Infinite Evolution in the Marvel universe

"I've tried every known element I can think of. There's no more options left."

"If I hadn't come to you, I'd have no direction at all."

"Are there elements out there that only people like you—people with powers—know about, elements I've never even heard of?"

Tony Stark's voice carried a note of frustration as he spoke, turning his gaze toward Harvey Amberlock.

Harvey took a moment to consider his response. "It's not really about the world of superhumans, but I suppose there's no harm in telling you."

Originally, Harvey knew that once S.H.I.E.L.D. approached Tony with his current predicament, they'd help him find a solution. But perhaps nudging things along wouldn't hurt.

"Nothing to do with the world of superhumans?" Tony asked, puzzled. "Then, what kind of element are we talking about here? Something I can substitute with? Or are we thinking more along the lines of a chemical transformation?"

Harvey shook his head. "It's not about finding a replacement element. You need to create a new one—a completely new element to replace palladium and stabilize the Arc Reactor. That way, your Iron Man suit will be stronger than ever."

Tony's mind immediately shifted into overdrive. "Create a new element?"

"Yes," Harvey continued, "And as far as I know, your father was a brilliant scientist, just like you. Maybe he left you something—something that could inspire you."

Tony's expression changed slightly at the mention of his father. "He left in such a hurry… I don't think he left much behind," Tony admitted, his voice tinged with emotion.

"Not true. He left you this company and a vast fortune. But don't forget the ties Stark Industries once had with certain organizations," Harvey hinted, pushing Tony toward a realization.

Tony thought back to Stark Industries' history under his father's leadership. He pondered who the company had deep connections with in the past and came to a conclusion.

"But Stark Industries doesn't have the same relationship with the military anymore. Not after the Arc Reactor. Where would I even begin to ask them for my father's old belongings?"

Harvey nodded knowingly. "True, your relationship with the military is a bit strained right now, and they might not make it easy for you. But there's someone who's been extending an olive branch to you."

Tony raised an eyebrow. "You mean that S.H.I.E.L.D. thing? Do they even have that kind of authority?"

He scoffed. "They struggled to scrape together $20 million and acted like it was some kind of massive sacrifice."

Harvey chuckled, remembering Nick Fury's efforts to raise money to meet with Tony. "Yeah, they're definitely not flush with cash, but for an organization that claims to handle 'strange occurrences,' I imagine they have decent standing within the military. Why don't you just ask and see for yourself?"

Tony paused, considering Harvey's suggestion. "Alright, let's find out. J.A.R.V.I.S., contact Agent Coulson."

J.A.R.V.I.S. complied immediately, and within five seconds, Coulson's voice filled the lab. "Mr. Stark, what can I do for you?"

The rapid response time was amusing to Tony, who shot a glance at Harvey as if to say, See how eager they are? Harvey just smiled, unfazed by Tony's attitude.

"Agent Coulson," Tony began, his tone more serious, "My father, Howard Stark, worked closely with the military in his time. I'm wondering if there are any belongings of his still in their possession—something that never made it back to me?"

Coulson hesitated for only a moment before replying. "Howard Stark's belongings, you say? I'll look into that for you, Mr. Stark. Give me an hour, and I'll find out if there's anything left behind that didn't come into your possession."

Tony blinked, surprised at the efficiency. "Alright, I'll be waiting," he said, nodding toward Harvey.

"You can count on me," Coulson replied before ending the call.

Tony leaned back in his chair, musing. "If he actually finds something, I guess I'll owe S.H.I.E.L.D. a favor."

Harvey smiled. "Typically, if you want something, you have to be willing to give something in return. But how big of a favor that turns out to be, that's for you to decide."

Tony smirked. "Returning my father's old belongings is one thing, but if those relics lead me to discovering a new element and improving the Arc Reactor, well… that's not a small favor."

"And of course," Tony continued, looking directly at Harvey, "I won't forget that it was your idea to check on my father's legacy. You'll get credit for that, Harvey Amberlock."

Harvey waved it off, amused. "It's nothing."

Tony Stark was known for being arrogant, self-absorbed, and difficult to deal with. But there was one thing about him that made him admirable: he never forgot a debt. He might not say it outright, but Tony remembered those who helped him, and when the time came, he'd go out of his way to repay them.

This was one of Tony's greatest strengths.

Though Harvey had only given Tony a small nudge, he knew that gaining Tony Stark as an ally would be well worth it in the long run.