Chapter 37 The President's Honor, Goodbye to the American Team
After settling everything in, Luke spent the next few days in various social situations.
From the press conference held at the White House to the celebration dinner of various military departments, the axis has not stopped.
Everyone saw him smiling and appreciating, and the atmosphere was so harmonious that Luke almost had the illusion that "the war had been won".
According to the plot of the movie, if Captain America hadn't stopped the bombing plan of the Hydra Red Skull, the Allies might not have won so smoothly.
ββ¦β¦ It is a great honour for me to present this Medal of Honor, a symbol of bravery and bravery, to Brigadier General Luke Cavill! He is a hero of the Confederates and a hero of ours! β
On the lawn of the White House, President Roosevelt, who was in a wheelchair, personally wore the medal representing the highest military honor on Luke's chest.
After that, the two shook hands cordially and took a group photo.
It is estimated that the headlines of all the newspapers tomorrow will be news about this matter.
"I've heard you're young, but I didn't expect you to be so young! You know, at your age, my mind is full of how to talk to the hottest girl in school! β
After the ceremony, there was a luncheon at the White House, and the entourage pushed Mr. President next to Luke.
As the longest-serving and highly regarded ruler in the history of the United States, the other party knows how to bring people closer together.
Throughout the conversation, Mr. President simply talked about Luke's parents who died young, the difficult time at school, and Uncle Frank.
Behave like a gentle and gracious elder, not a person in a position of authority.
"I've only made a small contribution, just like the soldiers on the battlefield."
Luke doesn't fall behind when he says pretty things.
Politicians like to beat around the bush, even if they were politicians like Roosevelt.
"Dwight and I, both thank you for the gift. Luke - I can call you that! I've met many good young people, but you're still the best of those young people! β
Mr. President finally got to the point, smiled and said, "What should I do for you in return?" This war is not over, and many ...... It's hard to settle on the distribution of benefits, and your position is already eye-catching enough that it's hard to move on. β
"I want to go back to the battlefield and end this war with my own hands."
Luke said loudly, without the slightest hint of falsification.
For him, the position of brigadier general was not enough.
While the war is not over, the key is to seize the time to gain results.
Don't look at Roosevelt's politeness to himself now, when the dust of World War II settles, if Luke has no other use value except for the halo of honor on his head, the other party will definitely treat him as a passerby.
By the way, if nothing else, the president in a wheelchair may die of a sudden cerebral hemorrhage before the war is completely over.
In this way, Truman, as vice president, is a worthy investor.
A series of thoughts raced through Luke's head.
"Uh......"
Mr. President, who was waiting to write a bunch of empty checks, was stunned for a moment, how could this young brigadier general not play his cards according to the routine.
Obviously, it should be himself who promises benefits, woos relationships, and then reaps gratitude and accepts him as a confidant......
How did it become a righteous and awe-inspiring initiative to ask for war?
"Then I'll get in touch with the Allied Command."
Mr. President said dryly.
Luke, who watched the other party leave, restrained his smile.
He had long set the goal of not being the mascot of the federal government.
Neither politicians nor capital groups can buy themselves.
"Who would be willing to be subservient?"
Luke held the champagne in his hand, a sneer tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"Your Excellency, I am a reporter from the Daily Clarion! Can I take a photo? β
When the young reporter saw Mr. President leaving, the entourage who did not stop him hurriedly trotted over.
He struggled to carry his bulky camera and looked at Luke expectantly.
Clarion Daily?
Dare to love this is still an old newspaper?
Luke raised an eyebrow and stood up straight, with a friendly and polite smile on his face.
"Yes."
Click!
A flash of light, the picture freezes.
The young brigadier's upright posture and handsome face will be spread around the world with the printed newspapers.
β¦β¦
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"You don't seem happy, Steveβoh no, I should call you Captain America. Who's going to clean up the Germans? It's the Star-Spangled Banner man with a big plan! β
By the time Luke met Rogers, it had been a week since he returned to New York.
On the side of the Allied Command, it finally agreed that this young brigadier general, who was bent on going to the front, went to the battlefield.
Luke, who had come to his spare time, made a special trip to visit his old friend, and he specially hummed the familiar melody that was well-known in the streets and alleys.
It's just that Rogers didn't seem to like hearing the song, and tilted his head rather shamefully and said, "Don't make fun of me, Luke - or do you want me to call you Superman?" I don't like my life at all! β
Backstage at a Broadway theater, Captain America in a tight costume and carrying a Star-Spangled Banner shield with a dejected expression on his face.
There is no longer the unwavering and fighting spirit of the past!
He has become a tool in the hands of senators to sell bonds.
Every day's life is to cooperate with the publicity, perform on stage, and then take a group photo.
Saying the same lines and doing repetitive movements, like a machine!
"You're the hero of comic books and movies, the Captain America that everyone admires......"
Luke patted the other man on the shoulder, deliberately saying this.
"They just need an idol! A clown standing on the stage! You're the hero of the real world! By the way, I haven't congratulated you yet, Brigadier General Cavell! β
Rogers shook his head, cheered up, and squeezed out a smile as he spoke.
The purpose of his first joining the army was to make his due contribution to this war like the soldiers on the front line.
Instead of being like a clown, standing on the stage and saying meaningless lines, promoting all kinds of bonds issued by the state.
"I thought you'd love the feeling that a big star in a Broadway theater knows you everywhere you go."
Luke put his hand around Rogers' neck and said with a smile.
"But you've changed a lot, and I used to have to bend down to get my hands on your shoulder."
Rogers turned his face away, ignored his friend's teasing, and said in a tired tone, "You know, the last time I went to the Caspian training camp in New Jersey - that's where we stayed. Every soldier is talking about you, about your training experience, and about your legendary deeds. β
"Really! I'm so happy for you and proud of you! Luke, you deserve this honor! I wanted to tell them that you were my friend! But I'm afraid the soldiers will ask, 'Why are you on the front line and I'm hiding in the rear......"
Rogers, known as "Captain America", laughed self-deprecatingly.
He was tired of the present day, but he couldn't resist.
It is a soldier's duty to obey orders.
And the senator got the consent of the military, and Rogers could only obediently.
"Then you can go to Europe with me."
Luke also put his arm around Rogers' shoulders as he had done in Brooklyn and said the surprising good news in an understated tone.
"Europe...... Are you sure? β
It took a few seconds for Rogers to react, a look of disbelief on his face.
"But what about the military? The senators won't agree! β
Soon, Rogers' eyes darkened again.
He knew that Luke was trying to help him, but it wouldn't be good to get into trouble because of it.
Senator Brandt has a strong position on the committee and has a good relationship with the military.
"Hey, little man from Brooklyn, standing in front of you is a brigadier general, a hero of the Allies, a rising star who has been honored by the President."
Luke feigned annoyance, frowned, and said his title in a serious manner.
In fact, before driving here, he had gone to see Senator Brandt.
When he heard about his intentions, the arrogant senator didn't say a word, so he simply agreed.
Before Luke left, the other party even begged him not to blame, and lowered his posture.
This is the true nature of a politician, bullying the soft and fearing the hard, and seeing the wind and making the rudder!
"How? Captain America, do you want to go to the European theater and come with me to see how powerful Hydra really is! β
Hearing Luke's invitation, Rogers nodded sharply, his eyes full of surprise.
He felt that his life had seen hope again!
"Thank you, Luke."
Rogers said gratefully.
"You should call me Commander."
Luke laughed twice and dragged Captain America out of the Broadway theater.
"Let's go! Let's go have a drink! Celebrate Captain America getting a new life, and celebrate our reunion! β
The two figures hooked their shoulders, laughed and walked down the street, disappearing into the crowd.