Chapter 114: Chapter 111 | Steve, you have to stand up.
After leaving the White House, Luke drove to the Army Club in Northwest, where Rogers waited for him.
Since his return to New York from London, he has been busy with various public appearances and military awards ceremonies, leaving little time for himself.
Luke didn't get rid of his busy schedule until Roosevelt died and came to Washington to attend the funeral and complete the medal ceremony.
'I wonder if Steve will be able to adjust to his new life?'
The black car stopped at the entrance of the club. An officer drove Luke.
After being promoted to Major General, the military provided him with an exceptional secretary, driver, and bodyguard -- the last one was unnecessary.
'If there was a problem, who would be protecting who?'
'If you could be Superman's bodyguard, you should at least be the Sorcerer Supreme or Odin.'
'But then again, I need to find myself some people who can handle things. '
Luke had a few suitable candidates, just not decided at the moment.
In his opinion, there's no future in fighting alone.
'If the Chitauri army descends on the earth in the future, I would have to swing my fist around myself.'
'The only enemies worth handling personally are the ones like Thanos, Apocalypse, and Dormammu.'
'The recruitment campaign of S.H.I.E.L.D. is about to begin. I wonder how many people can be recruited? '
Luke's mind wandered as he walked up the steps.
As soon as he stepped into the hall of the Army Club, a small wave of surprise sounded.
Luke, dressed in a crisp military uniform and had his hair combed meticulously, instantly became the center of attention.
He couldn't help it. He was now a celebrity, and the recruitment posters had changed from Uncle Sam to Superman with the red cloak.
The aura of a legendary hero was more than enough to attract people's attention.
This is just like the tales of Washington chopping down a cherry tree and Columbus making an egg stand that so many people enjoy.
As to whether it's true or not, no one cared.
On the other hand, Luke had many legendary stories, which were worth talking about at the dinner table.
"Hello, Major General Cavill! I'm from the second batch of recruits from Camp Lehigh!"
"Major General, I'm a big fan of yours. Can I have your autograph?"
"Thank you for stopping those Aryan demons! You're a great hero!"
"..."
Chattering noises poured in, drowning out the soothing music flowing in the hall for a while.
The club's atmosphere became lively as retired soldiers or off-duty officers surrounded Luke in the middle.
"I'm sorry, I have an appointment with a friend. "
Seeing that the conversation was getting more and more distorted, Luke put on a gentle smile without losing his manners while rushing out of the encirclement and headed for the second floor.
It would seem that the name Superman will be tied to the Aryan demons and the female warlock in the future.
He didn't know whether he should thank Colonel Philips or worry about his reputation being damaged.
Luke already foresaw the awkward scene when the reporter came up to him with a microphone and asked Superman how many female sorceress friends he had.
'I prefer to live a low-profile life, but unfortunately, my strength wouldn't allow me to do so. '
The young Major General shook his head and went to the relatively quieter second floor.
The first thing that caught his eye was Rogers sitting at the bar.
"Hey, Colonel Rogers of Brooklyn, why are you frowning? Are you having problems with your cute little girlfriend?"
Luke tapped his colleague on the shoulder and teased, "Or are you just mourning the memory of the late President?"
"Neither. "
Rogers, who was already a Colonel, was a bit depressed. He took a sip of whiskey and said, "The war is over, which should be a happy thing, but I feel like I've lost my purpose. "
As the well-known Captain America, Rogers' fame isn't far behind Luke's.
In the eyes of many children who loved reading comics, the Stars and Stripes uniform is more iconic than Superman's red cloak.
"You look a little depressed. "
Luke snapped his fingers and asked for a cup of fruit gin.
Because of him, the trajectory of Rogers' life changed.
He didn't fall into the glacier, let alone sleep for 70 years.
Captain America has since embraced a new life -- though it's not clear whether it's good or bad.
He made it back to Brooklyn, topped off with the honor of being Captain America, was honored by the President, and fell in love with a blonde girl who looked like a little rose.
Except for the temporary whereabouts of the best friend, all of it seemed to be so beautiful.
"I found myself with nowhere to go, Luke. "
Rogers smiled bitterly. Not long ago, he was received by the new President and awarded the Medal of Honor.
Those who have the same treatment include the Howling Commandos who followed Luke and essential members of the Strategic Science Reserve.
Logically speaking, Rogers should feel satisfied.
But after he stayed in Brooklyn for a while, he felt utterly lost, as if he had lost his direction.
"The doors of S.H.I.E.L.D. are always open to you. "
Luke smiled and shook his glass of alcohol.
He could understand Rogers' feelings, just like many veterans who leave the battlefield and are unable to integrate into society so quickly.
Soldiers accustomed to guns and smoke often find it challenging to adapt to the laughter around them.
"S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
Rogers was a little surprised. He hadn't heard of this organization.
" It's the Strategic Science Reserve. " Luke explained. "At the end of the war, the Strategic Science Reserve, which was initially used to fight Hydra, faced restructuring. I just changed the name. "
"Doesn't S.H.I.E.L.D. sound better?"
"In that case, you have something to do again. Unlike me, who hasn't found a goal yet. "
Rogers's eyes reveal a trace of envy.
What he wanted the most was Luke's determined attitude of always being on the move and never feeling hesitant.
"Steve, don't always think about what you experienced on the battlefield. Even if you aren't a good soldier, you can do something else. What's more, this country still needs you. "
Luke once again played the role of a spiritual mentor and persuasively says, "Peace is only temporary. Even if Fascism is dismantled and the Nazi camp is crushed, the politicians in the White House will soon find a new enemy, a red bear standing on the Siberian plains. "
It's a vast country that occupies one-fifth of the world's landmass and is the central core of the Dual-Power.
"You mean there will be another war?"
Rogers was shocked. He didn't doubt Luke's judgment.
Because after many factual trials, it has been proven that his good friend's vision was always accurate and could always pinpoint the truth very sharply.
"In a sense, it's indeed a war. "
Luke took a sip of his alcohol. Before long, the new President would implement Truman Doctrine, which started the Cold War.
The Warsaw Pact and NATO, which imply the emergence of two militaristic political blocs, also confront two social systems.
"So, consider this; sooner or later, Captain America will have to pick up his shield and get back out on the battlefield. S.H.I.E.L.D. would be a good place to stay. "
Like a broker selling stocks on Wall Street, Luke said that to Rogers, who had planned to retire and return to ordinary life. He was somewhat shaken.
"Let me think about it. Thank you, Luke. "
Rogers sincerely thanked him.
"It's not just you, Steve; the country is in mourning for President Roosevelt. At the same time, reveling in the victory of the war. Everyone is confused, and no one knows where to go ..."
Luke drained his glass of gin and patted Rogers on the shoulder.
Captain America was actually in an awkward position.
In the original storyline, Rogers fell into the glacier and was posthumously recognized as a war hero by the military.
Of course, for a dead person who couldn't speak, one could praise him infinitely, no matter how high.
But now it's different. Rogers is still alive.
So, in addition to the heroic name, the military has no intention of giving any tangible rewards.
Luke understood this point a long time ago.
The so-called 'hero' was nothing more than the mascot of the military.
When the country needed you, naturally, they would highly regard you and vigorously publicize your heroic stories and positive image.
But once the war was over, you would lose your usefulness and become dispensable at any moment.
This was the case with Rogers.
With the war won and preparations to sit down and share the cake, the United States no longer needed Captain America to sell bonds.
So, he was abandoned. The army did not care about him, and the White House had nothing to offer but honor.
Luke, who knew the future trajectory, started preparing a long time ago.
By capturing the Italian city of Rome, he got an incredible and unforgettable result.
He then defeated Hydra, initially laid his foundation, and gradually gained a personal voice.
Today, he is no longer a hero with only a name but a General with absolute power.
"I hope you can give me an answer when we meet next time, Steve. "
Luke raised his hand to look at the time, placed the tip under the cup, and helped Rogers pay the bill.
He had to go and meet his next guest.
...
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