Peleliu Island.
After Jeno wiped out the Japanese soldiers on the island, Major William's forces established their base there.
Once the soldiers finished clearing the corpses, they built bonfires and held a victory celebration.
Flames crackled on the stacked logs. Soldiers surrounded Jeno, cheering and celebrating.
The prolonged war had left everyone physically and mentally exhausted. They desperately needed a victory to relieve the pressure, and Jeno was the hero who had delivered it.
"Captain! I toast to you!"
Another soldier approached Jeno with a beer. They were trying to get him drunk.
But Jeno was already immune to alcohol. He took the beer and downed it in one gulp. To him, it was like water, incapable of intoxicating him. With his ability to drink endlessly without getting drunk, he'd be the envy of everyone at a real party.
"Alright, I need to use the restroom."
Jeno smiled, gently pushing past the blocking soldiers and heading towards a burned-out grove of trees.
Standing beside a charred tree trunk, Jeno's ear twitched slightly. He heard slow footsteps approaching from behind and, judging by the heartbeat frequency, guessed the newcomer was Major William, the same man who had insulted him that morning.
Jeno spoke without turning around. "Major William, what can I do for you?"
He didn't need to ask; he could roughly guess William's purpose.
Jeno's achievement of completely annihilating the enemy on the island was like a slap in William's face. His stubbornness had caused the deaths of many American soldiers.
Such losses were unacceptable. Over ten thousand Americans had already died on Peleliu Island. William's removal from command was inevitable. However, if he could mitigate his mistakes somewhat, perhaps after being removed, he could still return to America and land some official position.
"Haha, congratulations, Lieutenant Jeno." William's smile didn't reach his eyes as he stared at Jeno's back.
"What do you want?" Jeno remained facing away. "I remember you were quite impressive this morning, Major William. Telling me to get out, pointing a gun at my head..."
Jeno adjusted his pants, then turned to face William, his gaze playful.
William's face stiffened. He hadn't expected this kid to hold such a grudge.
Composing himself, William smiled and stated his purpose. "It's like this. I intend to report this battle to the Pentagon. But your unsanctioned attack makes the report... difficult to write."
"And so?" Jeno tilted his head.
"So, I hope we can... unify our reports." William gave an ingratiating smile. "We'll write that my forces and you worked together to wipe out the enemy on the island."
Jeno raised an eyebrow. He understood. William wanted to steal credit, to share in the victory!
This old fox has quite the scheme. The merit for completely destroying the garrison is huge. The Pentagon might even promote him.
A suggestive smile spread across Jeno's face. He walked over to William and patted his shoulder. "What you say makes perfect sense. After all, I'm just one man, insignificant and with no connections to the generals at the Pentagon."
Seeing Jeno so cooperative, a similar sly smile appeared on William's face. "Exactly. I happen to know many generals. They were all my seniors back in the day."
William sneered inwardly. *Just a foolish kid, scared into compliance. He added a half-threat, "But, if you agree to get our stories straight, I can guarantee you a promotion. And the Pentagon won't hold your unsanctioned attack against you."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Jeno's tone shifted abruptly. He looked at William strangely. "Why should I agree?"
William's face instantly darkened. Damn, kid. So, his earlier act was just a performance. He was making a fool of me.
Forcing down his anger, William adjusted his military cap. "Jeno, you're still young. Don't do anything foolish."
Jeno sneered, cleared his throat, and declared, "My answer is No!"
You ignored me before. Now you come crawling for credit, wanting to share the glory?
Jeno's answer was "Too late!"
William's previously amiable expression turned sinister. In the shadowy, ruined grove, his face flickered between light and dark. "In that case, things become difficult, Lieutenant Jeno. Perhaps I'll have to truthfully report to the Pentagon about your insubordination."
"Be my guest."
Jeno chuckled lightly. So you have connections, William? My Colonel Phillips has connections to FDR himself. Who's afraid of whom?
"Hmph!" William snorted coldly and stalked away.
After William left, Jeno quickly sought out the unit's radio operator. Soon, two telegrams with differing content were sent—one to the Pentagon, the other to the Strategic Scientific Reserve.
...
Strategic Scientific Reserve.
Within the vast base, countless figures hurried about. The sounds of telegraphs and telephones intertwined.
Every person was a cog in this massive machine, pushing the behemoth forward.
Beep beep beep.
The radio operator responsible for receiving telegrams tapped away impassively. As the frequency increased, the operator picked up the latest intelligence and headed for Phillips's office.
Colonel's Office.
Phillips was in a heated discussion with the stubborn Dr. Erskine, demanding he produce more Super-Soldier Serum.
Erskine naturally refused. The short doctor held his head high, his neck flushed with passion. He insisted stubbornly, "Colonel! The serum only makes good men better and bad men worse. We must strictly control who receives the serum, not mass-produce it to create a bunch of madmen!"
Phillips massaged his temples wearily. "I understand your concerns, Doctor. But the President is eager to create more super-soldiers."
A superior's demands had to be met, but Dr. Erskine was as stubborn as a stone in a cesspit. Phillips felt utterly exhausted.
Taking a drag from his cigarette, the radio operator entered the office with the latest intelligence.
"Colonel, news from Lieutenant Jeno!"
A fresh telegram was placed in Phillips's hand.
The Colonel unfolded the paper. Immediately, an irrepressible look of joy spread across his face.
"Jeno led his team to completely annihilate the Peleliu Island garrison!"
He lightly thumped the desk, a wide smile on his face. "Excellent! With results like this, I believe it will silence many critics!"
"Oh, and this news must be reported to the President immediately!"
Clutching the telegram, Phillips, buoyed by this pleasant surprise, lost all interest in arguing with Erskine. He strode purposefully toward the telephone, intent on delivering the good news to President Roosevelt.
After all, the President had faced considerable impeachment pressure from Congress to push this project forward. This achievement would shut many mouths.
Meanwhile, at the Pentagon...
Steve Rogers, his muscular frame clad in a ridiculous costume, removed the cute little helmet from his head.
Steve stared unhappily at the helmet in his hands, complete with little 'V'-shaped wings attached to the sides.
The portly senator patted Steve's shoulder with a friendly chuckle. "Come on, Steve. I'll take you to meet the President. Selling war bonds is also serving your country, you know."
The two pushed open the door to the Oval Office.
FDR sat behind the presidential desk, leaning back in his chair, holding a telephone. He raised a finger towards the two, signaling them to wait.
He switched the phone to his other hand. Listening to Phillips's report, a barely contained look of delight spread across the President's face.