Dirty Secrets (2/2)

[Stark Mansion: 03/02/1949]

06:25PM

In the garden, under the soft glow of hanging lanterns and the distant murmur of the party, Howard Stark, Franklin Storm, and Kurt Marko were engrossed in a serious discussion about the situation in Korea.

Howard, with a glass of whiskey in hand, started the debate. "The issue in Korea is complex, but from my point of view, there's enormous market potential. If the United States can stabilize the region, we could see an economic boom in the area that we can capitalize on."

Franklin Storm, dressed in a light, comfortable suit, shook his head, clearly concerned. "I understand the economic perspective, Howard, but we're talking about human lives. Any intervention must be considered very carefully. We can't forget the humanitarian implications. People there are suffering, and any action must prioritize their well-being."

Kurt Marko, a man with a rigid posture and intense eyes, intervened firmly. "Franklin, you're being idealistic. The reality is that communism is spreading rapidly, and if we don't act now, we'll lose more than just economic opportunities. We need a military intervention to eradicate the communist threat before it becomes uncontrollable."

Howard nodded but maintained a thoughtful tone. "Sure, Kurt, but a military intervention also carries risks. Beyond the human costs, there's the global economic impact. We need to carefully consider how to stabilize the region without causing an economic disaster."

Franklin crossed his arms, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "But we can't just think in terms of money and power. We need a more diplomatic, more humanitarian approach. What if there's another way to handle this without resorting to war?"

Kurt Marko snorted, impatient. "Diplomacy only takes us so far. The communists aren't just going to back down because we ask politely. They need to be confronted with force, or they'll continue to expand their influence."

Howard, always the mediator, tried to calm things down. "Maybe there's a way to combine both methods. An initial approach of strong diplomacy, backed by military preparedness in the background. This would show that we're ready to negotiate but also prepared to act if necessary."

Franklin sighed, still worried but seeing the need for a middle ground. "That makes sense, Howard. But we need to ensure that any action we take is truly for the well-being of the people in Korea. We can't lose our humanity in this process."

Kurt Marko, unwilling to yield, leaned forward, his expression even more severe. "Diplomacy has its merits, Howard, but we can't underestimate the gravity of the situation. The division of Korea along the 38th parallel was established by us and the Soviets after World War II. This created a balance of power that's rapidly unraveling."

He paused to look directly at Franklin, hoping his words would have an impact. "The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, led by Kim Il-sung, is becoming an increasingly greater threat. The Soviets support him with military training and resources. Meanwhile, the situation in the South is precarious, with Syngman Rhee trying to maintain stability with limited U.S. support. If we don't intervene with force, the North could easily dominate the peninsula."

Howard nodded slowly, considering Marko's words. "I understand your concern, Kurt. But even with Soviet support for Kim Il-sung, we need to consider the consequences of a military intervention. The human cost could be enormous."

Marko, undeterred, continued. "The consequences of not acting are even greater. If we allow Kim Il-sung's regime to strengthen, communist influence will spread throughout Asia. We need to eliminate the Northern regime and its leader before it's too late. This means being prepared for decisive action, even if it's an extreme measure."

Kurt Marko, maintaining his inflexible tone, proceeded. "General Douglas MacArthur is in charge of the area, and he's already planning a more aggressive intervention. He believes that a strategic bombing campaign in North Korea could destabilize Kim Il-sung's regime and pave the way for unifying the peninsula under pro-Western leadership."

Franklin Storm frowned, visibly concerned. "But Kurt, this could trigger a massive response from the Soviet Union and even China. Are we prepared to deal with a conflict of that magnitude?"

Marko remained undaunted. "MacArthur is convinced that swift and decisive action is the only way to avoid a larger disaster. He's also considering plans to extend the military campaign into China, aiming to eliminate Mao Zedong and the communist government. The idea is to support Chiang Kai-shek and his nationalist government in Taiwan, and reinstall him in power on the mainland."

Howard, always the pragmatist, pondered. "This is an incredibly risky strategy, Kurt. We're talking about a military operation on a scale we haven't seen since World War II. The repercussions would be immense, both in terms of human lives and global stability."

Marko nodded, acknowledging the risks. "Yes, Howard, but the alternative is allowing communism to spread uncontrollably. MacArthur believes that a show of strength could deter the Soviets from direct involvement, especially if we can neutralize Mao quickly. If we're successful, we could stabilize not just Korea but the entire East Asian region."

Howard opened his mouth to respond, but a discreet beeping sound from his wristwatch caught his attention. He glanced at the device and saw the alert flashing - a security breach in his office. Keeping his composure, he disguised his concern.

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Howard said, placing his whiskey glass on a nearby table. "Apparently, there's something that requires my immediate attention. Please continue the discussion; I'll be back shortly."

Franklin and Kurt exchanged glances, each interpreting Howard's sudden departure differently. As Howard quickly headed towards the mansion, Franklin shook his head.

"That man is always rushing off to resolve something," Franklin said, scratching his head.

"Yes, he does... Speaking of which, how is your family? You have a daughter, if I recall correctly?" Kurt quickly changed the subject.

Franklin smiled softly at Kurt's question. "Yes, I have a daughter, Susan. She's a curious and energetic girl. My wife and she are doing very well, thank you for asking."

Kurt nodded, his tone less severe. "I'm glad to hear that. Family is always important, no matter what's happening in the world."

"You have children too, don't you?" Franklin asked.

Kurt frowned, thinking about his biological son, then returned to normal.

"Yes, in a way. I have Charles Xavier, the son of my late friend and my current wife, Sharon. He's a brilliant young man, recently finished college and is preparing to start his doctorate. Charles has always had a natural talent for leadership and science, something his father would be proud of."

Franklin noticed a slight softness in Kurt's voice when he spoke about Charles, but he also sensed a sharp change in tone when he mentioned his biological son.

"As for my biological son, Cain," Kurt continued, his tone harsher.

"He's of military age. Always been a troubled boy, unlike Charles. I can't even remember his mother's name, to be honest. Cain and I have never had an easy relationship. He could learn a lot from Charles if he were willing."

Franklin nodded, sweating a bit.

'My God, does this man have to be so intense in everything he says?' Franklin thought uncomfortably, taking a sip of champagne.

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Howard advanced through the mansion's corridors, his mind racing. The sound of his footsteps echoed off the marble floors, blending with the distant murmur of the party still taking place in the gardens. What could be happening? A possible short circuit in the security system? Or perhaps one of the staff had accidentally bumped into something?

"Maybe it's just a system error," he thought, trying to calm himself. "After all, these devices are still in the testing phase."

But another part of him knew he wasn't the type of man to ignore warning signs. He had created robust security systems designed to detect the slightest anomalies. Could it be something more serious? Industrial espionage, perhaps? His research and prototypes were too valuable to dismiss this possibility.

"No, impossible. The security was reinforced. No stranger would go unnoticed," he pondered while climbing the stairs. "Unless... someone from the party managed to get into the office."

This last theory made Howard's heart race. He had invited several influential people to the party, including some competitors and critics. Perhaps someone had taken advantage of the event to snoop around his findings. He knew the business world could be ruthless and treacherous.

Howard reached the hallway leading to his office. The slightly ajar door offered a glimpse of the interior, but nothing seemed out of place at first glance. He pushed the door open carefully, muscles tense in anticipation. The office was quiet, a calmness that contrasted with the agitation of his thoughts.

He entered slowly, his eyes scanning every corner of the room. Papers were scattered on the desk as he had left them, but something seemed... different. He approached the desk, picked up one of the documents, and realized it had been moved. Whoever had entered did so carefully, but not carefully enough to escape his keen eye.

Howard continued his inspection, every shadow and reflection heightening his sense of alertness. "Who's here?" his voice echoed through the office, but the only response was silence. He made a complete circuit of the room, checking behind curtains, inside the closet, and even under the desk. Nothing.

A subtle movement caught his attention. He looked up and saw the ventilation grate slightly askew. It was a small space but enough for two slim people to hide. He climbed onto a chair and carefully opened the grate. Inside, he found only dust and darkness.

Howard descended from the chair, still on alert but with growing discomfort. He mentally reviewed every corner of the office, every possible hiding place, but found nothing. Leaving the office, he activated the security system for a more precise sweep.

Inside the ventilation shaft, Tony and Susan barely breathed. They had heard every movement and every word from Howard, their hearts pounding uncontrollably. When they realized he was moving away, they sighed in relief but knew they were far from safe.

"We need to get out of here," Tony whispered. "He'll eventually find out."

As Howard descended the stairs, still confused and worried, Tony and Susan waited silently, hoping for the right moment to leave their hiding place without being detected.

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— Some hours later:

Maria Stark's birthday party had come to an end, and the mansion was now enveloped in a comfortable silence, broken only by the occasional creak of the stairs as the staff finished cleaning. In the living room, where soft lights created a cozy atmosphere, Maria, Tony, and Howard sat in leather armchairs, with steaming cups of tea in front of them.

Maria, her eyes sparkling, spoke excitedly about the party. "It was a wonderful night! The conversations I had with the guests' wives were so interesting. Sharon Marko was as charming as ever, and our talk was very inspiring. She mentioned some charity projects she's supporting that I'd love to learn more about."

Howard and Tony listened silently, their faces tense and worried. Tony, in particular, was still thinking about the scare he had earlier, while Howard was immersed in his own thoughts about the mansion's security, especially his office.

Maria, not noticing their tension, continued. "And Franklin's wife, Mary Storm, is so lovely. She and I talked at length about education and the challenges of raising talented children. I told her I'd love for our children to spend more time together."

Tony glanced at his father, hoping for some reaction, but Howard remained impassive until Maria finally noticed that the two were strangely quiet.

"Are you both okay?" Maria asked, a touch of concern in her voice.

Howard forced a smile, trying to lighten the mood. "Yes, dear. Just thinking about some work problems, nothing major."

Tony, feeling the need to divert attention, commented, "It was a great party, Mom. You really outdid yourself."

Maria smiled, pleased with the compliment but still not entirely convinced by Howard's explanation.

"Thank you, Tony. I'm glad you enjoyed it. I just hope you aren't thinking about work at this hour. It's important to relax and enjoy moments like these."

Howard nodded, trying to appear more relaxed. "You're right, Maria. Today was about celebrating you, and we shouldn't let anything get in the way of that."

Maria smiled, slightly reassured but still a bit worried about the visible tension. Tony, on the other hand, remained silent, lost in thoughts about what they had discovered in the office.

After a few moments, Howard turned his attention to Tony, his eyes narrowing in a serious expression. "Tony, where were you in the middle of the party? I noticed you disappeared for a while."

Tony hesitated for a second but responded with the best half-truth he could quickly formulate. "I was with a girl named Susan. I showed her the garden."

Maria, who knew the guests well, immediately realized who Tony was talking about. "Susan? That must be Franklin and Mary Storm's daughter. How lovely! They are such a charming family."

Howard kept his gaze fixed on Tony, clearly not fully convinced by the explanation. "And what were you doing in the garden? No trouble, I hope."

Tony shook his head, trying to sound casual. "No trouble, Dad. We just talked and explored a bit. She's very smart and curious. It was interesting to show her around."

Maria, relieved by the apparent normalcy of the situation, smiled. "That's great, Tony. I'm glad you made a new friend. The Storms are good people."

Despite Maria's reassuring words, Howard still seemed suspicious. He knew something more was going on, but decided to let the matter drop for now, preferring to change the subject.

Howard took a deep breath, straightening in his chair. "I spoke with some friends during the party and convinced MIT to accept Tony, despite his age. They recognized his potential. They used his grades and intellect as the main arguments. Tony, you will have a house near the campus to study there."

Maria, surprised and visibly concerned, quickly protested. "Howard, he's so young! I don't know if it's a good idea for him to live alone and so far from home."

Howard cut off the discussion with a stern look. "Maria, Tony needs this opportunity. He is the future of our family, the heir to my legacy. He needs to be prepared for that."

Tony felt a knot form in his stomach, the pressure mounting with each word from his father. "Can I choose the course?"

"Yes, you can, but choose wisely. The future of this family is on you, Tony. Don't disappoint me," Howard said as he stood up and walked away.

The room fell silent after those words.