DC: Becoming Doomsday in Marvel Universe

Obadiah's office was on the top floor, just one level below Tony's.

Rook Tanner pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Obadiah was already waiting for him.

The office was tastefully decorated. Behind the desk was a large floor-to-ceiling window that offered a sweeping view of the city. Shelves lined the walls, filled with books and other ornaments.

Rook gave it all a casual glance, then looked away. He wasn't here to admire the décor. After seeing Tony's luxurious office and mansion, this didn't impress him at all.

Besides, his home on Krypton had been far grander.

And as for technological levels, hundred thousand years ago, Krypton could have utterly outclassed modern Earth.

"That briefcase, did you have it sent to me?" Obadiah stood up from behind his desk and placed the case on it.

It looked untouched, but Rook knew better. Obadiah had definitely examined its contents already.

"What is this?" Obadiah asked.

Rook smiled, glanced at the closed door behind him, then dropped the pretense. He pulled out a chair, sat down, crossed his legs, and got straight to the point. "I said it already, didn't I? It'll cost extra."

Obadiah hesitated for a moment, then sat down too. His urgency faded, replaced by a polished smile. "Tony never disappoints. This must be his latest weapon design, right? Excellent. If we can mass-produce it, the company will make a fortune, and our country will be safer."

Rook didn't respond. He simply watched Obadiah put on his little show.

Obadiah's brow twitched. Seeing how calm and composed Rook was, he couldn't help but probe further. "What? You mean Tony didn't send you with these blueprints?"

"Of course not," Rook said without hesitation, lying through his teeth without a hint of shame. "I'm just here for the money."

Technically, it wasn't a lie. Tony had no idea Rook planned to give the blueprints to Obadiah.

Tony only knew that there was a traitor trying to have him killed. He didn't realize that traitor was his father's friend and his own mentor, Obadiah.

When Tony eventually learned the truth, who knew how he'd feel?

That was why Rook had said Tony couldn't know yet. It would tip Obadiah off too soon.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Obadiah's expression darkened. His voice rose as he scolded Rook. "You're Tony's bodyguard, and you stole his work to sell it to me? What are you playing at? Aren't you afraid I'll have you thrown in jail?"

Honestly, his act was pretty convincing.

But Rook wasn't fazed. He kept staring at Obadiah, calm and steady, until the man grew visibly uncomfortable. Then Rook spoke, his voice slow and deliberate. "A better question is, aren't you afraid Tony will find out?"

Obadiah froze. That was the tell of a guilty man, always terrified of being exposed.

Rook hadn't accused him of anything, but Obadiah's mind raced. Had his secret already been uncovered?

No, that couldn't be.

Obadiah steadied himself and barked, "I don't know what nonsense you're spouting. Get out of here, now."

Rook simply stood up, reached for the briefcase, and made as if to leave.

In the end, Obadiah couldn't hold back. His hand slammed down on the case.

Rook gave him a crooked smile. "What's the matter?"

Obadiah looked him dead in the eye. "Who are you?"

"You don't need to know that," Rook replied, playing the part of a greedy mercenary. "All that matters is if you pay, I deliver."

He didn't bother making up some fake affiliation, like claiming to be from the Ten Rings, because he knew Obadiah already had secret dealings with those terrorists. One wrong lie and Obadiah would see right through him.

Better to act like someone who was only in it for the money.

Obadiah stared hard at him. "What did you mean earlier? What do you know?"

Rook shrugged. "Actually, I don't know anything. And neither does Tony."

Obadiah nearly choked. Was this guy playing him for a fool?

The truth was, Rook knew Obadiah was the villain only because he knew the story. He didn't have any real evidence. Up to now, everything he said had been a bluff.

And Obadiah had fallen for it because Rook's confidence made it seem like he had the whole picture.

Now, after all that, Rook claimed he knew nothing? Obadiah was so furious he could have killed him on the spot. And Obadiah was ruthless enough to do it, too.

Rook saw that Obadiah was close to snapping. Time to ease up. He shifted gears. "But here's the thing. All those weapons the terrorists had? Stark Industries products. How do you explain that? They're our country's enemies. How'd they get so many Stark weapons?"

"And Tony's travel plans that day? That was classified. How did they know where to set the ambush? How did they time it so perfectly?"

"Tony may not have proof, but he's suspicious. He knows there's a mole inside the company, someone who wanted him dead and planned to take over. Tell me, who do you think is the most obvious suspect?"

Rook leaned in. Given his height, and with Obadiah still seated, the pressure was overwhelming. Sweat began to bead on Obadiah's forehead.

The logic was simple. Who stood to gain the most from Tony's death?

If Tony died, the Stark family line ended, and Obadiah would inherit everything: the company, the shares, the fortune.

So was it really a mystery why Rook had come to him?

Rook tapped on the briefcase. "This is what Tony came up with to deal with you. A new kind of weapon, a new kind of armor. When he finishes it, he'll use it to kick you out of the company. After that, who knows what kind of revenge he'll take?"

"No. He can't do that." Obadiah shot to his feet.

Rook just watched him, knowing full well that Obadiah was panicking now.

And that was exactly what Rook wanted.

He flipped the case open, pulled out a blueprint, and pointed at the Mark I design. "He plans to equip this with a new energy source. The old ways are finished. He'll lead Stark Industries into the future. And you? Dinosaurs like you will be left in the dust."

"You know what will happen once he succeeds. You know it better than anyone."

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