In order to force Stark to experience his own desperation, Killian had Pepper Potts kidnapped and injected with the Extremis serum. Later, using stolen Iron Patriot armor, Killian engineered the successful abduction of President Ellis, who had been delivered to the Norco in the remotely-piloted Iron Patriot suit. Killian revealed his intention of killing the President and allowing the Mandarin to take credit for the assassination, thereby ensuring defense contracts from Ellis's successor, Vice President Rodriguez, for Killian's company.