บท 16: Chapter 16

Pov Levi:

Steve stare down as an SSR doctor and nurse draw blood from his arm. Peggy watches with concern etched on her face. They attempt to draw blood from me as well, but the needle consistently breaks upon contact with my arm - a testament to my impenetrable skin, which even bullets can't pierce.

"Think you've got enough?" I ask the nurse, eyeing the vial she's filling, which rests beside a dozen others.

"Does my blood really need to be taken in such quantities?" Steve inquires, his brow furrowed.

Peggy addresses Steve's concern, "All of Dr. Erskine's research and equipment are gone. The only hope of reproducing the Super Soldier program lies within your genetic code. However, it would take years, if not decades, to crack the code. For now, you're the only source of blood we can obtain." Her gaze shifts to me, emphasizing the significance.

Steve rolls down his sleeve, revealing a hint of frustration. His eyes land on Erskine's shattered glasses on the desk, and he mutters under his breath, "Erskine deserved more than that." I hear him clearly due to my enhanced hearing.

I place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't guilt yourself, Steve. Erskine had hope in us, and we can honor his legacy by moving forward together."

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In the SSR warehouse, Howard Stark, wearing coveralls and goggles, meticulously disassembles the HYDRA minisub. As Phillips enters with Senator Brandt and his aides, Stark looks up.

SENATOR BRANDT: "Colonel Phillips, my committee demands answers."

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "Great. Let's start with how German spies got a ride to my secret installation in your car, Senator."

Brandt frowns, taken aback.

COLONEL PHILLIPS: (turning to Stark) "What've we got, Howard?"

I, Peggy and Steve inter as colonel asked this from Stark.

HOWARD STARK: "Well, modestly speaking, I'm the best mechanical engineer in the country... and I have no idea what any of this is or how it works. This technology is beyond our capabilities."

SENATOR BRANDT: "Then who is responsible?"

I speak up, "Hydra."

Brandt looks at me blankly.

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "I'm sure you've read our briefings, Senator."

SENATOR BRANDT: (defensively) "I'm on numerous committees, Colonel."

PEGGY CARTER: (explaining) "Hydra is the Nazi deep science division, led by Dr. Erskine's first test subject, Johann Schmidt."

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "Hydra's a cult. They worship Schmidt, believing him invincible."

SENATOR BRANDT: "So, what are you going to do about it?"

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "I spoke to the President this morning. As of today, the SSR's being re-tasked. We're taking the fight to Hydra."

PEGGY CARTER: (surprised) "Colonel?"

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "Pack your bags, Agent Carter. You, too, Levi and Stark. We fly to London tonight."

STEVE: "Sir, if you're going after Schmidt, I want in."

COLONEL PHILLIPS: "You're an experiment, Steve. We're sending you to Alamogordo."

STEVE: (determined) "As what, a lab rat? The serum worked!"

I support Steve, "Colonel, we need every advantage. He can help eliminate Hydra."

COLONEL PHILLIPS: (irritated) "I asked for an army. All I got is him and you. You're enough for now, Levi. Steve is not experienced in warfare."

Steve looks disappointed. As I try to convince the Colonel, Brandt waves his aide over.

SENATOR BRANDT: "With all due respect, Colonel, I think we're missing the point. You've seen Steve in action. More importantly, the country has."

Brandt's aide hands him a copy of the New York Examiner: "NAZI SABOTEUR FOILED! TWO MYSTERY MEN SAVE CIVILIANS!"

STEVE: (surprised) "Sir?"

SENATOR BRANDT: "Enlistment lines have been around the block since this hit the newsstands. You don't take a soldier, a symbol like this, and hide him in a lab."

Steve looks at Brandt, unsure of his motives.

SENATOR BRANDT: "He needs to be out there, showing the world what the American fighting man is made of."

STEVE: (enthusiastically) "It's all I want."

SENATOR BRANDT: "Then congratulations, son. You just got promoted."

As Senator Brandt and Steve exit the SSR warehouse, I and Peggy prepare for our mission to London. I also need to train my new body and discover its capabilities.

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It's been two weeks since we arrived at the London SSR headquarters. During this time, we've developed strategies to eliminate Hydra. I've also conducted tests to understand my abilities and found that I can lift up to 10 tons, which astonishes me. My top speed is 200 mph, far beyond human capabilities. I believe that with more effort and training, I can surpass my limits.

Now that I know my capabilities, I exercise daily, no longer needing to hide my strength. Everyone is impressed by my displays of power. However, I must control my strength in hand-to-hand combat to avoid accidentally killing someone. I often think about Steve during these fights, wondering how he would fare if he were here. If I'm this strong, he would likely be similarly powerful, making mock fights more engaging.

I've also discovered an inner energy, akin to the ancient Chinese concept of Chi, which I can harness as an extra layer of defense. This energy enhances my physical attributes, including strength, speed, reflexes, agility, durability, and stamina. However, it has limitations, such as only being usable for short periods before exhaustion sets in, requiring rest to replenish.

Peggy approaches me after my exercise, asking, "So, how do you feel? Do you ever rest?"

I respond, "I feel refreshed, even after exhaustion. After some rest, I can return to my best state."

Peggy informs me, "Good, because the Colonel wants to see you in his office."

I reply, "Okay, I'll be there after a shower."

I inquire about Steve, "Any news about Steve?"

Peggy responds, "Yes, he's become famous for his campaign across the country. There are even comics featuring him as Captain America."

She hands me newspapers with photos of Steve alongside Senator Brandt. I remark, "So, the Senator is using Steve's fame to support his political power as disguised, increases the war effort."

Peggy adds, "Yes, and it's working. Recruitment numbers have increased."

I say, "Now it's my turn to show my way of war. I'll head to the office after my shower."