirmed to be inside at the time. What caused the destruction is still unknown - no seismic activity, no explosion, no breach. Just... Collapse. We'll be speaking with CEO Darren Cross shortly to get his take on the matter."

The feed cut to shaky footage from inside the building showing marble tiles shattered like ice, lights hanging from the ceiling, ruptures exposing steel ribs and dangling wires, and even a car stuck between two walls. While this was shown, rain still poured through the breach and soaked everything in a surreal, glistening sheen.

"This footage was taken just moments ago." The reporter explained. "No signs of forced entry. No fire or flood. Just... Ruin."

The next scene showed her standing beside Darren Cross himself in a temporary press tent outside the ruined building.

Darren looked immaculate, not a drop of rain touching his clothes or skin. His suit was charcoal, his tie blood-red, and he smiled like someone who had already rehearsed every answer.

"Mr. Cross, thank you for joining us." The reporter began. "First question - can you confirm what caused the collapse?"

"I can confirm that the lobby is no longer structurally sound." He answered. "As for the cause... Well, nature is unpredictable. The rain was heavier than expected."

"But no other buildings in the area suffered damage. And there are reports of strange sounds - like impacts - moments before the destruction."

He tilted his head, apparently amused by the accusation. "People hear what they expect to hear in a storm. Thunder, shifting beams... Panic makes poets of us all."