A mechanical lifeform?
Even for someone as forward-thinking as Howard Stark, that concept was a bit hard to swallow. After all, carbon-based life had been the norm for so long—it was practically ingrained in human understanding.
Silicon-based lifeforms? That was a whole different beast.
"Okay, Alex," Howard asked, his brows furrowed, "Let's assume what you're saying is true—that it is a mechanical lifeform. But how exactly did you figure that out?"
"As I said," Alex shrugged. "I could feel it."
"Yes, Mr. Stark. I know that might sound ridiculous, but my senses are far beyond those of ordinary people. And as you already know, I'm not exactly ordinary."
Even with Alex's explanation, Howard Stark found it difficult to wrap his head around.
In his mind, "not ordinary" referred to someone like Captain America—enhanced strength, agility, endurance, and the like. It didn't mean developing some bizarre, extrasensory perception.
"Mr. Stark, didn't you and Agent Carter want to know why I'm different from other people?"
Alex paused, then decided it was time to lay some cards on the table.
"Of course," Howard nodded, though a bit wearily. "But I hope this time your answer isn't 'born with it' or 'just special.'"
"I'm afraid that's exactly what it is," Alex replied, nodding.
"Alex, this isn't the time for jokes…"
"I'm not joking, Mr. Stark. What I mean is—my abilities come from a genetic mutation."
Howard raised an eyebrow.
With his scientific background, he certainly understood the term—and he knew that mutations could, in rare cases, cause significant deviations in biology.
"This mutation granted me enhanced physical capabilities—and also some innate abilities no one else has. That's how I sensed the life force coming from that Cadillac."
"That's right. Charles Xavier—he's an expert in genetic mutation studies. You should look into his research. I particularly appreciate what he calls people like us… mutants."
Howard immediately took note of the term—it was concise, precise, and captured the concept perfectly.
Howard suddenly caught onto something and fixed his gaze on Alex. "A group? Alex, are there others like you?"
"Of course." Alex answered seriously. "Genetic mutations are rare, but with such a massive human population, there are bound to be more people like me."
That was valuable intelligence.
Even though it was his first time encountering this kind of information, Alex's explanation held up logically and was easy to verify. For now, Howard accepted it.
With that, the whole "Cadillac turning into a robot" incident made perfect sense.
"Mr. Stark, have you ever heard of Megatron?"
Alex asked casually, glancing at Howard.
"That mechanical lifeform I destroyed before it died… it said, 'Megatron will rise again.'"
Alex delivered the line with utter seriousness.
Of course, he made it up completely. The real purpose was to get Howard Stark to start digging into "Megatron."
Because Megatron was the key to finding the AllSpark.
"Megatron will rise again?"
Howard mulled over the words, committing them firmly to memory.
The statement might seem vague, but it was loaded with implications.
First, it confirmed that Megatron was also a mechanical lifeform—one of many.
Second, "rise again" meant that Megatron had been defeated once before—and was now preparing for a major comeback.
Howard had no idea how or why Megatron had failed previously, nor what would happen when he returned—but none of it sounded good.
This was something to be very cautious about.
"Did it say anything else?"
Howard pressed, his tone grave.
"It asked me if there was a place on Earth that was extremely cold."
Alex replied after a moment of thought.
That, of course, was his way of steering S.H.I.E.L.D. toward investigating the Arctic or Antarctic.
Sure, Alex could personally use his x-ray vision to scan Hoover Dam and confirm whether Megatron was truly there. But he still needed to plant a lead for S.H.I.E.L.D.
After all, it wouldn't do to discover Hoover Dam was empty and then come back to try feeding them another story.
The best plan was to go at it from both angles—he'd handle Hoover Dam himself and leave the polar regions to S.H.I.E.L.D.
"An extremely cold place?"
Howard looked baffled. This whole conversation was veering into nonsense—scattered clues that led nowhere.
Still, he made sure to carefully record everything. The decryption team could make sense of it later.
"Alex, thank you for your cooperation."
"No need to thank me, Mr. Stark. It's the least I could do."
Once the questioning was over, Howard personally escorted Alex to the base's entrance.
"Mr. Alex, please, this way."
Jarvis, who had been waiting by the side under orders, respectfully approached and opened the car door for Alex.
He didn't know exactly what had happened inside—but he could tell Howard Stark now regarded Alex with even greater importance.
"No trouble at all, Mr. Alex."
"Well then, Mr. Stark—until next time."
Alex waved and stepped into the car, and Jarvis personally drove him away from the base.
"Get Agent Carter and Mr. Phillips in here—tell them it's urgent. We need to convene now."
As soon as Jarvis had driven off, Howard turned to his secretary and issued the order in a grave tone.
Chester Phillips—while not as well-known as Peggy Carter or Howard Stark—was the third founding member of S.H.I.E.L.D.
He was also the first and only director of the Strategic Scientific Reserve, and the superior officer of both Captain America and Peggy Carter.
During the final showdown against Red Skull, it was Phillips himself who drove Steve and Peggy to the battlefield.
His family had deep ties in the military and considerable influence across the country.
A low-profile powerhouse, through and through.
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