As Red Ronin makes its way toward New York, it is attacked by the Avengers and the S.H.I.E.L.D. craft Behemoth, commanded by Nick Fury. Invading the giant robot's cockpit, Yellowjacket and the Wasp learn that its deranged pilot, Dr. Cowan, believing mankind to be ruled by fear, intends to resolve matters by using Red Ronin to attack the U.S.S.R. This he hopes will bring about World War III, uniting humanity in a common cause. Cowan expels the tiny duo, and Red Ronin continues to march toward the coast, defying all efforts to stop it. Concocting a last-ditch plan, the heroes channel Behemoth's full power through Iron Man's armor into the robot. Iron Man and the S.H.I.E.L.D. ship are knocked out of action, as is Dr. Cowan, but the now pilotless Red Ronin rises, unharmed, and continues on its way, its circuits locked on Cowan's final command, "Destroy." Soon afterward, Hawkeye, investigating a disturbance at Cross Technological Enterprises, is dismayed to find himself facing the mechanical colossus.

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