Chapter 20 - Conditioning
The movie continues to play in time-lapse again. The dates noted change quickly as time passes.
Doctor's Notes
December 1946 - "We've kept the patient in a medically induced coma as it healed. It has taken four weeks for everything to heal due to such invasive and dangerous surgery. The skin on its torso completely healed within 72 hours except for the seam at the left shoulder.
Regeneration of bone where it now meets with titanium was extremely slow to heal. We believe the body may have been trying to reject the foreign material.
Antibiotic IV drip was administered for 3 weeks and seems to have worked. The flesh that's been soldered to the metal socket is angry and red and puckered still. We will evaluate that further. Since it woke there's been very little sign of the spitfire personality from before, although lapses do occasionally occur."
February 1947 - "It has been another five weeks of rest and recuperation. General Karpova has put Colonel Lukin in charge of conditioning.
Subject has now begun a simple exercise and stretching routine. The patient is like an automaton. The light is on but there is nobody home. At this point, the Asset has been Hydra's property for two years."
March 1947 - "The Asset has been provided with its first item of clothing - boxer briefs.
The flesh that's been soldered to the titanium plating on its shoulder and torso is still angry and red and puckered. Perhaps there are some injuries that even the serum can't completely heal.
However, the subject has a daily exercise routine. It began running on a treadmill - 5 miles every day. It is off balance without a left arm, but it is getting better with practice.
Of course, if it falls, Colonel Lukin has instructed that it will be disciplined with the electric baton and start over.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset runs methodically."
April 1947 - "The flesh that's been soldered to the titanium plating on its shoulder and torso is still angry and red and puckered.
The subject now runs 10 miles every day - at top speed. First, 5 miles on a 20 degree incline, then 5 miles on a five degree incline.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset runs efficiently."
May 1947 - "The flesh that's been soldered to the titanium plating on its shoulder and torso is still angry and red and puckered.
It now runs 15 miles every day - at top speed. Five miles on a 10 degree incline. Ten miles on a 20 degree incline.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset runs systematically."
June 1947 - "The flesh that's been soldered to the titanium plating on its shoulder and torso is still angry and red and puckered.
The Asset runs 20 miles every day. Five miles on a 10 degree incline. Five miles on a 20 degree incline. Five miles on a 10 degree incline. Five miles on a 20 degree incline - at top speed.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset runs without thought."
August 1947 - "The flesh that's been soldered to the titanium plating on its shoulder and torso is finally beginning to heal with the aid of strong antibiotics which are administered every night via IV.
The Asset has been given standard issue tactical pants. It runs 30 miles every day - at top speed. It is lifting weights with its right arm in the gym to build up its muscles and endurance.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset performs with precision."
October 1947 - "It now runs for 50 miles every day - at top speed. The Asset performs a variety of weight lifting, strength training, and endurance exercises. It now runs obstacle courses.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset performs without protest."
"If it falters at any time during its training, Colonel Lukin is ready to discipline the subject with an electric baton and must begin again.
When it completes its training without any errors, it is provided with additional food.
Failure is not allowed. The Asset does not fail."