Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 55: I Didn't Know You Were That Poor

Stark used a string of F-words to explain his sexual orientation to Alvin.

Alvin nodded noncommittally and said, "Buddy, I was just joking. Thanks for the, um, awesome gift."

Stark, a bit annoyed, said, "Awesome? My God, look at it, buddy, take a good look." Pointing at the armor, he exclaimed excitedly, "This is the product of genius and wisdom, the crystallization of inspiration and technology, the greatest mechanical masterpiece of the 21st century! Dude, just calling it awesome is a bit dismissive, don't you think?"

Alvin waved his hand and said, "It is awesome, but what use is it to me? Put it in the shop as a piece of art?"

Stark, not convinced, said, "A piece of art? Did you see its performance in Afghanistan? It's a war machine, a butcher of flesh and blood. Buddy, is there some misunderstanding between us?"

Alvin scrutinized the armor intently. He did like it, but he still shook his head and said, "Tony, I have to thank you for your generosity. You're a generous guy, but this thing is completely useless to me."

Alvin gave Stark a meaningful look and said, "You can't expect me to walk around with a radioactive piece on my chest. The same goes for you, buddy. Dr. Yinsen told me that the palladium's radioactivity could kill you. I thought he called you!"

Stark, dejected, lowered his head and said, "I know all that. I added an isolation layer to the energy source in this armor. It won't affect you."

Alvin was stunned for a moment and said, "What about you? Are you just going to keep that light bulb in your chest and wait to die?"

Stark, distressed, ran his hand through his hair and said, "I consulted the best surgeons in America. They can't remove the damn shrapnel from my chest. The only guy who might have been able to do it was in a car accident this year and his hands are crippled. I have no choice; I can't live without this thing."

Alvin frowned, looking at Stark, and said, "There has to be a way. Use your brain. You can find a safe alternative material. You're a genius, aren't you? Besides, you lived just fine without it before."

Stark paced back and forth irritably and said, "You want me to live like a toy, relying on batteries every day? That's impossible. I'd rather jump into the ocean tomorrow."

Alvin laughed at the childish Stark. He knew Stark would get through this. S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't let him die; they had Howard Stark's research notes. They couldn't decipher them themselves and would eventually have to rely on Stark, which would also earn them a big favor.

Alvin didn't mention S.H.I.E.L.D. because it wasn't necessary.

Alvin said directly, "Dig out all the knowledge from your brain. Think about all the projects and papers related to new energy. You'll find something, buddy. You're a genius. I can't help you in this area; you have to use your own brain."

Stark thought for a moment and said a bit shyly, "Buddy, I've thought about all that, but it takes time. Right now, Stark Industries is a mess. Stane is trying to kick me out of the board to restart the weapons project. It's hard for me to get away. Buddy, um, I was wondering if you could use that thing you used in Afghanistan on me if my condition worsens."

Alvin looked at Stark playfully. So this guy already had a plan but was worried about time. No problem then; geniuses are indeed different. The Stark who was played around by a fat guy in the movie shouldn't exist in reality.

Alvin laughed and said, "No problem. If you ever feel really bad, you can come to me. I'll accept your gift then. Buddy, hurry up and find a substitute element. I really want to take this thing out for a spin."

Stark extended his hand for a fist bump and high-five with Alvin, laughing, "I knew I could count on you. Buddy, come with me and check out the toy I made for myself. You can give me some suggestions. I plan to take it to Afghanistan to mess with some terrorists when I have time."

Alvin laughed and followed Stark to his equipment room.

He admired up close the process of Iron Man suiting up.

Alvin was at a loss for words about Stark's genius. This "cursed with knowledge" man had recreated the scenes Alvin had seen in movies in his past life. He liked the way Mark 2 suited up in the movie; it had a strong mechanical industrial feel. The later Iron Man suits, though very sci-fi, didn't appeal to Alvin because he thought they weren't tough enough.

Stark, wearing the new, unpainted Iron Man suit, flew around in front of Alvin, not very skillfully. His smug look made Alvin want to pull out a gun and shoot him down.

Stark landed in front of Alvin, opened his faceplate, and said proudly, "This is the greatest invention of the century." He tapped the reactor on his chest, "This thing can solve the Earth's energy problems. Although it's not friendly to me, I can figure it out. Sometimes I dream of some images that are very helpful in solving this problem." He thought for a moment and said, "If you still want to make a fortune, this is another opportunity."

Alvin had some guesses about the dreams he mentioned, but what did it matter? Stark would eventually solve his own problems. But the opportunity to make a fortune? Alvin was definitely interested, but it required Mr. Stark's cooperation, like notifying him of the new energy release date or something.

"Then you need to install one at my community school first. The school's supercomputer is about to blow up the electric meter. That's all money. As the honorary principal of the school, you should contribute as much as you can." Alvin smiled at Stark, "If your new energy goes on the market, you have to let me know. The honorary principal is a rich man, but the principal is a poor guy. This shouldn't happen at a community school."

Stark, relieved and in a great mood now that his life was secured, laughed and said, "Maybe you can buy more Stark Industries stock while it's low. You might end up on the board of directors in the future."

Alvin looked at Stark as if he were looking at dog poop and said, "Do you think I can get on the board of Stark Industries with fifty thousand dollars?"

Stark looked at Alvin with surprise and said apologetically, "I didn't know you were that poor. Fifty thousand dollars isn't even enough for one of my cars!"