Chapter 08: Chapter 8 The Final Candidate of the Super Soldier
The next day, early morning.
Luke, who was appointed by the military, packed some simple luggage and took the excited Rogers on a special car to the Lehigh training camp in New Jersey.
Before setting off, they met several important personnel from the Strategic Science Corps.
For example, Colonel Phillips with a serious face.
The developer of the super soldier serum, Dr. Abraham Erskine.
Howard Stark, famous in New York.
And Agent Carter, who maintains a cold expression as always.
etc……
The Strategic Science Corps was a temporary organization specially established by the Allies to win the war.
It was personally approved by President Roosevelt and the heads of European countries.
Elites from multiple fields were convened, and their main purpose was to fight against the Third Reich's Hydra - an evil organization symbolized by the monster Hydra.
The secondary purpose is to implement the "Super Soldier" plan and end the war sweeping the world.
The current leader of Hydra is named John Schmidt, nicknamed "Red Skull".
It is said that he was Hitler's confidant.
The power is even greater than that of Heinrich Hillem, who participated in the establishment of the SS and served as the head of the Gestapo secret police.
"Actually, the Red Skull may not be the founder of Hydra..."
Luke thought as he sat in the back of the transport truck, swaying from side to side.
He remembered mentioning in the comics that the origin of the orthodox Hydra was quite early and could be traced back to even further ages.
Red Skull just used the name, changed the concept, and made it a useful tool.
In this regard, he has some similarities with Adolf Hitler, who was once regarded as an idol.
"Luke, do you think we'll run into Bucky?"
Rogers asked as he held his luggage.
Thinking of Bucky's surprised expression when he learned that he had joined the army and set foot on the battlefield, he couldn't help but look forward to the next meeting between the two.
"Bucky may have set foot on England's soil by this time and fought for freedom."
Luke laughed, he could understand why Rogers was obsessed with serving in the army.
A little man who has been teased and bullied for a long time because of his thin stature.
There are often only two roads to the future.
Either he is like Rogers, who still maintains an optimistic and positive attitude;
Or it can lead to a negative mentality of cynicism and self-isolation.
The former is rare, the latter is numerous.
And this is probably why Steve Rogers became Captain America.
He is a man who always walks on the right path.
Rogers' enthusiasm for serving in the army was not out of strong patriotic feelings - he was not the kind of character who was eager to exchange honors for military medals and dreamed of making achievements.
This thin little man probably wants to prove that he is no different from those strong guys.
"Luke, tell me, why did Howard Stark go to Caspian training camp? Is he also a conscripted soldier?"
Rogers asked curiously.
He knows nothing about the "Super Soldier" program or the Strategic Science Corps.
I just thought that I went to the Caspian training camp to receive recruit training.
"Stark is different from us! He is a scientific advisor! He is an official senior officer!"
Luke shook his head.
As new recruits, how could they compare to Howard Stark?
The treatment of both parties is different!
Howard Stark was able to ride in a smooth and comfortable private car, chatting and laughing with a group of senior officers along the way.
In the evening, you might even go out to have a good time and have a good time.
But he and Rogers could only stay behind the transport truck that was shaking like a ship.
"Get ready for recruit life, Rogers!"
Luke smiled meaningfully.
For Rogers, who was far from strong, recruit training was no easy task.
…
…
a week later.
"Are you okay, Rogers."
After finishing his cross-country run with heavy weights, Luke handed a towel to the thin little man.
He looked like he had been fished out of the water, and his camouflage uniform was soaked with sweat.
His chest was rising and falling violently, like a bellows being pulled, making a "whirring" sound.
Even a regular five-kilometer cross-country race is a difficult challenge for Rogers, who is in poor physical condition.
"No, it's okay! I just need to take a rest... that'll be fine!"
Luke looked at Rogers who was talking intermittently, fearing that he would suddenly faint.
The thin little man who is bent over in front of him is indeed very perseverant to be able to persevere until now.
Although every day's training tasks were completed, Rogers finished last and had the worst results.
But in terms of hard work, he is not inferior to others, or even better.
"I feel so much better! Thank you, Luke!"
After taking a few breaths, Rogers looked up at his friend and smiled gratefully.
Without Luke's help, his situation might have been much worse.
From Rodgers' point of view, Lehigh's training camp is no different from the streets of Brooklyn.
There are such bastards everywhere who rely on their strong muscles to bully those weaker than themselves.
Fortunately, Luke stepped forward, otherwise Rogers would have become the victim of being cornered and beaten by villains again.
"Gather! Gather!"
A sharp whistle sounded, and the recruits, who had already developed conditioned reflexes, ran over one after another and stood in an orderly queue.
Some of them have already experienced the consequences of disobeying orders, or becoming assassins.
That cool female officer with a British accent is not as weak as she looks.
In this regard, the recruit who took the punch, Gilmore Hodge, has a lot to say - he still has a Band-Aid on the bridge of his nose.
What's more, daily high-intensity physical training is enough to release everyone's excess energy.
"After your observation these days, who is the recruit with the best grades and outstanding performance?"
Standing not far away, looking at the group of new recruits being lectured, Colonel Phillips asked.
"It's Luke Cavill."
Carter, who was holding the score sheet, raised his eyebrows.
She really didn't expect that young man from Brooklyn.
Not only is his marksmanship amazing, but his performance in other test items is also outstanding.
In the midst of physical training such as target shooting, marching with heavy loads, and climbing barbed wire fences.
Luke can easily take first place and leave the second place far behind.
"I knew it! Erskine, I told you, Cavill is the most suitable candidate!"
Colonel Phillips clapped his hands and said.
He looked at Luke, who was tall and strong in the queue, with admiration in his eyes.
The other party perfectly fits the colonel's definition and image of an excellent soldier.
"Wait a minute! We still have time."
Dr. Erskine, standing nearby, replied.
His gaze did not stay on Luke, but on Rogers, who stood out in the queue.
If we say that the super soldier should choose a strong and big man.
Then, there is absolutely no need for Erskine to launch this secret selection.
Just pick one from the army.
In this world, there is never a shortage of outstanding soldiers who know how to obey orders and have strong muscles.
But it is quite difficult to find a truly good person, a "super soldier" who has power but does not bully the weak.
Erskine knew that he did not have more time, so he patiently selected and explored carefully.
Therefore, he can only place his hope on Rogers.
That thin, short man has a rare quality that touches people's hearts!
"You asked me to investigate Rogers' life experience! Yes, he is indeed a... good man! But what can happen? What if the bureaucrats of the committee find out that the candidate for the super soldier is as thin as a stick, and can't even run?
What would they think of the panting little man?"
Colonel Phillips said dissatisfied.
In his view, war is about the strength of both sides, not the character of the soldiers.
"The selection is not over yet, the time is not up yet! Colonel, let's wait patiently!"
Dr. Erskine still responded the same way.
But this time, his eyes shifted to Luke.