Chapter 20: Stark’s Expo
The alley was quiet, and Steve looked at the tall military officer who had saved him from trouble with envy in his heart.
"If only I could join the military."
"Thank... thank you!" Steve quickly expressed his gratitude.
"Don't mention it. I don't like him. he interrupted my movie," Jack said, clapping his hands and turning to Steve. "Why didn't you beg for mercy? You know you can't beat him."
"Why didn't you run? You know you can't beat him," Jack asked, looking at Steve.
"I ran once, but there will always be a next time. I can't keep running," Steve replied, his emotions a little low, but he didn't show it.
Jack praised Steve and was about to say something when a voice of rage suddenly came from behind them.
Then came the sound of footsteps, and when Jack turned around, a sergeant in civilian clothes had just walked up behind him.
"Wait, Bucky! It's not him!" Steve's expression changed, clearly knowing that his best friend had been mistaken, and he quickly tried to stop him.
Bucky realized his mistake. The muscular man lying in the garbage pile, Jack's military uniform, and his bright silver captain rank told him this was a misunderstanding.
"Sorry, sir!" Bucky stood in place with a look of embarrassment, nervously looking at Jack.
In the military, going against one's superiors is a major taboo, even outside.
"It's okay, soldier. I understand," Jack didn't mind and patted Bucky on the shoulder. "I'll leave this to you. Take your friend to see a doctor."
After speaking, he leaves leave both of them.
His task was complete, and he didn't want to deal with anything else.
"Do you know him? Steve!" Bucky asked his friend, watching him waking away.
"No, I don't know him. I just saw him once at the movie theater," Steve replied, hands resting on his knees.
Steve's hands were still on his knees., saying, "You have to take me home. I need to take care of my injury."
"Let's go to the hospital," Bucky suggested,
"I don't need your help. Just take me home," Steve insisted, trying to stand up.
"Okay, I'll take you home, hurry up, and treat your wounds. Tonight, I'll take you to the Stark Expo.
...
Outside the alley, Jack watched as Steve Bucky walked further away, then turned back to a surprised Erskine and said, "Looks like you have your ideal candidate, right?"
"Yes, he is the perfect candidate," Erskine replied.
"I don't think Colonel Phillips will agree. He can't even enlist, let alone join your plan," Jack said. But Erskine nodded confidently. "I will convince him."
"Good luck with that," Jack said.
...
At night, The first World Expo of Tomorrow is being held here with great publicity!
As the main military weapon manufacturer of the United States, Howard has joined several other American companies and directly bought a large piece of land. After several months of intense construction, they have transformed empty land into an industrial park.
Tonight, the place is brightly lit and bustling with people. Social celebrities have been invited to attend, as well as many ordinary citizens who have come to join in the fun. In this era, entertainment options are limited, and it's better to have something to watch than stay home.
But Steve is an exception. He thinks that staying at home might not be a bad idea.
However, his good buddy Bucky is about to leave for the front line every day, and they really need to celebrate tonight.
However...
Looking at the two beauties chatting and laughing with Bucky not far ahead, Steve shoved a handful of popcorn into his mouth, feeling frustrated.
Bucky had brought the girls he had apparently met at a bar while wearing his military uniform. Bucky had planned it perfectly: one girl for himself and one for Steve. However, Bucky was clearly more popular with the ladies than the small and skinny Steve.
Meanwhile, at backstage at the Stark exhibit at the World Expo, someone asked, "So, this car can actually fly?"
Looking at the old-fashioned car in front of him. If he remembered correctly, this was the first hovercar built by Howard!
Hmm... it only floated for a few seconds before it broke down, but it was still not to be underestimated. Given the technology of this era, being able to create such a car was simply fantastic.
"Yes, this car features my latest gravity-reversal technology. Tires will become a thing of the past!" Howard said, looking pleased with himself.
"If I'm not mistaken, there's a 'but' coming, right?" Jack's casual remark made Howard's smile freeze, and he coughed awkwardly. "Um... due to the limitations of scientific technology in this era, it may still need some time to perfect it! But it's already pretty good!"
Howard struggled to finish the sentence, then quickly changed the subject. "By the way, where's the doctor? Aren't you his personal bodyguard? Why aren't you with him?"
"He found someone very interesting and told me not to follow him," Jack sighed helplessly. "From what I can think, he plans to use that person in the super soldier program."
"He found someone?"
Howard exclaimed, "I don't think Colonel Phillips would agree to that!"
"He thinks he can convince him," replied Jack.
"Good luck with that, Both of them are stubborn," Howard retorted.
"That's what I said. By the way, how is the weapon I asked you to help me build last time?" Jack said
"Oh, that. I've understood the design you gave me, and it's not difficult to make. Still, the problem is that it's almost impossible to achieve the power and range in design in this era. I can make gunpowder, but the main issue is that there are no suitable materials to withstand it," Howard replied, rubbing his beard, which was his habit when he encountered a difficult problem.
Jack removed his military cap and scratched his head, feeling frustrated that not even Howard could solve the issue.
"However," Howard paused and looked at Jack, "I recently discovered a batch of meteorite ore in Africa that might work. But we'll have to wait until after my tests to see."
"An African meteorite?"
Jack's first thought was Wakanda, the homeland of the Black Panther and its seemingly endless reserves of vibranium.
According to the plot, Howard found scattered vibranium ore in Africa and used it to create Captain America's shield. If it is vibranium, maybe he can make the weapon he wants
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, Jack frowned, then quickly put on his hat and said, "I have to go, Howard. Someone has come uninvited!"
Without waiting for Howard to respond, he left in a hurry.