Chapter 127: Ch.124: In the Skin of the Enemy
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- Brooklyn, New York -
- April 24, 1939 | Night -
Howard Stark liked the noise of the Expo. The hum of conversation, the soft applause echoing down steel beams, the occasional laugh that rose above the clink of glasses — all of it made him feel alive. It reminded him that the future was a thing you could touch if you were just clever enough, bold enough, fast enough to grab it before someone else did.
But here, away from the stage lights and polite cameras, behind the side curtain of a storage alcove meant for spare lighting rigs and half-drunk champagne crates, the noise faded into a low hum. Just the perfect place for a different kind of conversation — the kind that didn’t belong on any stage.
Facing him was Brigadier General Nathaniel Corbin, broad-shouldered in his crisp olive uniform, rows of ribbons pinned to his chest like reminders of the burdens he carried for a country that liked to pretend it wasn’t at war yet. The General’s voice was low and clipped, each word pressed out like a secret weighed against the world outside.
"We’ve got orders from the top, Stark," Corbin said, leaning closer. "This isn’t just about fancy cars and clever engines anymore. We’re moving fast, and your name’s come up."
Howard didn’t flinch — he only lifted one brow, his grin sharp but polite. "My name comes up a lot these days. Why don’t you tell me exactly what I’m supposed to be excited about?"
Corbin’s jaw ticked, just once, before he spoke again. "This isn’t Expo chatter, Howard. There’s something big on the horizon. Something that’s going to need your mind, your machines... and your mouth shut."
Howard gave a soft, short laugh. "National security lecture, huh? You always were a romantic, Nate. But go on — I’m listening."
Corbin paused, eyes flicking once over his shoulder to the two soldiers standing guard just beyond the alcove’s mouth. Good men — tight postures, eyes sweeping in steady arcs. Watching for nosy reporters or overeager businessmen who might wander too close.
"Germany’s building weapons faster than we can count them," Corbin murmured, voice barely more than breath now. "We’ve got boys keeping tabs in Europe, and the chatter says they’re working on things the public can’t even imagine yet. We can’t afford to sit back anymore."