One by one, the SAR-1 combat robots were unloaded from the massive transport aircraft.
Mixed among them were several T-800 units, each outfitted with its own specialized search module.
This was, after all, a battlefield. For the military, the priority wasn't just the search itself it was the perfect opportunity to evaluate how these new war machines would perform under real combat conditions. No matter how realistic a simulation might be, it could never compare to the chaos of a true battlefield.
With the help of technicians from Rock Technologies, the army's engineers quickly learned how to operate the SAR-1s. Unlike the T-800s, which were more advanced and required direct operation by Rock's specialists, the SAR-1s were simpler to control. Though not capable of independent tactical decision-making yet, with proper guidance their potential could be fully unleashed.
To Nolan Rock, this setup was already ideal. These were weapons of war at this stage, there was no need for them to be too intelligent.
He explained the situation to the officers on site:
"Each SAR-1 has a radar scanning radius of 2.3 kilometers. We've already covered a third of the area, so the remaining two-thirds will be swept next. Combined with the army's own efforts, I estimate no more than two weeks before this entire basin has been completely cleared."
Colonel James Rhodes, standing nearby, raised his brows in surprise.
"These little guys can search that effectively?"
Nolan allowed himself a small smile.
"Of course. That's precisely what they were designed for a compact tactical platform, built to solve the problems soldiers can't."
Rhodes exhaled slowly, almost in awe.
"If they really perform as well as you claim, I'd want to see them deployed across the entire military as soon as possible. The only drawback is the cost. They're not cheap."
"Eight hundred thousand dollars per unit," Nolan replied casually. "That's already as affordable as it gets. Factor in the research, production, and operational expenses, and you'll realize we're barely making a profit. Any lower and we may as well be giving them away for free."
Rhodes rolled his eyes. He knew the truth of it. Nolan Rock's role in Rock Technologies was no different from Tony Stark's in Stark Industries. Both men were singular forces holding up entire corporations, their personal genius worth more than entire teams of researchers combined. Of course, Nolan wasn't about to hand out his creations at a loss simply for goodwill.
Wisdom never meant charity.
With the robots deployed, the pace of the search accelerated dramatically.
A week later, a report came in.
"Colonel, we've detected an anomaly."
An anomaly meant signs of human activity. By now, they had found several such anomalies: clusters of refugees, scattered nomads, and more than one rebel encampment. Each discovery had led to the elimination of insurgent strongholds, boosting the military's confidence.
"Prepare Protocol Three," Rhodes ordered. "We'll take a look. No matter how small the chance, if Tony's there, we can't afford to miss it."
Another officer added quickly, "Colonel, the SAR-1s have picked up concentrated electronic signals. This could be a rebel base and they're in possession of advanced equipment."
Rhodes' expression hardened. This wasn't a civilian settlement. Coupled with the sheer number of insurgents they had already cleared out, the odds were finally in their favor.
"Nolan," Rhodes turned to him, "are you coming along?"
By now, the two men had developed a mutual respect. Rhodes was an outstanding soldier, and Nolan a weapons developer through and through knew that keeping close ties with the military was part of the game.
"Of course," Nolan replied, lips curving into a grin. "Didn't I say before? I can't wait to see the look on Tony Stark's face when we drag him out of there."
Inside a dim mountain cave, Tony Stark and Ho Yinsen were in the final stages of their desperate plan.
Their project was a towering, crude iron suit an armored exoskeleton that looked almost comically heavy. But within the limitations of their tools, Tony had done the impossible: refining its functionality, giving it weapons, and most importantly, powering it with a miniature arc reactor he had built from salvaged missile parts.
"Yinsen, help me into this thing," Tony said, brimming with urgency.
Yinsen nodded. The suit wasn't easy to put on.
"Once we get out, come work at Stark Industries," Tony urged, glancing at his companion. "With your skills, we'd make the perfect team."
Though touched, Yinsen hesitated. He was a physicist, yes, but compared to Tony Stark's genius, his own talents felt insignificant. Would he truly have a place in Stark Industries?
Tony laughed, as though sensing his doubts. "Hey, trust me. I'm a genius. Joining me will be the best decision you ever make."
As Yinsen fastened the final bolts, two guards approached the iron gate. The sound of metal knocking against metal echoed inside the cave.
Yinsen's heart leapt. "I'll handle them."
He stepped out, keeping his voice calm. "What do you want?"
One of the guards sneered. "Nothing. Just finish what the boss told you to build."
"Of course," Yinsen replied, bowing his head.
The men turned to leave, then paused.
"Wait. Where's the other one?"
Yinsen stiffened, his pulse racing.
"He's busy working on your missile. It's delicate, dangerous work. He can't stop now."
Behind him, Tony struggled to fasten the last piece of armor, every movement slow and clumsy. Yinsen's words came faster, buying time. "I'll go get him when it's safe. Just wait outside."
The guards exchanged whispers, suspicion in their eyes. Yinsen rushed back to Tony, helping to secure the final pieces of the suit. This was their only chance.
"Hey! Stop right there!" one guard shouted, stepping closer.
But before they could advance
Boom!
An explosion rocked the cave, dust and flame billowing. The guards froze, their faces pale.
Then came the sharp staccato of gunfire outside.
"It's the military!" Yinsen cried, eyes wide with hope.
Tony exhaled in relief. "Perfect timing. Finish strapping me in we'll break out ourselves. I want those soldiers to see that even without them, I could've gotten out on my own."
Outside, Nolan Rock donned his Delta-6 tactical armor, ignoring Rhodes' bemused look. The sleek suit gleamed under the desert sun.
"Looks like we've found it," Nolan said with a grin. "Let's go pay Tony Stark a visit. I have a feeling he's trying to escape as we speak."
On the battlefield, several T-800 units unleashed torrents of fire from their rotary Gatling guns, shredding everything in sight. SAR-1 robots formed precise formations, their suppressive fire cutting down rebels with machine-like accuracy.
Against this storm of steel, the insurgents stood no chance. They were swept aside like leaves before a hurricane.
This this was the future of war.
Inside the cave, Tony frowned as the ground shook with detonations.
"Strange. Since when did the military have firepower like that?"
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