[center][img]http://vegalleries.com/marvel/OldImages/IronManLogo.png[/img]

[b]The Palms Resort and Casino
Penthouse Suite
Las Vegas, NV
10:43 pm[/b][/center]

[i]”Rebecca Stanley reporting live from CES 2014 where the biggest news coming out of it is Stark Industries and their keynote speech that has many people talking. On top of a new line of smartphones and HDTVs the company unveiled the Mark III combat suit. A state of the art prototype machine that has a major divide amongst experts here. Some saying that Stark Industries made a major statement with it, others believing that them making a war machine is going to hurt them. So far things seem to be going well for them in the stock markets, but time will tell. Rebecca Stanley, Weeknight News…”[/i]

“War Machine, see we should’ve called it that, sounds rad.” Tony Stark noted absent mindedly, kicked back in his hotel bed as he looked up at the TV. He had on pajama pants and a plain white t-shirt, sipping on a can of Sprite room service had brought in along with chicken wings which were now nothing but bones and extra buffalo sauce on a plate sitting on the nearby nightstand. 

Mr. James Rhodes, a rather large, imposing black man. Watched on standing nearby, still dressed in a nice suit. “I still don’t think going public with the suit was a good idea. It’s going to send the wrong message about our company.” He stated solemnly. Looking as though he was not at all please how he was seeing the CEO he worked right under laying in bed, still with a smear of orange buffalo sauce on his cheek.

“Please Rhodes, you’re being too worried about nothing. People trust the company, we made it clear the suit was only a prototype and that I was the only one who could use it. What message are we sending them? That we can create machines that will let our men control a battle and return completely fine?” Stark went to cover his mouth from a burp. Only to realize the sauce on his cheek which he smeared off with a thumb onto his shirt. 

James still didn’t look very amused though. “Thats not even the only reason I’m here by the way.” He started.

“Its about the watch smartphone isn’t it? Look that wasn’t my idea but people…”

“No… no. Stark… look at you. You’re the CEO of one of the world’s top companies, and you like a some teenager on Spring Break.”

Tony seemed to be bemused by what Rhodes said. Leaning himself up right on his bed. “Wow Rhodes, how astute of you to notice! I try so hard to not look like a teenager but I can’t seem to get anything past…”

“Stark! That wasn’t the point. The point is you have a lot riding on this company. First the 3D HDTV that didn’t sell very well, then when you helped funded that Future Foundation experiment that failed. A lot of investors are worried about how serious you’re being about this company. Now I know you do take it serious. But being serious and showing your serious are completely different things. Tomorrow we’re going back to New York, and we need to start discussing where we’re going with this company. No, where YOU’RE going with this company. We can’t afford anymore screw ups.” Rhodes glared straight through the now quiet Stark. Who couldn’t even bare to look back at him. “I’m going to bed, Stark I know you have a good heart but you need to figure out what you’re doing with this company.” Rhodes told him before leaving the lush hotel room and Tony to himself.

Tony Stark just laid in his bed silently. Finally turning off the TV as he rolled over to sit on the edge of the mattress. Getting up, Tony strolled out to the giant window overlooking the beautiful view of Las Vegas below. Glowing in all the lights and effects below. There he was, Tony Stark. Youngest CEO in the world, in history. He had a bank account that was more than some countries’ net worth. The newest technology in the world were always ready and at his fingertips. He had all that, but what was he even doing anymore? Ever since he took over the company Stark has been getting stir crazy from not having a life. School, work, wash, and repeat. 

He needed to do something, this life of his is amazing, but it’s eating him alive.