A soldier on a ship stood up excitedly and said, "Sir, we've located the target."
"Oh?" The captain quickly walked over, leaning close to the radar. "Are you sure it's those two?"
"Yes, sir. The radar confirms the target."
"Are the torpedoes ready?"
He turned to ask.
"They're ready and can be launched at any time," another soldier responded.
The captain nodded, then suddenly asked, "Can we hit them? Can we ensure the targets are destroyed?"
The soldier in charge of the torpedoes looked at his captain in confusion. He didn't understand why such an experienced captain would ask such a basic question.
To him, the targets were just two relatively slow-moving individuals without any countermeasures. Even if they could fly, this was the ocean. They were being suppressed by the heavy seawater, significantly reducing their mobility, and the torpedo's accuracy would be greatly enhanced.
Moreover, missiles of the same power are much more effective in the ocean than in the air. The only downside of torpedoes is their short range and susceptibility to countermeasures, making it hard to achieve a hit.
But these two? According to intel, they currently have no way to counter the torpedoes. Right now, if they get hit by a torpedo that can sink a ship, no matter what kind of monsters they are, they'll be blown to pieces.
He confidently replied, "Sir, I guarantee we can hit the target and eliminate them."
The captain nodded and stepped aside to make a call.
"General Ross, the targets have been locked, torpedoes are ready, and we can fire at any time."
"Good, wait for the order."
"Yes, sir!"
Ten meters underwater, Lynch, towing the Mark III armor, swam swiftly through the dark depths, startling various bizarre sea creatures along the way. His speed was impressive; even with a heavy metal suit in tow, he could rival any human swimming champion.
But…
"Lyn, can you go any faster? Or else we're going to get our butts kicked," Tony's voice sounded unusually low and suppressed in the water.
Lynch rolled his eyes. Dude, I want to go faster too, but my abilities are based on a child superhero template, not Aquaman! This speed is already pretty good! I could only doggy paddle in my last life!
"Tony!"
Lynch spoke, bubbles escaping his mouth. "Aren't you a big arms dealer? Can't you call in some favors from your military friends? Don't tell me you can't do anything."
"I'm trying!" Tony responded, frustrated. He was in a tight spot. The Mark III was out of power, but fortunately, Jarvis could still perform some low-energy functions, like communication. But after all this time, Rhodey was still unreachable, likely detained. He did manage to contact his assistant, Potts, who was now working to open a dialogue with the military. But it might be too late—at this rate, that destroyer could be right in their faces soon.
In such desperate times, unconventional measures were necessary.
"Jarvis, connect me to Rhodey's line."
"Yes, sir."
Half a minute later, Jarvis succeeded.
"This is Tony Stark. Who am I speaking to? Why are you attacking me? Where's Rhodey?" Tony quickly asked, worried the other side might cut the call.
"I'm Lieutenant General Thaddeus Ross. Mr. Stark, my men are carrying out a mission. If you interfere, you do so at your own risk," Ross responded coldly.
"If your mission is to persecute a young man who protected American civilians and fought crime, then I refuse to comply."
"Oh?"
Ross leaned on the table, his tone icy. "I see a dangerous, unknown non-American who poses a severe threat to U.S. security."
"Come on, don't give me that stupid excuse," Tony immediately hacked into the military system to check Ross's background. "Lieutenant General Ross, right? I happen to know a bit about what you've done, like the Super Soldier program? Just like you're trying to handle Lyn…"
"Stark! I warn you, do not interfere, or you'll be considered a threat to U.S. security. The consequences are on you!"
"Seriously? Your plan caused a huge disaster, created a big monster, and for the sake of American security? Trust me, I can make you a global celebrity within a day!"
"Stark! Someone has to make sacrifices for the greater good!"
"F*** you! You'll pay for this; I guarantee you'll end up in a military court!"
"Goodbye, Stark. You better worry about yourself; the torpedoes are already locked on you. You have one minute to say your goodbyes."
"For the greater good?" Lynch sneered, a surge of deep disgust and anger welling up inside him. General Ross? So, it's this fool! The one behind the Super Soldier program, who created Hulk and then Abomination, causing destruction in a part of New York. Yet, this lunatic general somehow kept getting promoted, even becoming U.S. Secretary of State, and was present at Iron Man's funeral. It's disgusting to think about!
Why say this? Because Ross's rise was due to his strong patriotism and loyalty to his country. What does this mean? He's a character with the same core as Captain America. This explains why he could be at Iron Man's funeral—because Captain America and Iron Man were also patriotic Americans. They were heroes who saved the world, who saved the universe, but at their core, they were patriotic Americans. Cap was a WWII hero who inspired countless young men to join the war; Iron Man manufactured weapons for the U.S. military, aiding in warfare; and General Ross conducted the Super Soldier program, causing a catastrophe in New York, yet he continued to rise in rank because he acted in the interest of the U.S. No matter the tragedies he caused, he was never punished.
So when Ross talks to Tony about the greater good and American interests, Tony has nothing to say.
But because of the greater good, I'm supposed to sacrifice myself? What a joke! If sacrifice is necessary, why didn't Tony give up the Iron Man suit? And besides, I'm not even American!
Who cares about America? Unless Thanos comes to snap his fingers, what does it matter if the U.S. is destroyed?
Lynch let go of the Iron Man suit. He knew it was time to part ways with Iron Man.
"Tony, they're after me," Lynch shook his head. "You don't need to follow me anymore."
Then, he suddenly accelerated. He needed to escape.
A torpedo is such a deadly weapon… Will I even survive?
"System…"
"Fire the torpedo!"
"Aye, sir."
A deadly torpedo silently chased after Lynch. Lynch turned back, his eyes filled with deep hatred.
"Boom!"
A muffled shockwave spread out from Lynch as the center.
"Is it over?"