The American Son
*Captain America II AKA Steven Grant Rogers III portrayed by Mike Vogel.
Chapter 2
Washington D.C
The past few days have been uneventful for the 3rd generation Rogers man. He had spent the past few days working from home on some projects that would protect the interest of thousands and thousands of innocent Americans. But now here was the press event that had been on the calendar for the past few days, the official unveiling of the Captain America exhibit at the National Smithsonian Museum.
This was a rather special moment for Steve, both the first-generation and the third-generation Steve. For the first-generation Steve, this was a way to commemorate all the hard work and dedication that Steve had put in as Captain America, saving the country and helping to turn the tide during the Second World War. Many Americans theorize that the country may not have won the war without Steve Rogers contributions, and they very well may be right.
For Steve III, this was a chance to celebrate his grandfather. Growing up Steve idolized him and only wanted to be as great as him. And for a long time, he felt like he had partially done so. This exhibit would immortalize all the generations of the Rogers men even though only one member of the esteemed military family wore the uniform and bore the shield.
Steve III stood inside of his hotel room with a frown on his face as he looked at his reflection in the mirror in the bathroom. He wore a white button-up with a black bow tie and a pair of slacks. He had shaved his face getting rid of that 5 o'clock shadow that lined his chin.
"Babe, you, okay?" He heard making him turn around to see his girlfriend, Stephanie sporting an off-the-shoulder royal blue dress with black heels. Her long black hair had been curled and she had a light face full of make-up that seemed to call attention to her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine," he said as he stood up and started to saunter towards his girlfriend eyeing her up and down as his orbs took note of the way the dress hugged her curves. With it being a formal dress, the main purpose wasn't to enunciate her curves, but this dress did no such job of hiding her curves, giving Steve a fun sight to see.
"You look incredible," he complimented her as he leaned down giving her a peck on the forehead.
"Aw, thank you babe. You ready?"
"Yeah, let me just grab my coat," he said as he walked past her to the bed to grab his black suit coat. He lifted his suit jacket off the bed and smoothed out any wrinkles before slipping it on. As he buttoned it up, he couldn't help but feel a surge of pride and responsibility. The weight of the Rogers legacy rested on his shoulders, and he was determined to uphold it with honor and integrity, just like his grandfather had.
"Shall we?" he asked as he held an arm out for her to grab. A wide toothy grin snaked its way onto her face as she walked towards him and locked her arms around his.
"We shall Mr. Rogers," she said making him chuckle as the two began to walk out of the hotel room and make their way to the museum.
(!)
Together the couple of Stephanie McKay and Steve Roger III walked up the steps leading to the National Smithsonian Museum. The streets of Washington D.C. were bustling with activity, and the air was filled with anticipation. People from all walks of life had gathered for this momentous occasion, eager to witness the unveiling of the Captain America exhibit.
Steve took a deep breath feeling the nerves in his body. He wasn't the type of guy who would normally get nervous around people but for some reason, he had a bad feeling about tonight. Stephanie could sense Steve's body tensing up causing her to give his hand a gentle squeeze, making him loosen up. He glanced at Stephanie, her reassuring presence giving him a sense of calm amidst the swirling anxiety. Her unwavering support meant the world to him, and he couldn't imagine going through this journey without her by his side.
"There he is, my son" Steve heard making him turn around to see his father, the son of Steve Rogers I, Steve Rogers Jr, the current Secretary of Defense. Steve Jr had a close resemblance to his father Steve Sr as he had flawless, fair skin with a chiseled jawline. He had a head full of silver hair that was meticulously combed and bright baby-blue eyes.
"Hey dad," Steve III said as his father walked towards him and put his arm around his shoulders as they were greeted by a wave of camera flashes and the clamor of excited voices. Reporters and photographers vied for the perfect shot, hoping to capture the essence of this historic moment. It wasn't often the two Rogers men were together, especially in the public view. Their family wasn't your typical family. They only pretended to be for the sake of publicity.
"I'm glad you can make it," Steve Jr said,
"Not like I really had a choice, right?"
"No, you didn't. I'm glad you recognized that."
Before Steve III could say anything, his mother walked towards the two taking her stance beside her son. Sharon Ross-Rogers, a woman with a fair skin tone with cold baby-blue orbs. While she was his mother, she wasn't necessarily his mom. Life with these two was rather complicated. Steve III found himself competing for their attention and often losing it. The only thing that made him feel like he had somewhat earned their attention was the time he spent in the service.
"Thank you for coming son," Sharon said smiling for the photos.
"Not like I had a choice."
"No, you didn't," His father once again repeated. Steve III tried his best to ignore the feelings he harbored for his parents and continue with the publicity op. A few minutes had passed of the family standing taking pictures until a black limousine pulled up. The driver of said limo exited the front and walked around to the other side of the vehicle where the passenger sat and put his hand on the handle and pulled it open wide for the passenger.
Out stepped the President of the United States, Mr. Alexander Pierce clad in an all-black suit with a white button-up with a red, white, and blue tie with a USA pin on his lapel. The camera's attention shifted from the Rogers family to the President of the United States of America.
"Thank you, Marcus," President Pierce said as he patted his driver on the shoulder and walked up the steps toward the Rogers family.
"Mr. President, it's great to have you here," Steve II said as he broke away from his family to make his way to his boss with a hand extended.
"Pleasure's mine Steve, I'm glad we could be here, making American history together," Pierce said as he shook Steve II's hand while cameras flashed around snapping various pictures of the pair.
"You remember, my wife, Sharon and my son," Steve II said as he stepped to the side showing Sharon and Steve III to the view of President. Sharon then followed suit following her husband, descending the steps to meet with her boss.
"Mr. President, how are you? How are Linda and the girls?" Sharon said as she leaned in giving the President a side hug
"Everyone's doing alright. You know we've got to set up a meeting, I hear Kirby's stepping down soon so that Director of National Intelligence spot will be opening up soon," Pierce said as Sharon simply nodded along.
"Well, Mr. President, we'll definitely be in touch," Sharon said with a wide grin across her mug.
"And this is our son, Steve Rogers III," Steve II said as his son, Steve III came walking down the steps to meet the President of the United States. Most people would be excited to meet the supposed leader of the free world, but Steve III knew all this was a publicity stunt to make President Pierce look good and he wasn't one for public theatrics. He extended his hand politely towards President Pierce, maintaining a composed expression on his face.
"Mr. President, it's an honor to meet you," Steve III said, his voice steady and respectful. Deep down, he couldn't help but feel a sense of skepticism towards the man standing before him. He had heard whispers and rumors about President Pierce, questioning his motives and integrity. However, he knew better than to voice his concerns in this public setting.
President Pierce smiled warmly and shook Steve III's hand firmly. "The pleasure is all mine, Steve. 3 medals of honor, 12 years of service. You've served your country well, your family has a remarkable legacy, and I'm thrilled to have you here for this momentous occasion."
As the cameras continued to capture the interaction between the Rogers family and the President, Stephanie stood by Steve's side, observing the exchange with a combination of curiosity and caution. She understood Steve's reservations and could sense his unease in this highly orchestrated event.
"Is the first-generation Rogers man on his way?" Pierce asked.
"Yes, I'm sure of it. He's probably just going to be fashionably late."
After the brief introduction, President Pierce turned his attention to the upcoming exhibit. "Well then shall we proceed inside? I'm eager to see the Captain America exhibit and witness the embodiment of American heroism."
Steve II nodded in agreement, and the group began to make their way up the steps of the museum. The crowd around them swelled with excitement, the murmurs of anticipation growing louder as they entered the grand foyer.
(!)
The walls were adorned with photographs and memorabilia, showcasing the history of Captain America and his impact on the nation.
Steve III stood in a corner with a glass of champagne in his hand as his eyes scanned around the room. He couldn't shake the feeling he had about this entire event. Steve's gaze swept across the room, taking in the diverse faces of the attendees. There were veterans, children, families, and even a few fellow superheroes who had come to pay their respects. He felt a deep sense of responsibility to inspire and uplift these people, to honor the legacy of Captain America in a way that would make both his grandfather and the American people proud.
"You know, despite the circumstances, this exhibit is a testament to the hero your father and grandfather became. It's a chance for people to understand the sacrifices they made for our country. You should enjoy this moment," Steve heard making him shift his attention to Stephanie walking over to him with a glass of champagne in her hand.
Steve nodded, grateful for Stephanie's perspective. Her words resonated with him, reminding him of the values his family represented. He couldn't deny the significance of being part of this event, even if it felt orchestrated and superficial at times.
"What did I do to deserve such a beautiful and intelligent woman?" Steve said to Steph as he gave a kiss on the forehead.
"You just put on that classic Rogers charm."
He chuckled as he heard her. He looked up to see his grandfather in the distance clad in an brown suit with a white button-up and red tie, talking to his parents nd the President. Stephanie grabbed his hand giving it a tight squeeze making him turn his gaze to her. She motioned towards them and pulled Steve III along through the crowd to make his way to his family.
"Ah there he is the 3rd Generation of this great family," Steve II said as Steve III simply nodded and turned his attentions over to his grandfather. Steve I patted Steve III on the shoulder to which Steve III responded with a smile.
"How are you today son?"
"I'm good and nervous. You know I never really cared for these things," Steve III said truthfully to his grandfather with his parents and the President present.
"I know but it comes with the name and the territory," Steve I said as his son simply nodded.
"You must be Stephanie; I've heard so much about you. How are you today sweetheart? My name is Steve, I'm the young one's grandfather," Steve I said, turning his attentions towards Stephanie with a hand extended.
"I'm great. Thanks, you for asking, it's a pleasure to meet you," she said shaking the first Captain America's hand proudly. Seeing this interaction between these two put a smile on Steve III's face. This was the most interaction that Stephanie had with a member of his family all night. Steve II and Sharon were too worried about kissing the ass of the President to actually be nice to other people or actually acknowledge the fact that they were meeting their son's girlfriend for the first time tonight.
"Likewise," Steve I said.
"I think we should get started soon; you guys ready?" Steve II said looking between Steve I and Steve III. The Grandfather and Grandson duo looked at each other and nodded.
"Alright, well, gentlemen let's make a move," said President Alexander Pierce as he patted Steve II on the shoulder, "Ladies, if you'll excuse us."
And with that the Rogers men moved on their way to go officially retire the Shield and immortalize it in history like it belonged.
(!)
A couple of minutes had passed and now the stage was set as the Rogers family stood in the section in which the shield would place. The museum had honored the Rogers family with their own wing of the museum. The walls were adorned with various photographs and patriotic decorations. The wing had adorned several of the prototype versions of the iconic shield with various uniforms that he had adorned over the years.
The backdrop of the exhibit featured LED Screens that showed various photographs and graphics to honor the legacy of Captain America. The shield itself was locked away in a glass case with a red, white, and blue flag over the case. Around the case, stood the Rogers men with a podium set up with the Presidential seal on the podium.
Steve III took a deep breath as he looked around at the crowd feeling a sense of paranoia.
"Relax, it'll be okay," his father said with an annoyed look on his face.
"I got a bad feeling about this," Steve III said as he scanned around the crowd looking for any abnormalities. He couldn't see any, but he still couldn't shake this void in the pit of his stomach, in the back of his mind.
Steve I knew those instincts. Those were the instincts developed through time in the service. Those were the instincts that kept them alive in unfamiliar settings and settings they recognized. He trusted those insticts as a former military officer himself.
Before Steve I could speak, the crowd began to clap and cameras flashed making all three men snap their necks to look and see the President of the United States, Alexander Pierce walking up to the podium. Pierce waved to the crowd looking on with a smile as the crowd clapped on.
"Thank you! Thank you!" Pierce said as members of the crowd started to sit down and regroup themselves.
"How are we doing tonight?" Pierce asked letting his charisma show as he flashed a smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow patriots, Today, we stand in the presence of greatness, for we gather here at the National Smithsonian Museum to pay homage to a true American legend—Captain America," President Pierce said before turning to look at Steve Rogers I who simply waved his hand to the crowd as the claps echoed through the room. President Pierce turned to face the crowd as he went back to his speech to honor the Rogers family.
"It is an extraordinary and historic occasion as we unveil this remarkable exhibit, a testament to the indomitable spirit and enduring legacy of our beloved hero. I am humbled to stand before you as the President of the United States, but I am even more honored to share this stage with the Rogers family, whose bloodline is intertwined with the very essence of Captain America. Their unwavering commitment to our nation's values and their heroic contributions have left an indelible mark on our history. Captain America, as a figure and as a symbol, has transcended the boundaries set before him and become a living embodiment of the American spirit. He has inspired generations with his unwavering courage, his unyielding sense of justice, and his unshakable moral compass. In times of turmoil and uncertainty, his unwavering presence has given us hope and reminded us of the extraordinary heights we can achieve as a united people," President Pierce spoke as Steve III looked around the room with a frown.
"Today, as we gather to unveil this extraordinary exhibit, we pay homage not just to..." the words of Pierce slowly began to fade away from Steve III as he looked around once again scanning the crowd slowly. He didn't see anyone in the crowd but looked up to see a red light coming from the glass pane at the upper level causing him to follow the light and see it aiming at his grandfather.
"Look out!" Steve III yelled as he grabbed his grandfather and pulled him down right before a piercing gunshot echoed through the room. The crowd erupted in panic, screams filling the air as chaos ensued. Security personnel rushed forward, shielding the President and the Secretary of Defense from harm.
"Get them out of there!" Steve III shouted as security came and took his grandfather escorting him to safety.
The source of the void in Steve III's stomach walked into the room followed by gasps and startled cries filled the air as a group of armed individuals burst through the entrance way, their intentions clear from the menacing glint in their eyes.
The room erupted into chaos as panic and fear gripped the attendees. Steve's instincts kicked into high gear as he looked at Stephanie, seeing the fear in her face. Seeing that fear activated something in him as he grabbed the gun from the holster of one of the security guards with one swift motion. He lunged towards the presidential podium taking cover behind the podium as Stephanie and several other civilians ran off in fear. The group fired off shots at Steve III as he grunted as the shots hit the podium. He knew the podium could only take so much.
Steve took a deep breath and found the courage necessary to rise and fire off immobilizing shots to the armed figures. Each shot one-by-one hitting it's target as bullets whizzed past his head each one making him more fearful. Once he fired off his last shot, another figure came dropping down from the upper levels where the shot was first fired off. When he landed, he dropped down one his fist making a crater where he landed but the fist wasn't a normal, fist. No it was a fist made of metal.
Steve's eyes locked on the masked figure sporting all black with a silver arm with a red star on the shoulder portion of his arm. The figure locked eyes with Steve and it was clear he didn't come to talk or be peaceful, making Steve clench his fists.
He launched himself forward, aiming a swift punch towards the figure's midsection. The figure deftly sidestepped, countering with a rapid succession of strikes. Rogers blocked and weaved, relying on his agility and combat training to evade the blows.
The museum's exhibits became an obstacle course as the two combatants danced through the halls. Rogers utilized acrobatic flips and spins, launching himself off display cases and vaulting over obstacles, trying to gain an advantage. The Figure matched him move for move, his movements precise and calculated.
Rogers closed in, delivering a powerful kick to the Figure's chest. The impact sent him stumbling backward, but he swiftly regained his balance, retaliating with a devastating sweep kick. Rogers crashed to the ground, quickly rolling to his feet to minimize the advantage his opponent had gained.
The fight intensified as they exchanged a flurry of punches, their fists colliding with bone-rattling force. Rogers managed to land a series of well-placed strikes, targeting vulnerable areas on the Figure's body. However, the Figure's resilience and years of combat experience allowed him to endure the onslaught and counter with equal ferocity.
As the battle raged on, fatigue began to take its toll on both fighters. Their movements became slightly slower but no less determined. Blood dripped from cuts and bruises adorned their faces, testament to the intensity of the confrontation.
In a momentary lapse of concentration, Rogers left himself open, and the Figure seized the opportunity. With lightning speed, he delivered a powerful uppercut that connected with Rogers' jaw. The impact reverberated through his skull, sending a jolt of pain coursing through his body.
Rogers staggered backward, his vision blurred and his head swimming. He fought to maintain his balance, but the blow had taken its toll. The Figure, recognizing his advantage, pressed forward, delivering a final blow that sent Rogers crashing to the ground.
As darkness threatened to overtake his senses, Rogers glimpsed the Figure's retreating figure, fading into the shadows of the museum. The battle had ended, and for now, the Figure had claimed victory. Rogers lay on the floor, battered and bruised, his spirit unbroken but his body in need of rest and recovery.