A Marvel's Wolrd (1/3)

[Camp Lehigh, Virginia: 21/03/ 1940]

Camp Lehigh, situated in a remote region of Virginia, was a vast military base surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. Upon entering the main gates, guarded by attentive soldiers, there was a paved road that led to the heart of the complex. Barracks lined up in perfect rows housed dormitories, offices and training rooms.

In the center of the base, a red brick structure stood out. It was the laboratory where secret experiments were conducted. Advanced scientific equipment for the time filled the rooms, with scientists and technicians moving quickly between tables and benches, adjusting instruments and checking results.

Nearby, an outdoor training camp showed recruits running obstacles, climbing walls and practicing combat tactics under the watchful eyes of instructors. Discipline and rigor were palpable in the air, each movement calculated and each order obeyed with precision.

The atmosphere was one of intense professionalism, mixed with a certain tension, knowing that great secrets were kept there. At dusk, streetlights lit up along the streets, casting a soft glow over the asphalt, while the sounds of rhythmic footsteps and commands echoed through the air.

It was in this scenario that Steve Rogers, a young man in his early twenties, with a good heart and admirable determination, but with a physique not befitting a recruit's uniform, with his short and thin body, entered the central laboratory. The place, with its walls filled with glowing instruments and monitors flashing with various team members present.

Among them, the head of research for the Renaissance Project, the doctor in biochemistry and German refugee, Doctor Abraham Erskine. Dr. Erskine, a middle-aged man with graying hair and thin-rimmed glasses, oversaw every detail of the experiment with an expression of deep concentration.

Project Rebirth was a top-secret initiative by the United States government, created with the aim of developing a serum capable of transforming an ordinary individual into a super soldier, endowed with superhuman strength, agility and resistance. The idea was to create an army of soldiers who could turn the tide of war and fight the Axis forces with a decisive advantage.

Steve Rogers had been chosen for this experiment not for his physical strength, but for his internal qualities. His indomitable heart, his courage and his unwavering sense of justice set him apart from the other candidates. Dr. Erskine believed that the super soldier serum not only increased physical capabilities, but also amplified a person's internal characteristics. Choosing someone with a pure heart and an unbreakable will was essential to ensuring that the power granted by the serum was used for good.

This thought came from his old "colleague" in Germany who stole one of his vials with the incomplete serum, injecting it into a vein and the result haunts the good doctor to this day in his dreams.

"Are you ready, Steve?" asked Dr. Erskine, adjusting a series of instruments on the control panel.

"Yes, doctor. I'm ready." Steve, although visibly nervous, responded firmly.

While final preparations were made, Steve was positioned inside a special chamber. The scientists around were adjusting equipment, and the tension in the room was palpable. The future of Project Rebirth, and possibly the war effort itself, depended on the success of this experiment.

"Remember, Steve, always be a good man. No matter what power you possess, kindness is what really matters." Dr. Erskine said looking at Steve as he did some last checks.

Beside him, General Chester Phillips maintained a rigid and attentive posture. The burly man, dressed in his impeccable military uniform, was a figure of imposing authority. With his arms crossed, he observed every detail, knowing that the success of the experiment could change the course of the war.

Also present in the control area was Peggy Carter, a British agent with brown hair and dark eyes. Dressed in her military uniform, she followed each step of the procedure with a mixture of concern and hope, aware of the risk Steve was taking.

In the VIP area, several important figures watched from boxes. Howard Stark, the industrial visionary and inventor, sat in a prominent position. Wearing an elegant suit and wearing an expression of calm confidence, he analyzed the operation with sharp eyes. His involvement in the project was crucial, and his presence there indicated the seriousness of the moment.

Next to Howard was Senator Brandt, representing the government's interests. The middle-aged man with gray hair and a confident posture wore a well-tailored suit. Brandt had an air of pragmatism, observing every detail of the experiment and evaluating the return on investment in Project Rebirth.

"Wow, someone should give that kid a sandwich." The senator said seeing Steve's physique.

"It won't be necessary at times." Howard said calmly.

Alongside them, Dr Josef Reinstein stood out, a key figure in the continuity of the project. Slim, with light brown hair and round glasses, he observed with meticulousness and an analytical eye. Reinstein was a vital part of the team of scientists, ensuring that each step was calculated and precise.

In addition to these, some high-ranking officials from the allied countries were present to witness the experiment. Among them, a British general with a thick mustache and a skeptical expression, a French officer with an upright posture and a Soviet representative with calculating eyes. The diversity of military uniforms and different expressions reflected the magnitude of the moment.

The laboratory was an advanced technology environment for the time: analog monitors, flashing lights and a series of buttons and levers on control panels. The hum of equipment mixed with the whisper of conversations among those present, creating palpable tension.

"Are you ready, Steve?" asked Dr. Erskine, adjusting a series of instruments on the control panel.

Steve, although visibly nervous, responded firmly, "Yes, doctor. I'm ready."

Everyone held their breath as Steve Rogers' transformation occurred, eyes wide in anticipation. At first, there was absolute silence, followed by a gradual increase in the brightness of the lights and the sound of equipment working at maximum capacity. Dr. Erskine carefully watched each reading, slightly adjusting the controls, while General Phillips kept his fists clenched, tension visible on his face.

In the VIP area, Howard Stark leaned forward slightly, his expression of confidence momentarily replaced by intense curiosity. Peggy Carter, her eyes fixed on the chamber, barely blinked, while Senator Brandt pursed his lips, his rigid posture reflecting the magnitude of the moment. Doctor Reinstein, with an analytical eye, followed each step with almost clinical meticulousness.

The atmosphere was charged with electricity, and every person present felt the weight of what was happening before their eyes. The hum of the equipment seemed to echo the rapid heartbeats of everyone in the room as the transformation continued.

And then, amidst the brightness and the sound, something began to change within the chamber.

The hum of equipment increased in intensity. The sound of the internal mechanisms, *clack, clac, clac* resounded throughout the room as the lights pulsed with energy. *Vzzzzt, vzzzzt* the monitors flickered and the graphs jumped with increasing readings. Inside the chamber, a sequence of bright flashes illuminated Steve's outline.

Suddenly, a louder, sharper sound, *bzzz-CRACK* echoed as the energy reached its peak. The chamber was enveloped in a blinding light, followed by a "hissss" as the internal pressure decreased and the process came to an end. The chamber doors began to slowly open with a metallic creak, *creeeak* releasing a cloud of steam.

When the steam dissipated, the figure of Steve Rogers emerged. His physique had transformed dramatically. The once thin and frail body was now tall and muscular, with impressive athletic definition. His broad shoulders and sculpted chest were evident even in the soft light that illuminated the room. Every muscle seemed perfectly sculpted, a result of the serum that had enhanced his body to superhuman levels. His skin was healthier, but most importantly his eyes were still just a good guy who just wanted to help.