The interests of national defense are preserved. Characters: Justin Hammer, Tony Stark, Lia Hua, Jessica Drew, OTA (with cause to be at a military gathering) Setting: SSMAC(Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard & Airmen's Club) The South Lounge Content: Dullness, explosions, death threats? Who knows really. Summary: It is United States Secretary of Defense Incumbent Robert M. Gates' birthday celebration.
The South Lounge wasn't quite as luxurious as some might have been expecting, but SSMAC had put together quite the party for the private function, and Justin for one was not going to miss it. He was the still prime weapons manufacturer for the DoD, but his hold on the position remained shaky so long as Anthony was around. He might not be doing weapons, but his hand was still in about every other pot the military had, and for some reason they seemed to find him more personable. Which was quite beyond Justin, as Anthony was out right rude and antagonistic at every occasion, where Justin did everything he could to get in good with them.
In the past, he'd tried to use Iron Man to turn them against Stark, but he realized now, it wasn't quite so much about turning them against him, as proving that he was superior. If he could out do Iron Man than there was no need for Stark, and Hammer would be back on top.
Nearly everyone had arrived now, and the guests were milling about, chatting before the speeches and celebrations got properly underway.