In a nutshell, The Mechanical Man is about an android gone amuck once he's discovered a heavy element in the Earth's crust that provides him with unbelievable powers.
It's up to Crane, who will be up on charges with the UN if he does anything to stop the drilling, unless he can find proof that it's causing worldwide catastophies.
'The pressure in the drill shaft is rising. Bring Omir over in the flying sub."