After settling everything, Luke spent the next few days in various social situations.
From press conferences held at the White House to celebration dinners held by various military ministries, it never stopped spinning.
Everyone was smiling and admiring him when they saw him, and the atmosphere was so harmonious that Luke almost had the illusion that "the war has been won."
According to the plot of the movie, if Captain America hadn't stopped Hydra Red Skull's bombing plan, the Allies might not have won so smoothly.
"...I am very honored to award this Medal of Honor, which symbolizes bravery and valor, to Brigadier General Luke Cavill! He is a hero of the Allies and our hero!"
On the White House lawn, President Roosevelt personally placed the medal representing the highest military honor on Luke's chest.
Afterwards, the two shook hands cordially and took photos.
It is estimated that the headlines in all newspapers tomorrow will be news about this matter.
"Although I heard that you are young, I didn't expect you to be so young! You know, when I was your age, all I could think about was how to strike up a conversation with the hottest girl in school!"
After the investiture ceremony, there was a luncheon at the White House. The President walked up to Luke and chatted without any pretense.
As the longest-serving and highly regarded person in power in American history, the other party knows how to bring people closer.
Throughout the conversation, Mr. President only talked about Luke's parents who died young, the difficult past at school, and Uncle Frank.
Act like a gentle and affectionate elder rather than a powerful person in a high position.
"I just made some insignificant contributions, no different from those soldiers on the battlefield."
Luke is also good at saying beautiful things.
Politicians tend to mince words, even one like Roosevelt.
"Dwight and I are very grateful for your gift. Luke—can I call you that! I have met many outstanding young people, but you are still the best among them!"
Mr. President finally got to the point and said with a smile: "In return, what should I do for you? This war is not over yet, many... the distribution of interests is difficult to determine, and your position is already eye-catching enough. It’s not easy to keep going up.”
"I want to return to the battlefield and end this war with my own hands."
Luke said in a strong voice, with no trace of hypocrisy on his expression.
For him, the position of brigadier general was not enough.
While the war is not over yet, the key is to seize the time to gain achievements.
Regardless of Roosevelt being polite to him now, when the dust of World War II settles, if Luke has no other use value except the halo of honor above his head, the other party will definitely treat him as a passerby.
"Well… "
The president, who was waiting to write a bunch of bad checks, was stunned for a moment, wondering why this young brigadier general didn't follow the routine.
It's obviously his time to promise benefits, build relationships, and then be grateful and accepted as a confidant...
How did he become such a righteous and proactive person that he asked for a fight
"Then I'll contact the Allied Forces Command."
Mr. President said dryly.
Luke watched the other person leave and suppressed his smile.
He set a goal long ago not to be a mascot for the federal government.
Neither politicians nor capital groups can buy themselves off.
"Who would be willing to be inferior to others?"
Luke held the champagne in his hand with a sneer on his lips.
"Your Excellency, Brigadier General, I am a reporter from the Daily Bugle! Can I take a photo?"
When the young reporter saw the president leaving, his entourage quickly ran over without stopping him.
He struggled to carry the heavy camera and looked at Luke expectantly.
Daily Bugle
I bet this is still an old newspaper
Luke raised his eyebrows and stood up straight, with a friendly yet polite smile on his face.
"Can."
Click!
A flash of light freezes the scene.
The young brigadier general's upright posture and handsome face will be spread around the world through printed newspapers.
…
…
"You don't look very happy, Steve—oh no, I should call you Captain America. Who's going to take care of the Krauts? The Star-Spangled Man with big plans!"
By the time Luke saw Rogers, a week had passed since he returned to New York.
The Allied Forces Command finally agreed that the young brigadier general who wanted to go to the front line should go to the battlefield.
After having some free time, Luke made a special trip to visit his old friend. He even hummed the familiar melody that was well known in the streets.
It’s just that Rogers didn’t seem to be happy to hear this song. He turned his head in shame and said: “Stop making fun of me, Luke—or do you want me to call you Superman too? I don’t like it at all. Life!"
Backstage at a Broadway theater, Captain America, wearing a tight-fitting costume and holding a Union Flag shield in his hand, looked frustrated.
There is no longer the determination and high morale of the past!
He has become the senator's tool to sell bonds.
Every day life consists of cooperating with publicity, performing on stage, and taking group photos.
Saying the same lines and doing repetitive actions, like a machine!
"You are the hero in comic books and movies, the Captain America that everyone admires..."
Luke patted the other party's shoulder and said this deliberately.
"They just need an idol! A clown standing on the stage! You are the hero in the real world! By the way, I haven't congratulated you yet, Brigadier General Cavill!"
Rogers shook his head, cheered up, and said with a smile.
His original purpose in joining the army was to make his due contribution to this war like a soldier on the front line.
Instead of standing on the stage like a clown, saying meaningless lines, and promoting various bonds issued by the country.
"I thought you would like the feeling of being a big star in the Broadway theater and having people recognize you wherever you go."
Luke put his hand around Rogers' neck and said with a smile.
"But you have changed a lot. In the past, I had to bend down to reach your shoulders."
Rogers turned his face away, ignored his friend's teasing, and said in a tired tone: "You know, the last time I went to Lehigh Training Camp in New Jersey—the same place we stayed. Every soldier was talking about you, saying Your training experience and your legendary deeds.”
"Really! I'm happy for you and proud of you! Luke, you deserve this honor! I wanted to tell them that you were my friend! But I was afraid that those soldiers would ask why you were on the front line , and I was hiding behind..."
Rogers, who is called "Captain America", laughed self-deprecatingly.
He was tired of his current life, but he couldn't resist.
Obeying orders is a soldier's duty.
The senator obtained the military's consent, and Rogers could only obey.
"Then you can go to Europe with me."
Luke still put his arm around Rogers' shoulders as he did in Brooklyn before, and told the surprising good news in an understatement.
"Europe...really?"
It took Rogers a few seconds to react, with an expression of disbelief on his face.
"But what about the military? The senator won't agree!"
Soon, Rogers' eyes dimmed again.
He knew Luke was trying to help him, but it wouldn't be good to get into trouble for it.
Senator Brandt was well established on the committee and had good relations with the military.
"Hey, little guy from Brooklyn, standing before you is a brigadier general, a hero of the Allies, a rising star decorated by the President."
Luke pretended to be annoyed, frowned, and said his title seriously.
In fact, before driving here, he had gone to see Senator Brandt.
After hearing about his purpose of coming, the arrogant senator simply agreed without saying a word.
Before Luke left, the other party even begged him not to blame, and his attitude was very low.
This is the true nature of politicians, bullying the weak and fearing the strong, and adapting to the situation!
"How about it? Captain America, do you want to go to the European battlefield and see with me how powerful Hydra is?"
Hearing Luke's invitation, Rogers nodded sharply, his eyes full of surprise.
He felt like he had hope in his life again!
"Thank you, Luke."
Rogers said gratefully.
"You should call me Commander."
Luke laughed twice and pulled Captain America out of the Broadway theater.
"Let's go! Let's go have a drink! Celebrate Captain America's new life and our reunion!"
The two figures walked shoulder to shoulder, chatting and laughing as they walked onto the street and disappeared into the crowd. (End of chapter)