The Avengers Assemble Read Online Free

technology. At age four he built his first circuit board, at six his first engine, and at seventeen he graduated suma cum laude from MIT. At age twenty one—a few years after Howard’s passing—Tony became the CEO of Stark Industries.
    Fortunately for shareholders, these were not the worst of times for Stark Industries. True, the global economy had been sputtering, but America was involved in multiple wars and other overseas military operations. These conflicts required armor, vehicles, and weaponry, and Stark Industries was the nation’s top supplier of military equipment and technologies.
    And that’s exactly what brought Tony to Afghanistan’s Kunar Province. He was scheduled to meet with military officials to present the Jericho—the crown jewel in Stark Industries line of missiles and the first to incorporate their proprietary repulsor technology. The repulsors would ensure accuracy and exponentially increase the weapons’ power.
    Tony looked out over the arid landscape, turned to the gathered crowds, and nodded. With the press of a button, the Jerichos launched and began arcing overhead. Upon impact, the missiles leveled a crest of uninhabited hills and literally blew off the hats of the officers observing the demonstration.
    And that’s all there was to it. Twenty four hours worth of travel from Malibu to Afghanistan for a demonstration that lasted less than five minutes. Now it was time for a cool drink, then back into the convoy for another quick stop before boarding a private jet and heading home.
    Tony hopped into his unglamorous armored vehicle and sipped his drink, as the convoy rolled away. For almost ten years, the area had been a hotbed of military activity. But as the convoy drove on, kicking up storms of sandy dust, Tony had a difficult time imagining that this place was in any way war-torn. They’d traveled miles through the rocky barren desert and hadn’t passed another vehicle. Out his dirty window he’d occasionally see a man or two traveling who-knows-where with a mule or a camel in tow. Other than that, there was nothing but scrubby bushes and dusty mountains extending in all directions. Even in Tony’s military Hummer, it was a bumpy ride filled with potholes and stones. The army-green metal interior and purely functional doors and windows were nothing like what he was used to back in the States, where his ride was fully loaded.
    Tony adjusted his cuff links and twirled the ice in his glass. He’d miraculously managed to keep his custom-tailored suit spotless in spite of the filth of this place. The three young, heavily-armed soldiers who were escorting him had not said a word since they hit this poor excuse for a road. The officer sitting next to him looked over at Tony and then looked quickly away. Tony, bored, hot, and nervous that his clean suit would not stay that way much longer, decided to have some fun.
    â€œI feel like you’re driving me to a court martial. This is crazy. What did I do? What? We’re not allowed to talk?” Tony asked.
    â€œWe can talk, sir,” The soldier said.
    â€œOh, so then it’s personal?” Tony said sarcastically.
    â€œNo, you intimidate them,” the driver responded.
    Tony was taken aback by the driver’s voice. “You’re a woman! I honestly…I couldn’t have called that. I mean, I’d apologize, but isn’t that what we’re going for here? I mean, I thought of you as a soldier first.”
    â€œI’m an airman,” she responded.
    â€œWell, you actually…You have excellent bone structure there. I’m kind of, I’m actually having a hard time not looking at you now,” Tony flirted. “Is that weird?”
    The officers, including the driver, giggled.
    â€œAh, come on, it’s okay. Laugh!” Tony said, smiling. “Anything else?”
    The quiet soldier shifted uncomfortably.
    â€œUm, is it cool if I take a picture