"Mechanical lifeform?"
Even for someone as forward-thinking as Howard Stark, the concept was difficult to digest. After all, humanity had always viewed life through the lens of carbon-based organisms.
Silicon-based life was not an easy idea to accept.
"Alright, Rorschach," Stark said after a moment of thought. "Even if we assume this really is a mechanical lifeform, how did you discover it?"
That was the most important question.
"As I said," Rorschach replied calmly, spreading his hands slightly. "I felt it."
"Felt it?"
"Yes, Mr. Stark. I know that might sound strange to you, but my perception is far stronger than that of ordinary people. And I believe you already know that I'm not exactly an ordinary person."
Even with that explanation, Stark still found it difficult to understand.
In his mind, being "not ordinary" meant something like Captain America. A body enhanced beyond normal limits—stronger muscles, faster reflexes, heightened endurance.
That was still within the realm of biology.
But sensing life in a machine?
That sounded more like a supernatural ability.
"Mr. Stark," Rorschach continued after a moment of thought, "you and Agent Carter have both asked why I'm different from ordinary people, haven't you?"
"Of course," Stark replied with a sigh. "But I hope this time your answer isn't 'I was born that way.'"
"Unfortunately," Rorschach said with a nod, "that's still the truth."
"Rorschach, please," Stark said, rubbing his temples. "Now really isn't the time for jokes."
"No, you misunderstand me," Rorschach said calmly. "My abilities come from a genetic mutation."
That finally caught Stark's attention.
"Genetic mutation?"
He raised an eyebrow.
As a scientist, Stark was obviously familiar with the concept. Genetic mutations could indeed create variations in human physiology.
But those variations were usually minor.
"What kind of mutation?" Stark asked.
"It strengthened my physical condition," Rorschach explained. "But more importantly, it gave me certain instincts that normal people don't possess."
He paused before continuing.
"That's why I was able to sense the vitality inside that Cadillac."
Stark leaned back slightly.
Even though the explanation sounded strange, it was at least scientifically structured.
Still, he remained skeptical.
In his understanding, genetic mutation didn't normally grant abilities that extreme.
"Charles Xavier is an expert in genetic mutation," Rorschach added. "Some of his research papers are very enlightening. You might find them interesting."
He smiled slightly.
"I personally like the term he uses for people like us."
"Mutants."
Stark repeated the word quietly.
Mutants.
The term was simple but accurate.
Humans whose genes had changed.
But suddenly something else occurred to him.
Stark's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked back at Rorschach.
"Wait," he said slowly. "You said 'people like us.'"
He leaned forward.
"Does that mean there are more people like you?"
"Of course," Rorschach replied without hesitation.
"Genetic mutation is rare, but the human population is enormous. Even with a small probability, there will still be many people like us."
That was important information.
Stark immediately stored the idea away in his mind.
Although this was the first time he had heard about mutants, Rorschach's explanation didn't contain any obvious logical flaws.
And more importantly, it could be verified later.
For the moment, Stark chose to accept the explanation.
That meant the entire Cadillac incident now had a coherent narrative.
The mysterious robot.
The transformation.
Rorschach's ability to sense it.
Everything connected.
But then Rorschach suddenly asked a question.
"Mr. Stark," he said calmly, "have you ever heard of Megatron?"
Stark blinked.
"No," he replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Before I destroyed the mechanical lifeform," Rorschach said, "it said something."
He spoke slowly, emphasizing each word.
"Megatron will return."
Stark's expression changed slightly.
Rorschach had completely fabricated that sentence.
But it served an important purpose.
Megatron was the key to locating the AllSpark.
"Megatron will return…" Stark repeated thoughtfully.
The statement carried a surprising amount of information.
First, it suggested that the robot Rorschach fought was not unique.
There were others.
Second, the phrase "return" implied that this Megatron had previously appeared somewhere and had been defeated or forced into hiding.
That meant he was still out there.
Preparing for something.
Even without knowing the details, Stark could tell it wasn't good news.
"Did it say anything else?" Stark asked.
Rorschach pretended to think for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"It asked me something strange."
"What?"
"It asked if there was a place on Earth that was extremely cold."
Stark frowned slightly.
"A very cold place?"
"Yes," Rorschach replied.
This statement was another deliberate hint.
He wanted S.H.I.E.L.D. to start investigating the polar regions.
Rorschach himself could eventually visit Hoover Dam and use his enhanced vision to check whether Megatron was hidden there.
But relying only on himself would be inefficient.
It was better to work from two directions at once.
S.H.I.E.L.D. could investigate the Arctic and Antarctic while he pursued other leads.
Even if Hoover Dam turned out to be a dead end, S.H.I.E.L.D. would still have another trail to follow.
Stark remained silent for a moment.
Although the statement sounded vague, he carefully wrote it down.
Then he handed the note to a nearby agent.
"Send this to the analysis team," he ordered.
"Yes, sir."
The agent left immediately.
Stark then turned back to Rorschach.
"Rorschach, thank you for cooperating with our investigation."
"You're welcome," Rorschach replied. "It's the least I can do."
After finishing their conversation, Stark personally escorted him to the entrance of the facility.
A car was already waiting outside.
"Mr. Rorschach," Jarvis said respectfully as he opened the door. "Please."
"Thank you, Jarvis."
Although he didn't fully understand the situation, Jarvis could clearly see that Stark now treated Rorschach with much greater respect.
"Goodbye, Mr. Stark," Rorschach said with a wave.
"Goodbye."
The car door closed.
Jarvis drove him away from the base.
The moment the vehicle disappeared from sight, Stark turned toward a nearby secretary.
His expression had become completely serious.
"Contact Agent Carter and Colonel Phillips," he said.
"Tell them we're holding an emergency meeting."
"Immediately."
Chester Phillips was far less famous than Peggy Carter or Howard Stark, but he was the third founder of the Strategic Scientific Corps.
He was also the organization's first and only director.
Both Captain America and Peggy Carter had served under his command.
During the final battle against the Red Skull, it had been Phillips who personally arranged the mission that sent Steve Rogers and Carter into combat.
Unlike Stark's public reputation, Phillips preferred to remain behind the scenes.
But within military circles, his influence was enormous.
.....
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