Chapter 1

“Is my bow tie straight? Tell me my bow tie is straight,” Tony said with a groan. Standing around shaking hands and saying, “Great to see you!” to people I don't even know is hardly my idea of a good time, he thought. I'd rather armor up and throw down with the Crimson Dynamo!

Happy Hogan, Tony's bodyguard, let out a loud sigh. “You aren't wearing a bow tie, Boss. Remember? You said you didn't want to look like me.” Happy fidgeted in his tuxedo, nervously fixing his own crooked bow tie.

“Right, right. So, remind me why I agreed to come to this thing?” said Tony. Just then, a voice thundered through the ballroom's public-address system.

“Welcome, everyone, and thank you for attending the inaugural benefit for the Holistic Plan for Tomorrow!” The crowd of well-dressed partygoers burst into applause as a large hologram of an older man appeared in the center of the room.

“While I am sorry that I am unable to attend in person, I wanted to thank you all for coming. As you know, the Holistic Plan for Tomorrow—H.P.T.—is dedicated to opening new doors for the future. With your generous donations, we will create a world the likes of which no one has ever seen!”

The hologram's voice and face belonged to the mysterious Elton Traggeore, a reclusive billionaire who was the president of H.P.T.

“Hey, he's a rich guy, just like you,” said Happy, laughing. “Do you know him?”

“It's not like there's some rich-guy club, Happy,” said Tony, rolling his eyes. Happy raised an eyebrow. “Besides, no one's ever met Elton Traggeore.”

Before Happy could reply, he and Tony heard a familiar voice. “Mr. Stark?”

Turning around, Tony found himself face to face with Agent Phil Coulson, a member of the top-secret organization known as S.H.I.E.L.D. Coulson smiled at Tony and Happy, gesturing toward the ballroom's exit doors.

“I know that smile,” said Tony with a sigh. “That's your ‘I'm smiling but I'm not really smiling’ smile.”

“Would you mind coming with me?” asked Coulson. He pointed once again to the exit.

Tony nodded for Happy to stay as he and Coulson walked out of the ballroom and into the long, crowded entrance hall. Tony spoke quietly. “So what does S.H.I.E.L.D. want with Mr. Doesn't-Play-Well-with-Others?” asked Tony. “You guys lose the Hulk?”

Coulson looked at Tony. There was no longer a smile on his face, forced or otherwise.

“No,” replied Coulson. “Black Widow and Falcon.”

“Wait, what? Really?” said Tony loudly. People in the hallway turned his way suddenly.

Coulson looked down at the ground and whispered, “We have a . . . problem at Outpost 13.”

To the public, it was known as U.S. Science Foundation Outpost 13. The scientists there, tucked away in the wastelands of Antarctica, claimed to be studying astronomy and surveying the vast shelves of ice. In reality, Outpost 13 was home to an ultra-secret S.H.I.E.L.D. research lab.

And that research lab was currently testing a marvelous new device . . . invented by Tony Stark.

“Define ‘problem’, ” said Tony, his curiosity piqued.

“We hadn't received a transmission from Outpost 13 in over a week—but then one came. They kept repeating the words monster and help. Director Fury sent Black Widow and Falcon to investigate, but we haven't heard from either of them in forty-eight hours.”

Tony stared at Coulson. Falcon and Black Widow were his friends. They were also forces to be reckoned with. Now they were missing. . .

“I'll go,” said Tony. “I can get there faster than anyone.”

“Not just you. You and Captain America. You'll rendezvous with Steve Rogers at approximately—”

Before Coulson could finish, Tony headed toward the parking lot, where a STARK INDUSTRIES vehicle waited. As Coulson picked up his pace in pursuit, Tony opened the trunk of the shiny red car.

“I hear you, Coulson,” said Tony, without looking back. “You have really loud shoes.”

“Mr. Stark, it's vital that you combine your efforts with Captain America,” said Coulson as he approached. “This is more than one Avenger can handle . . . even you. We sent both Black Widow and Falcon—two of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s best—and now they're MIA. You'll need Rogers on this.” Coulson shifted his feet uncomfortably. “Maybe even the Hulk.”

Without warning, various pieces of metal flew from the trunk toward Tony, attaching themselves to his hands and feet. Within seconds, Tony was encased in a nearly impervious suit of armor.

“The research being conducted at Outpost 13 . . . if it should fall into the wrong hands . . .” said Coulson. He glared at Stark, as if he knew exactly what the genius inventor would say.

“I know all about the research, Coulson. They're using my technology. And if Widow, Falcon, or anyone else is hurt because of me, it's my job to make things right.”

Where there once stood a billionaire inventor now stood the invincible Iron Man!

As the armor powered up, Tony's mind raced. Years before, he had become Iron Man when he realized STARK INDUSTRIES' technology could be used to hurt others. He had since dedicated his life to helping humanity. And now he was faced with a situation where all his efforts could be undone.

“Mr. Stark, wait!” yelled Coulson, but his plea was ignored.

“The right hands will make sure the wrong hands don't get away with anything. Tell your boss not to worry. It's nothing Iron Man can't handle!” With that, he activated his boot jets and blasted into the night sky.