Tony Stark and James Rhodes were escorted to a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, where Phil Coulson was waiting for them.
"Gentlemen, thank you for coming," Coulson said, his expression serious.
Tony raised an eyebrow. "What's going on, Agent Coulson?"
Coulson smiled. "We need to discuss the events of yesterday. And I have a... request for you, Tony."
Tony's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of request?"
Coulson's eyes locked onto Tony's. "We can teach you how to fight, Tony. How to use your suit to its full potential."
Tony hesitated, weighing his options.
*****************************
The next day, Rhodes held a press conference to discuss the incident.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming," Rhodes said, his expression serious. "I'm here to talk about the events of yesterday."
Tony watched from the sidelines, impressed by Rhodes' composure.
"And I'm sure many of you are wondering about the... suit," Rhodes continued. "Well, let me tell you, it's a advanced piece of technology, but it's not made of iron."
Tony chuckled to himself. The newspapers were already calling it the "Iron Man" suit, despite the fact that it was technically incorrect.
Coulson approached Tony, a folder in his hand. "Tony, it's time for you to go before the press. We have a cover story prepared, and we need you to stick to it."
Tony took the folder, scanning the contents. It was a convoluted story about Obadiah Stane and the "truth" about the Iron Man suit.
"Got it," Tony said, nodding.
But as he stood before the reporters, something didn't feel right. The story was flimsy, and he could tell that the reporters weren't buying it.
Christine Everhart, a feisty reporter, spoke up. "Excuse me, Mr. Stark, but that story doesn't add up. Can you explain why you're being so evasive?"
Tony hesitated, feeling a surge of frustration. He looked down at his notes, then back at the reporters.
"You know what?" Tony said, tossing his notes aside. "Forget the story. The truth is, I am Iron Man."
The room erupted into chaos, with reporters shouting questions and cameras snapping wildly. Tony smiled, feeling a sense of liberation.