After Rhodes returned from making the call, his expression had grown even darker.
"The military has cordoned off the surrounding area. A medical team will arrive in five minutes, but…" He glanced at Stark before continuing, "General Volkov just issued an order. Tony and that mech are to be taken back together to assist with the investigation."
"Assist with the investigation?" Lance raised an eyebrow. "At a time like this? Is he trying to silence him, or is there something else going on? Does this Volkov really have that kind of authority?"
"No." Rhodes shook his head. "I can name a dozen generals who outrank him. I don't understand what he's trying to do."
"Looks like some people have already lost their minds to get what they want," Lance said calmly.
Rhodes knelt to check Stark's injuries. "At least three broken ribs, internal bleeding, possible organ damage. We can't let them take him. If he ends up in Volkov's hands, he's not coming back out."
"I really can't tell whether these so-called officials in this world are a government agency or a group of gangsters," Lance said mockingly. "Even gangsters follow clearer rules."
"Tony Stark isn't some homeless drifter off the street. He's not a nobody. Has Volkov gone insane?"
"There's no other option." Rhodes looked at Lance. "We can't let them take Tony."
"I know." Lance waved a hand. "Stark still hasn't paid my final fee. I'm not letting anything happen to him."
Even now, Lance had not forgotten his priorities.
He glanced back at the large mech, which had started releasing black smoke again.
"Number One, how much time is left on the self-destruct countdown?"
"Seven minutes and fourteen seconds, sir."
"Can you move it remotely?"
"Yes, but the remaining energy will only sustain basic movement for three minutes," Number One paused before adding, "Sir, I recommend letting the artificial intelligence JARVIS handle control. Otherwise, if this is investigated later, it may be difficult for you to explain."
"Good." Lance responded briefly, then relayed the request to JARVIS, who accepted without hesitation.
Before sealing his lab, Stark had granted Lance access to JARVIS, which was enough for this.
With everything arranged, Lance stood.
"Rhodes, get Stark into your car. Drive east. Do not stop."
"Are you out of your mind? That thing is about to explode."
"That's exactly why I have to stay."
Rhodes stared at him for two seconds, then nodded.
"I don't know what you're relying on, but I'll thank you on Tony's behalf. Make it back alive."
"If you want thanks, have Stark say it himself when he wakes up. He knows how to make me happier," Lance said without turning around.
"I'll do what I can."
Rhodes lifted Stark and shoved him into the SUV.
The engine roared. The vehicle sped off the overpass and vanished into the night.
Lance turned and walked toward the mech.
Black smoke thickened around its joints, and a low, ominous hum echoed from within the chassis.
"Number One, find Hector Volkov's communication channel and connect me."
"Connected."
Lance cleared his throat. "General Volkov, good evening."
He glanced at the faint light of dawn on the horizon. "Or perhaps I should say good morning."
A few seconds later, a deep male voice with a faint Russian accent came through. "Who are you?"
"Lance Prescott, Mr. Stark's freelance legal advisor."
Lance leaned against the mech's armored foot, settling into a comfortable stance. "I hear you have some questions for Tony Stark and would like him brought in to assist with your investigation. What a coincidence. I have a few questions for you as well."
"Hand it over to the military, lawyer. This is not your concern."
"But it is in my hands right now." Lance tapped the massive frame beside him, feeling the cold metal under his palm.
"And it doesn't seem to like you very much. Look at it. The moment it heard your voice, it started smoking. I have no idea what you did to it. Even a pile of scrap metal has standards."
The smoke grew thicker. The cockpit display flickered, flashing a red warning.
"Self-destruct sequence irreversible. Five minutes and forty-seven seconds remaining."
"You're stalling for time, lawyer."
"Ah, you caught me." Lance shrugged. He did not bother with wordplay this time. "General Volkov, before it blows, why don't we have a proper conversation? For example, why are you so determined to get your hands on Stark's technology? And why did you team up with Obadiah Stane?"
There was a long silence on the other end.
Then Volkov laughed.
Like every villain in a superhero story, he began to talk.
"Obadiah Stane is a smart man, but he's too emotional. He thought that by controlling Tony Stark, he could control Stark Industries, but he was wrong. The real value isn't the company. It's Tony Stark himself. His mind, his talent, and those little inventions of his."
"Unfortunately, he's just as uncooperative as his father, Howard Stark. So I made a choice for him. Work for me, or disappear. Obadiah Stane provided the technology, I provided the resources, and together we could have built something far more powerful. But Stark…"
Volkov let out a cold snort.
"Every Stark is the same. They all want to be heroes."
"So you and Obadiah Stane built this thing together?" Lance kicked the mech. "Forgive my bluntness, General, but it has terrible taste. The design is bloated, the lower limbs are unstable, and the color scheme looks like it came out of a trash heap. You should hire a better engineer."
"It's sufficient." Volkov's voice turned cold. "Now hand over control. Otherwise, my men will arrive in one minute. They follow orders without question and will ensure no information leaks."
"Including killing me?"
"Including that."
Lance smiled. He looked up at the night sky. Several helicopters were closing in fast.
"General, you know, I've always been good at learning. And the most useful thing I've learned recently is that everyone has something they fear."
"Fear itself isn't frightening. But turning someone into fear itself is… interesting."
"For example, right now, what are you most afraid of?"
Volkov did not answer.
But through the faint background noise intercepted by Number One, Lance heard rapid, uneven breathing.
Volkov was not as calm as he sounded. He was nervous.
"My ears, my eyes, and my instincts all tell me you fear losing power, fear your secrets being exposed, and fear ruining your reputation in your later years," Lance said. "And what I do best is make those fears come true."
"JARVIS. Time's up." Lance raised his voice. "Activate the mech at maximum output. Send it into the river."
"Understood, sir."
The massive machine lurched into motion.
It took heavy steps, smashed through the guardrail, leaped off the overpass, and plunged into the East River.
At the same time, the helicopters arrived. Searchlights locked onto Lance, and snipers took position, aiming at him.
"Drop your weapon."
Lance raised his hands without resistance.
"Relax, gentlemen. I'm just a lawyer. The unarmed kind."
He looked toward the river.
The mech had sunk beneath the surface, leaving only a trail of bubbles.
Then.. Boom.
The East River erupted behind him. Flames shot into the sky, lighting up half of New York.
The shockwave sent the helicopters swaying. Searchlights scattered. Even the snipers struggled to maintain their aim.
When the water finally settled, only debris floated on the surface.
"Do you like it?" Lance said into the communication channel. "A welcome gift for you, General Hector Volkov."