Watching the military doctor drag Hodge away, Colonel Philip rubbed his temples, realizing that someone was destined to be absent from the welcome speech.
Nick Fury really could be a headache at times, but when Fury ventured behind enemy lines, the Nazis would have an even bigger headache.
Thus, Nick Fury and Reid Hargrove were currently the best agents SSR had.
"General Patton said that wars are fought with weapons but won by people. We will surely win, because we have the best soldiers..."
However, at that moment he noticed Steve in the ranks, and right at his position, the line suddenly 'sagged'—it was way too conspicuous.
Surrounded by sturdy men about 6'2" tall, there stood Steve at 5'0".
The visual impact was too strong, and Philip stammered, suddenly forgetting his next lines.
He turned his head, almost unable to bear the sight of Steve's plight, casting a slightly annoyed glance at Dr. Erskine, who was hiding behind Agent Carter watching with amusement.
But the doctor remained unmoved, nonchalantly signaling him to continue, as if he were just a bystander.
Philip could only endure it. With the Super Soldier Serum project underway, Dr. Erskine was the leading scientist. This short guy was specially recruited by Dr. Erskine, and if he wasn't accommodated, the doctor might set back the progress by years, which would be unbearable.
The Strategic Science Corps was currently surviving on the SSS project.
So for now, let the little guy play for a few days—the training is so tough he surely won't withstand it, and soon enough, he'd voluntarily ask to leave.
The colonel reorganized his thoughts and continued, averting his gaze from Steve: "And because our soldiers will become stronger, even more exceptional! The Strategic Science Corps is an organization that brings together the finest scientists from the Allied nations; we will create the strongest army in human history."
Philip paused, observing the expressions of the recruits, who all seemed overjoyed. Only Steve continued to stand in a standard military posture, expressionless, eyes forward.
"But every great army starts with a single soldier; this weekend, we will choose that person. He will become the first Super Soldier, personally escorting the little Hitler straight to the Gate of Hell!"
Despite how nice it sounded, the essence was to find a guinea pig. Although Erskine's serum had been validated once in Germany, it created a monster.
Yet, everyone here was lost in fantasies of righteously pummeling the enemy, failing to realize the potential consequences of a failed experiment.
The colonel achieved his goal and signaled Peggy to start the training. At least their physical fitness must meet a standard before the experimentation.
He turned and walked towards the shade on the other side of the field, where a stretched black sedan waited, with a blurry figure watching from the backseat, a wine glass in hand.
The colonel reached the car, looked around, and seeing no one else's attention but that of some soldiers doing push-ups in the distance, he quickly opened the door and got inside.
"Sorry I took some time."
Su Ming placed the wine glass on the table, smiling as he shook hands with him: "Nice to meet you, Colonel."
"I wonder what business Mr. Wilson had to specifically relay a message through General Patton to see me?" Colonel Philip was a military man who didn't like beating around the bush, aware that these big businessmen always sought opportunities within the military, especially arms dealers.
Su Ming's smile widened as he produced a new cup to pour for the colonel, placing it in his hand.
"Oh, nothing in particular. I just happened to hear Mr. Stark is providing technological support for a newly formed army, so I was a bit curious."
"Oh?"
Philip had never heard of any grudges between Wilson Enterprises and Stark Industries, nor was there any competing overlap in their products.
One was a tech company focusing on communication and high-precision devices, while the other was a blood-and-sweat factory supplying rations and personal weapons. What connection could they have?
Su Ming clinked glasses with him, spotting the colonel's thoughts easily: "No need to worry; I just heard Howard complain about funding shortages, so I decided to support you a bit, contributing to this country."
Colonel Philip frowned. Was Howard's mouth too loose? Why tell everything?
Far away in New York, Howard shivered amidst a mass of rosy legs and arms. It felt like a nightmare, but he quickly slipped back into deep sleep; he had been exhausted these days.
Su Ming hadn't actually spoken with Howard, but pinning the blame on Howard was fine since even if the colonel sought him out, whatever he said had no credibility.
Colonel: "You leaked information."
Howard: "I did not."
Colonel: "Someone's already come after us."
Howard: "Believe it or not, I didn't."
Colonel: "It really was you....."
Howard: "If you say so, then sure."
The Stark father and son were of the same mindset; geniuses, inevitably misunderstood, led bold lives needing no explanation—people could think whatever they liked. He was just him, a firework of a different color...
But what else could Colonel Philip say? General Patton had extended greetings; Howard had introduced the investor; and the Strategic Science Corps was severely lacking funds, to the extent that he himself constantly sought sponsors.
So...
"Thank you immensely. Will you be paying in cash or by transfer?"
Su Ming tilted his head back, finishing his drink, and shook his head: "I'll provide in kind—ten tons of compressed biscuits, twenty tons of Powerful Beverage, plus our company's newly released instant noodles and convenient stews, ham sausages, and instant coffee. Of course, whether it's personal weapons or other daily consumables, Wilson Enterprises will supply one share."
Without hesitation, Colonel Philip shook Su Ming's hand. In wartime, resources were even better. Sometimes, having money didn't guarantee access to necessities, so it was best to offer tangible goods.
With nearly a thousand people in the entire corps, the daily expenses were no small matter, so receiving a donation was more than welcome.
"Thank you for supporting the Strategic Science Corps; we will definitely defeat Fascism and let everyone in the world bask in the glory of democracy and freedom alongside the American people."
"Ha ha..."
Su Ming's smile was hollow as he shook hands, knowing his rise from the Marvel Gang's bootlegging now led him to run the East Coast's largest sweatshop. Talking about democracy and freedom was laughable.
But if that's how they saw it, it wasn't so bad. Building a closer relationship meant he could later plant a few spies within S.H.I.E.L.D.
The Strategic Science Corps was the predecessor of the future S.H.I.E.L.D., its full name being the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division, with the key being logistics.
When their logistical supplies relied on Su Ming, it was easier to maneuver some people with clean records to liaise with S.H.I.E.L.D. logistics.
No need to probe for information; just letting Su Ming know whenever S.H.I.E.L.D. made large-scale material moves was enough.