Chương 10: Chapter 9: Burning Desires III
May 25, 1943 - Training Facility
Tommy could sense that Dr. Erskine was uncomfortable, though the man tried to mask it with a polite smile. He could feel the brightest scientist in the world was antsy on the inside. He observed the expression quietly before turning to Chester who said, "Why don't you both take a seat? Come on."
The colonel's office was relatively modest, with a large wooden desk at the far end of the room and a flag to one side. Chester sat confidently in a high-backed leather chair as he motioned toward two simple wooden chairs in front of the desk.
Dr. Erskine quickly sat down, while Tommy's gaze lingered on the framed portrait of General Patton mounted on the wall.
"What's the matter, Shelby? Come to miss General Patton already?"
"Well, it seems like you've guessed my thoughts perfectly, Colonel."
Chester joked with a laugh as Tommy sat beside Dr. Erskine. He noticed a large strategic map pinned to the wall beside the desk, dotted with markings indicating troop movements and key locations. His eyes drifted to the European theater, where several critical positions were clearly marked as Allied strongholds.
"Colonel," Tommy said, glancing at the map, "do you update these often?"
"Oh, this?" Chester followed Tommy's gaze and grinned proudly. "I take extra care with it. It comes in handy when I need to report on troop movements. Gotta stay ahead of things, you see."
"Now, Shelby," Chester looked at Dr. Erskine, who turned to look at Tommy.
The colonel did the same before explaining, "As you might have noticed, this project is classified—known only to a select few. I'll give you the basics. Competent soldiers, top-notch weaponry—sure, we've got them. But so do our enemies. The goal of Project Rebirth isn't just to match them; it's to surpass them. To win decisively. And, more importantly, to put an end to this damn war."
"Dr. Erskine here has developed a serum," Tommy turned to look at Dr. Erskine, who curtly nodded at him as he heard Chester continue, "one that offers us the opportunity to do just that. It's not just about building better soldiers; it's about creating something beyond human limits. Strength like you've never imagined. Power beyond any ordinary man. This could shift the entire momentum of the war—turn you into a 'Super Soldier.'"
'Super Soldier?' Tommy quietly thought as his pupils dilated at the word. His heart couldn't help but beat faster.
The idea of gaining strength—beyond anything humanly possible—sounded like the stuff of fairy tales, but here it was, presented to him, real and tangible. Combined with his ability to turn back time after death, his hands trembled as he thought, 'I will be invincible!'
To survive. To thrive. To win. He could avoid more meaningless deaths with more power in his hands. Control. That's what it meant. And maybe—just maybe—he could win this war on his terms.
"We've got everything ready, but we need the right man to lead this charge. Dr. Erskine's been careful—choosing the right candidate is vital." Chester's voice kept ringing in his head, but his mind had completely drifted away. Tommy looked at Dr. Erskine in surprise; this was beyond anything he had anticipated. "And based on your record, Shelby, we pulled you from the front lines to help oversee this project. But we also believe you might be the perfect fit for the program."
Chester leaned back in his chair as he looked at Dr. Erskine. "Dr. Erskine, if you would."
"Thank you, Colonel." Dr. Erskine thanked Chester before picking up something from the desk—a file he had brought along earlier. The scientist stated, "Mr. Shelby. I'm going to ask you a few questions—a formality if you will—but it helps me assess who you are. Please, answer them truthfully."
Tommy nodded, his gaze drifting to the file in Dr. Erskine's hands, and said, "Understood."
"I admit, Lieutenant Colonel, your record is nothing short of extraordinary. Quite astounding, really, given the stories I've heard. But there's a bit of a problem here," Dr. Erskine's brow furrowed slightly as he flipped to a particular section in the file. "Why did you beat up an allied soldier back in Tunisia?"
Tommy fell silent at the question. He wasn't expecting that to be brought up. For a moment, he could feel Chester's eyes on him, watching silently, while Dr. Erskine continued, "I looked into it. Turns out, the man had a scuffle with someone from your squad—a man you grew up with, Arthur Eden. But does that justify dislocating his jaw?"
"Dr. Erskine, do you have any siblings?" he asked as his eyes quietly looked at Dr. Erskine, who shook his head as he continued, "Then you might not understand this: nobody fights my brother but me."
"Your brother? I know you and Eden grew up together, but from what I gather, there's no blood relation between the two of you."
"You're right; we're not related by blood," Tommy nodded at the question. His eyes slowly dimmed as his mind drifted away. Seeing his unfocused eyes seemed to be quite unsettling for Dr. Erskine, as he continued, "I don't particularly like Arthur. He can be a real pain at times. And I'm sure he feels the same about me. But we tolerate each other and look out for each other. So, what does that make us if not brothers?"
"Well said, Shelby!"
Chester let out an awkward laugh. The colonel was clearly trying to ease the sudden tension in the office. Tommy noted that Chester was making an effort to get him accepted by the scientist, but the stiff expression on Dr. Erskine's face told him that the man wasn't entirely pleased with his answer.
"Alright then, Mr. Shelby, let me ask you this: if you had the power to end this war tomorrow, but at the cost of your own life, would you?"
'Is this a test to see my character?' He knew all too well that his character wasn't exactly one to be admired. If Dr. Erskine was searching for someone noble or idealistic, Tommy was not that person. He could already feel the excitement of gaining this new power slipping away. Still, he wasn't going to lie.
With a small shake of his head, he responded firmly, "No, Dr. Erskine."
"What?"
It was Chester who exclaimed in disbelief. The confusion in Chester's eyes was almost amusing to Tommy, and a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his lips. Dr. Erskine seemed to be disappointed in him as he closed the file in his hand, but Tommy had yet to finish his answer as he continued, "I wouldn't sacrifice my life, nor the lives of my men."
After all, he had the advantage of time on his side—quite literally. He had died, over and over, perfecting his plans. Foolishly sacrificing himself or others had never been part of the equation. To do so would be an insult to his intelligence and to all the deaths he'd experienced.
"I will always find the perfect route. The one that leads to a perfect victory."
"Ahaha! Of course! Oh, Shelby, you nearly gave me a heart attack with that one! Perfect victory, eh? Hahaha!"
Chester laughed heartily at this. The colonel seemed to be relieved by his answer, as Tommy could tell even Dr. Erskine himself was quite surprised. The scientist seemed to have changed his opinion of him.
"I see. Those are powerful words, Mr. Shelby," Dr. Erskine said with a smile. "Most men would have given me the answer they think I want to hear—a selfless, noble sacrifice. But you gave me the truth, even if it wasn't what I expected. I respect that."
The doctor reopened the file and asked, "And what if the enemy was standing before you, unarmed—an enemy who's killed your comrades? Would you show mercy?"
"In the heat of battle, Doctor? I'd kill him without hesitation. I've seen too many of my men get cut down thinking the enemy had surrendered."
His answer once again seemed to be not what the scientist was expecting. Tommy could see Dr. Erskine's frown return as he heard the scientist ask, "And what about outside the battlefield?"
"No, I wouldn't kill him," Tommy replied, seeing Dr. Erskine nod at the answer before he added, "He'd die in prison soon enough."
"...Sure." Dr. Erskine hesitated for a brief moment.
Tommy turned to Chester, who exaggeratedly rolled his eyes, raising his hand in a gesture that seemed to say, 'Just enough, don't fuck this up!'
Tommy smiled, understanding the colonel's unspoken message. Still, deep down, he knew it was impossible to sway Dr. Erskine's decision at this point. His focus returned to the scientist as he asked, "Any more questions, Doctor?"
"Just one more. Do you believe in second chances? For yourself... or for others?"
"For myself? Certainly." The irony wasn't lost on him—he could quite literally turn back time after death. "For others? Maybe a few."
"Why only a few?"
"Why? Would you offer Hitler a second chance if he suddenly regretted starting this war?"
His rhetorical answer seemed to have completely shut Dr. Erskine's mouth, as he heard a loud slap when he saw Chester face-palm at his answer. The colonel leaned even deeper into his chair, and Tommy almost chuckled at this as he looked at Dr. Erskine closing his file and letting out a long sigh.
"My apologies, Colonel Chester. As much as I admire Mr. Shelby's accomplishments and his logical answers, I'm afraid I must decline. I'd rather proceed with other candidates."
"Would you reconsider, Doctor?" Chester asked. "If even someone like Shelby doesn't meet the criteria, how are we supposed to find anyone suitable for this project?"
"Indeed, but it's not just about physical prowess, Colonel. The candidate must be someone of… strong character." Dr. Erskine shook his head, his decision seemingly final.
Tommy felt a slight pang of regret, but it was fleeting. Some things he couldn't control, and this might be one of them. It was no use to keep thinking about it as he spoke, "I get it, Doctor. Believe me, I'd love the strength that serum promises, but it seems fate has other plans."
"Doctor... are you sure?" Chester called softly before turning to him. "Shelby, could you give us a moment?"
Tommy nodded; he could see Chester was still in favor of getting him to be the candidate for the project. Without another word, he stood, offering a curt farewell before making his way out of the office. The silence gave him a bit of calm as he opened the door and stepped out.
'I need to find a place to smoke.'
Walking through the busy command center once again, soldiers passing by snapped to attention, saluting as they recognized the insignia on his shoulder. Tommy tried to find a quiet place to smoke a cigarette, but the screams of the drills somehow brought him closer to the training grounds outside.
Rows of soldiers were being barked at, their bodies pushing through obstacle courses, sweat mixing with dirt. It was a familiar sight for him. Tommy took a long drag of his cigarette, exhaling slowly as his gaze landed on the man leading the drills—Arthur.
"Keep going, soldiers! Do you think war's a good time? Do you think you'll escape without sweating, crying, and bleeding? No! Sweat more today, cry more, and then you'll only have to bleed in war!"
"Sir, yes, sir!"
The unified response echoed back like the sharp crack of a rifle as Tommy curled up his lips, thinking, 'It seems like he's having fun.'
"Enjoying the show?"
A voice called as he saw Chester approaching. The colonel stood beside him, looking at the ongoing training as he said, "Brings back memories, doesn't it?"
"Yeah. Some things never change."
"I had a word with Dr. Erskine," Chester said, glancing sideways at Tommy. "He's open to speaking with you again. I like how you answered his questions, but... maybe soften your responses a bit. Erskine's a soft-spoken sort; he takes things to heart—"
"Colonel, I've got a question," Tommy exhaled a puff of smoke, his thoughts already drifting elsewhere.
He was already thinking about his problem, forgetting the super serum since he knew Dr. Erskine was just being cordial with Chester. He leaned back slightly and asked, "Do you know anyone wealthy? Someone I could talk business with?"
"Wealthy? What are you talking about?"
"I'm thinking about starting a business."
"You're looking for an investor? In the middle of this mess?" Chester asked. "Well, I do know a guy. But why now?"
"Could you set me up for a meeting?"
"I can arrange it," Chester nodded. "But getting the money, that's on you, Shelby. Don't expect any handouts."
"That's all I need, Colonel," Tommy smiled. "And one more thing, could you stay out of this, Colonel?"
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You'll know what I mean."
Tommy flicked the cigarette butt to the ground, crushing it beneath his boot before starting his walk toward the training ground. The soldiers noticed his presence, their eyes shifting to him, and Arthur's shouting abruptly ceased. As he approached, he caught sight of Arthur's surprised expression. "What are you doing here, Colonel?"
"Arthur," Tommy called softly, a small smile playing on his lips as he stepped closer. "No hard feelings."
Then, out of nowhere, Tommy swung his arm, landing a punch squarely on Arthur's jaw. The sergeant stumbled backward, falling onto his backside, disbelief etched across his face.
"What the hell, Tommy?!" Arthur shouted, his voice a mix of confusion and anger.
But Tommy didn't stop. He laughed heartily, throwing another punch.
Arthur was reeling from the blow as he felt a sharp pain through his jaw, and his vision blurred momentarily. Yet, driven by anger, he sprang to his feet, completely losing himself. Tommy's laughter mingled with the chaos of their fight as everyone just watched in shock.
"You've lost your bloody mind!" He heard Chester's voice as the colonel sprinted toward them, shouting to the other soldiers, "Break it up, break it up!"
Hands grabbed Tommy, pulling him back as soldiers rushed in to separate them. Despite the chaos, Tommy couldn't wipe the grin from his face. Arthur's agitation grew, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Tommy. "What the hell are you laughing at, you madman?"
"Pfft—Sorry, Arthur. I just got Polly a helper, that's all. Thought I'd let you know... haha!"
His laugh seemed to make Arthur realize what he was doing, as Tommy could see Arthur's pupils dilate in disbelief. The guy cursed loudly, growing more frantic despite the soldiers holding him back as he shouted, "You... you crazy bastard!"
Tommy reveled in the moment, Arthur's curses ringing in his ears like a twisted melody.
Despite being rejected for the project, he was satisfied somehow—another problem had been solved. The training facility erupted into chaos for a brief moment before settling back to normal, soldiers returning to their drills, with a few chuckling at the spectacle they had just witnessed.
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