Under everyone's gaze, the camera on the screen switched scenes.
A yacht speeding across the sea appeared on the screen, and a voice began to speak.
"We have to make a choice. The President and Pepper can't both be saved. What will you choose?"
"That's... Rhodes' voice!"
Tony Stark's expression shifted slightly. He instantly recognized the voice of his best friend.
But wasn't his best friend already on Air Force One with the President?
How was he on a yacht?
And Pepper, what happened to Pepper?
Following that, the scene on the yacht began to unfold, and two figures appeared on the big screen.
They were none other than Tony Stark in his armor, and War Machine Rhodes in casual clothes!
Moreover, Tony Stark had wounds and blood on his face, and even his Iron Man armor was covered in scratches and collision marks.
It was obvious that a major battle had just taken place.
What the hell?
Everyone at the scene was a bit bewildered.
"Colonel Rhodes? Then who was it that boarded Air Force One with the President?" Coulson asked, his head aching, voicing the question on everyone's mind.
Although they couldn't figure out what had happened due to a lack of information, everyone sensed a hint of conspiracy.
"Sir, there's a new situation in Malibu!"
Jarvis's voice rang out, reporting to Tony Stark, "The crane has arrived at the scene and is clearing the basement door."
"How's my armor doing right now?" Tony Stark asked.
"Energy replenishment is 92% complete," Jarvis responded immediately.
Tony Stark, hearing this, decisively yanked out the two charging cables connected to the armor. "That's good enough for now."
It seemed like some major operation was about to begin.
What was about to happen next was anyone's guess. It was obvious that Iron Man was going to Air Force One to provide assistance.
"This is exactly the second scenario Coulson envisioned – Stark somehow learned the President was going to be attacked, so he went ahead to provide aid," Captain America summarized the footage. "The key question now is, who exactly is Colonel Rhodes on the plane?"
The footage showed it clearly; the President initially mistook the person piloting the armor for Colonel Rhodes!
This indicated that the official hadn't changed the War Machine pilot; someone had stolen the War Machine armor and was impersonating Rhodes!
"Whoever he is, he's one of the masterminds!" Nick Fury said, his eyes gleaming.
No wonder Air Force One, with its terrifying firepower, was blown up. After all this time, a mole had been planted!
And not just any mole, but one with absolute power that could crush everyone!
It was easy to imagine that Air Force One was now like a lamb to the slaughter, at the mercy of the mastermind, with no way to fight back.
After all, the Secret Service on Air Force One stood no chance against War Machine.
Thinking of this, the expressions of everyone present couldn't help but become grim.
The camera then switched to the interior of Air Force One. War Machine looked at the clock hanging on the wall of the plane and, confirming that it was five o'clock sharp, immediately began to move, walking in one direction.
Obviously, this must be the time agreed upon by the mastermind.
"He's coming, quick, let's take a photo with him!"
At the doorway of a room, two Secret Service agents were thrilled and excited to see War Machine arrive.
They both pulled out their phones, intending to take a photo with War Machine, but he rudely shoved them both inside the door.
Next, War Machine's hand twitched, and the armor on his right hand automatically detached, revealing a human hand.
However, what was astonishing was that the hand quickly turned red, like a red-hot iron rod.
It was pressed against the door lock, melting the entire lock into a lump of metal!
The two Secret Service agents were forcibly locked inside by War Machine in this incredibly awesome way.
"What's going on with his hand?" Thor's surprised voice rang out, asking in confusion, "It can generate such terrifyingly high temperatures. Is he a magician?"
Not just Thor, everyone present was also very curious about this question, but unfortunately, they were all at a loss.
This ability to release intense heat from within their bodies… they'd never even heard of it, let alone witnessed it.
"Whatever he is, he's a monster," Captain America said, his face grim, his brow furrowed. "What's happening to this world? Why are so many monsters appearing?"
The footage continued to play, under everyone's watchful eyes.
"War Machine" was shown entering a room that resembled a conference room, scanning the people inside.
"Is there something you need, Colonel?" an official asked casually, while organizing some documents.
"War Machine" didn't waste any words. He picked up a sharp ornament from the conference table and flung it at the official.
Whoosh!
The ornament, like an arrow fired by Hawkeye, struck the official in the chest, killing him instantly.
The Secret Service agents in the office were shocked and reacted quickly, drawing their sidearms and firing at "War Machine."
The outcome was, of course, a foregone conclusion. War Machine effortlessly wiped them all out.
Finally, War Machine smoothly located the President and apprehended him.
At this moment, War Machine's helmet opened, revealing a completely unfamiliar face.
"Romanoff!"
Nick Fury instructed Black Widow in a low voice. What he wanted Black Widow to do was self-evident.
In fact, Nick Fury didn't need to say anything. Black Widow had already activated her Sharingan the moment she saw the person's face, perfectly replicating their appearance.
Thanks to Dunabe Ling for the tip!
(End of Chapter)