Let me take you all back to 1940. A man from New York's Brooklyn, named Steven Grant Rogers, participates in the tragic, grandiose World War II. Born on July 4, 1918, Steve grew up during a time of great social and political turmoil, with the backdrop of the Great Depression and the looming threat of World War II.
Physically frail and small in stature, Steve Rogers faced numerous health issues during his childhood, including asthma, which prevented him from participating in physical activities and made him an easy target for bullies. Despite his physical limitations, Steve possessed an unwavering spirit, a strong sense of justice, and an indomitable will.
In the early 1940s, as tensions escalated with the rise of Nazi Germany, Steve became increasingly aware of the atrocities being committed and desired to serve his country. However, his numerous failed attempts to enlist in the military due to his physical condition left him feeling frustrated and disheartened. Steve's life took a dramatic turn when he caught the attention of Dr. Abraham Erskine, a German scientist who was working on a top-secret project known as the Super Soldier Program. Recognizing Steve's determination, bravery, and noble character, Dr. Erskine selected him as the ideal candidate for the experiment.
Undergoing a transformative procedure, Steve was injected with a serum that enhanced his physical abilities, making him stronger, faster, and more resilient than an average human. Coupled with an experimental vita-ray treatment, the process turned Steve into the pinnacle of human potential. Undergoing a transformative procedure, Steve was injected with a serum that enhanced his physical abilities, making him stronger, faster, and more resilient than an average human. Coupled with an experimental vita-ray treatment, the process turned Steve into the pinnacle of human potential.
However, tragedy struck when a spy within the program assassinated Dr. Erskine, resulting in the loss of the formula and leaving Steve as the only successful super-soldier. The government decided to utilize his newfound abilities for propaganda purposes and created the persona of "Captain America."
Steve began touring the country as Captain America, starring in stage shows and films that depicted him fighting against the Axis powers and boosting American morale. Despite his initial reservations about the role, Steve used his platform to inspire others and instill hope during a time of great uncertainty and war. Eventually, Steve's path crossed with Peggy Carter, a British intelligence agent, and the two formed a close bond. Together, they embarked on several missions to dismantle Hydra, a secret Nazi organization that posed a significant threat to global security.
It was during one of these missions that Steve encountered his nemesis, the Red Skull, the leader of Hydra. Their confrontation ultimately led to a climactic battle, resulting in the Red Skull's apparent demise but also leaving Steve stranded in the Arctic.
Frozen in ice for nearly six decades, Steve Rogers' story would continue in the modern era when he was discovered and thawed out by the superhero team known as the Avengers in the year 2001. Since then, he has been serving America's justice as Captain America, striving for a better tomorrow, the American Way.
Recently, the government and SHIELD had created a joint collaboration for the Avengers to assist in the Syrian Civil War. They sent Steve to participate and help US troops in Syria, seeing that he was best suit to intervene, arriving in the third phase of the conflict; the escalation path.
SYRIA, 2013
The American Avenger walks through the smoke in a barren city, his shield caked up with dirt and scratches from previous battles. In the midst of the chaos and destruction of the Syrian Civil War, Captain America finds himself standing at the forefront, a beacon of hope amidst the turmoil. The air is thick with tension, witnessing the suffering and fear etched on the faces of the war-weary civilians, caught in the crossfire between warring factions.
With unwavering resolve, Captain America steps forward, his shield gleaming in the sunlight, a symbol of protection and strength. His presence alone instills a glimmer of hope in the hearts of the desperate and downtrodden. He knows that he must act swiftly to defend those who cannot defend themselves. And as he takes his first step into the conflict zone, Captain America's senses sharpen, his training and instincts honed to perfection. His eyes scan the surroundings, analyzing the battlefield, and identifying the imminent threats to the innocent. He spots a group of heavily armed soldiers advancing towards a cluster of terrified civilians huddled together for safety.
Without hesitation, Captain America leaps into action. His movements are a mere blur as he weaves through the chaos, closing the distance between himself and the soldiers. His shield becomes an extension of his body, a formidable weapon that deflects bullets and shatters weapons with ease.
"HRAAH!"
Captain America whips his body around, launching into the air in a 360 spin, launching the Star-Spangled Shield into the soldiers as it bounced off of them like nothing. Steve's eyes dart towards a lone soldier, aiming his rifle towards the Avenger. Within a mere blink of the eye, the Captain charges forth in a blur, utilizing his bare hands. He swings with a strong right hook to the jaw, followed up with a straightforward uppercut that sends the soldier reeling back. He grabs the soldier's uniform with his gloved hand, using his strength to lift him up..!
"Stay down!"
And smashes him into the ground on his back, dust billowing up after the impact. He turns his head, seeing the shield return to him after ricocheting off of the others' bodies. He grabs the shield, and puts it back over his wrist, turning towards the civilians.
"It's safe. You all can come out."
The civilians come from their hiding spots, as Captain America watches them. His head soon turns away, before his body does the same, walking away. Crackling noises come from his ear; the communications ear piece. He presses it with just one finger - Maria Hill of SHIELD was contacting him on his status.
"Captain Rogers, this is Maria Hill. How are things looking on the ground?"
"Director Hill, good to hear your voice. The situation here is tense. The conflict shows no signs of abating, and the civilians are caught in the crossfire. I've been doing what I can to defend and protect them."
"You're doing great work, Steve. We're monitoring the situation closely from here. If things escalate further, SHIELD is preparing to send in the Falcon to provide backup and reconnaissance support. He'll be on standby if you need assistance."
"Absolutely, Steve. Falcon's aerial capabilities will give us an advantage in scouting enemy positions and gathering intel. But remember, your leadership and experience on the ground are invaluable. We have full confidence in you."
Unbeknownst to Captain America, danger awaits him as he engages in a communication call with Maria Hill.
Perched atop a building's rooftop, a lone sniper adjusts the scope of their high-powered rifle, ensuring maximum precision. The crosshairs settle upon Captain America, who stands in an exposed position, engrossed in his conversation with Maria. The sniper's finger gently rests against the trigger, prepared to deliver a lethal blow. With heightened senses, Captain America's instincts kick in. His years of training enable him to sense an imminent threat, even when his focus is divided. A split-second before the sniper takes the shot, a sense of danger tugs at Captain America's awareness.
In an instant, Captain America's reflexes take over. He instinctively lunges forward, narrowly evading the bullet's deadly trajectory. The round whizzes past him, grazing his shoulder and leaving a shallow gash. The impact jars him, but his unwavering determination persists. The sound of the gunshot reverberates through the desolate streets, alerting Captain America to the sniper's presence. He quickly assesses the situation, his mind racing to devise a plan. He knows that he must neutralize the threat and protect the innocent.
And with a quick dash, Captain America closes the distance between himself and the sniper's location. His shield, a constant companion, becomes his primary defense, deflecting bullets as he navigates the treacherous landscape. The sniper, sensing the imminent danger, attempts to reposition, seeking a vantage point that would grant a clear shot. However, Captain America's relentless pursuit leaves no room for respite. He anticipates the sniper's moves, cutting off their escape routes and limiting their options. As Captain America closes in, the sniper's desperation grows. They squeeze off rounds in rapid succession, hoping to catch him off guard. But Captain America's combat prowess and enhanced reflexes prove to be insurmountable obstacles. He dodges and weaves with remarkable precision, evading the sniper's deadly aim.
Utilizing his environment to his advantage, Captain America maneuvers through the rubble and debris, closing in on the sniper's position. His years of tactical expertise and relentless determination guide him, ensuring that he remains one step ahead of his adversary.
With a final burst of speed, Captain America confronts the sniper face-to-face. The sniper, gripped by fear and overwhelmed by Captain America's relentless pursuit, fumbles for a sidearm, hoping to salvage the situation. But before they can react, Captain America's swift strike disarms them, rendering them helpless. As the dust settles, Captain America stands over the subdued sniper, his expression a mix of disappointment and compassion. He knows that each life lost to the ravages of war is a tragedy. In that moment, he becomes a symbol of mercy, extending a hand to his fallen adversary, offering them the chance to choose a different path.
The sniper smacks his hand away, crawling away - then breaking into a sprint to gain distance away from him. Steve sighs, returning to the comm call.
"Director Hill, this is Steve. The sniper threat has been neutralized. I'm safe."
"Thank goodness, Steve. We were on the edge of our seats here. I'm relieved to hear that you're okay. Are you injured?"
"Just a graze on my shoulder, nothing serious. It's a reminder to stay vigilant. I appreciate your concern, Director Hill."
"I'm relieved to hear that, Steve. You always manage to come out on top. That's why we call you Captain America."
Steve steps over a piece of rubble while on the call, standing on the ledge of an abandoned building. He overlooks the town filled with smoke from explosions left by various battles from the conflict. The skies are a tint of bleak yellow. But, somehow in the midst of all this death and chaos left by the civil war, he manages to chuckle a bit with Maria's words.
"You couldn't of had said it any better," he grins. "but it's not on me. I can't afford to back down here."
"That's right, Cap. Your combat skills and leadership are unparalleled. We're lucky to have you on our side, Steve."
"I appreciate the kind words, Maria. But this conflict... it's complicated. The people I'm fighting against, they're driven by their own pain and desperation. I can't help but wonder if there's a better way to reach them, to find common ground."
Director Hill sighs over the communications, feeling Captain America's own uncertainty through his voice. "It's a difficult situation. But remember, you're not alone in this. SHIELD is here to support you, and we share your desire for a peaceful resolution. We'll continue to explore diplomatic channels while you do what you do best."
Captain America witnesses a tank drive by, his eyebrows narrowing inside the mask.
"That means a lot, Maria. I may not have all the answers, but I'll keep fighting for what's right. I won't give up on finding a way to protect the innocent and bring about lasting change. I've got to sign off, more troops are coming in."
"Good luck, Captain. We're here for you."
Captain America presses the device off, before leaping off of the building, aiming his shield directly towards the group of soldiers as he prepares to crash into them at full speed..!
To be continued.
