The next day…
Clark and his team were seated together in several military jeeps driving through London dressed up in their military best with everything from their boots, uniforms and even hair looking prim and proper. They were cleaned up, their uniforms pressed, and looking as professional as possible. Clark was wearing his Superman uniform instead of his military on order from Colonel Phillips. The reason for that was part of the reason he and his team were dressed up. They were on their way to Buckingham Palace to meet Prime Minister Winston Churchill and King George the 6th. The Prime Minister and the King wanted to meet and congratulate the SSR team responsible for their biggest political victory in the war so far. Capturing Benito Mussolini sent shockwaves throughout the political and helped further solidify that the Allied Forces were on the right side. The Italian Fascist Prime Minister was crying like a baby and nothing he said would save him.
Their vehicles pulled up to Buckingham Palace where the Regiment of the King's Guard along with a Battalion of the British Commonwealth stood at attention. Their jeeps came to a stop in the large courtyard of the palace and the team members along with Colonel Phillips and Agent Carter got out. This was Clark's first-time seeing Buckingham Palace up so close and he could see that despite the damage it had taken by the German air bombings, the British did their best and were working on repairing parts that were damaged.
"All right, I know I don't need to say this but I'm gonna say it anyways, be on your best behavior today. The last thing we need right now is for UK/US relations to go to crap because someone says something stupid." Colonel Phillips told them.
"Is that why you didn't have Howard come with us?" Clark asked.
"Exactly." Colonel Phillips walked over to the attendant/Buckingham servant and introduced himself while Clark looked at his team. He could tell that some of them were more nervous than others while some weren't exactly thrilled to be here.
"Don't worry. We won't be here too long." Clark assured them, and they nodded. Colonel Phillips motioned to follow so they did and were escorted into Buckingham Palace.
The servants and soldiers on duty stood at attention as they were escorted through Buckingham Palace until they arrived at the throne room. Red wallpaper, red carpet and the two small steps up to two red chairs set up against a blue curtain. Sitting in said chairs was King George the 6th and his Wife Queen Elizabeth. With them were their servants and attendants along with security but also present were their daughter Princess Elizabeth the 2nd and Princess Margaret. Standing next to the King was the Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
"Your Majesties, Prime Minister." Colonel Phillips bowed his head and Peggy did a small curtsy. Clark and his team did the same, bowing and curtsying respectively. "Thank you for having us here. It is an honor."
"The honor is ours, Colonel Phillips. Prime Minster Churchill has kept us informed of the progress of the war and of the work the SSR has been doing including your most recent efforts." King George said as he looked at Clark and his team. "Is this them?"
"Yes, your highness." Colonel Phillips motioned Clark forward, so he took a few steps. "Allow me to introduce Lieutenant Kalvin Elbert."
"Your majesties." Clark bowed his head to them and Prime Minister Churchill. "Prime Minister. It is an honor to be here."
"The honor is ours, Lieutenant. On behalf of Great Britain and her citizens we owe you a great debt for all your efforts in this war." King George then stood up and walked over to shake his hand. Clark shook back but was careful not to squeeze hard at all. "Though you are American you have lent great aid to the soldiers of his Majesties armed forces."
"We are allies, your majesty and I'm always happy to help." Clark replied. King George smiled as did the Queen and Churchill.
"A fine man, you have here, Colonel."
"Thank you, your majesty but I'm not alone." Clark said and the King nodded. "My team was just as instrumental to the success of our mission as I was."
"Of course, in a support role I imagine." Churchill remarked. "A rather eclectic team you have assembled."
Clark could tell from the hints of his voice that while his tone didn't come off as completely derogatory, it was there. "A team of the finest men and women I've come to meet. I handpicked this team myself to be able to handle certain tasks that would be set for us during this war, and I looked for qualities beyond the physical. Every member of my team has been chosen for that purpose and I wouldn't replace them with anyone else." Clark stated, defending his team like a true leader would.
"A true leader must know how to inspire and lead. I can see it in their eyes that they truly will follow you to the ends of the earth. Thank you for all your efforts." King George praised them all. "Efforts like yours deserved to be recognized. Please, kneel."
Clark and his team did as an attendant came over with medals placed on a pillow. The medals had red and blue ribbons with gold buckles on the end and attached was a silver-gilt cross with curved ends, enameled white and edged in gilt. In the enter of the obverse, within a green enameled laurel wreath, is the imperial crown in gold upon red enameled background. The King picked up one and walked over to Clark.
"For meritorious and distinguished service under harsh battle conditions and perilous risk during active operations against the enemy, on behalf of Great Britain, I am proud to award all of you the Distinguished Service Order Medal. Thank you." The King said motioned Clark to stand, and he pinned it to his chest. Clark then gave him a salute and the King saluted back before shaking his hand.
"Thank you, sir." Clark responded as the King pinned the medal on every single member of his team.
"Thank you all for your service. Know that your hard work is appreciated. You have our most sincere thanks." The King and Queen said, and the team bowed their heads or curtsied. "We'll pray for your continued success and safety."
"Thank you, your highnesses." Colonel Phillips replied.
"So, Lieutenant. What is your team called?" Churchill asked.
"Under the Strategic Scientific Reserve, our official designation is Special Operations Task Force 001. But my team and I are partial to the other name we thought up." Clark said and they all smiled. Stitched onto each of their left shoulders was the symbol for their team. Clark's diamond shield and inside were wings while surrounding it were a spade, heart, clover, and star.
'Despite everything, deep down, we're all cut from the same cloth. One mission was complete but there'd be more. Forges in the fires, we were the tip of the spear. We…were the Vanguard.'
Washington DC, USA September 1943
Things in Washington DC were busy as per usual with it being the Nation's capital and today would be an even busier one as there were a small army of reporters camped outside the gates of the White House in preparation for a special guest who would be meeting the President. Said guest was actually guests, as in plural, and they were being drive down to the White House in a series of cars that picked them up from the airport. Said cars were being escorted by local Washington DC police, Secret Service, and Army jeeps on a straight path to the White House. Said guests were Colonel Phillips of the SSR, Agent Peggy Carter, Howard Stark, Lieutenant Kalvin Elbert and his special taskforce, Taskforce Vanguard. The reason they were in Washington and heading to the White House was because of what happened in England. After the SSR met with the British Royal Family and Prime Minister for a medal ceremony in regard to their mission getting Mussolini, some press got wind of it and the photo made it to the front page. It wasn't too long after that Colonel Phillips got a call from Washington saying that he and the taskforce responsible for the success in capturing Mussolini were to report to DC for a special medal ceremony curtesy of President Roosevelt. And they couldn't very well say no since it was the President.
Either someone in the communications division couldn't keep their mouth shut or some fame-seeking politician wanting to boost his image let it be known to the American public and now the sidewalks were lines with cheering civilians and photographers trying to get pictures as their convoy came down the street. Clark sat in the car with Colonel Phillips, Agent Carter, and Howard Stark. He looked out the window at the crowd of cheering civilians waving flags and cameramen taking photos.
"With all this fuss, they'd think the war is over." Clark remarked. "Not exactly the quiet medal ceremony you said we would be going to, sir."
"No but you know why it's not exactly something we couldn't exactly turn down Lieutenant." Colonel Phillips reminded him. "Can't turn down the President."
"I'm aware sir but just letting you know now I don't plan on going on a Bond tour or being paraded around down the street with every single politician or senator trying to up his political career." Clark told him. "I'm better suited in the field helping this war end quicker and when it's over then I can come home."
"Fair enough, Lieutenant which is why I booked us on a Trans-Atlantic flight back to the UK in the morning. So, you get your medal from President, shake his hand for a photo-op and make nice with some prissy senators and politicians at the banquet dinner we've been invited to tonight." Colonel Phillips told him. "You're representing the SSR today, Lieutenant. Remember that."
"I'll be on my best behavior, sir." Clark promised. "Just ready to head back out to Europe."
"I don't think I've heard a lot of people say that." Howard remarked. "A chance to stay here, safe and sound back home? Fame, fortune, and a gaggle of beautiful women waiting for you? Sounds likes paradise to me."
"You've known me long enough, Howard. When have I ever wanted any of that?" Clark pointed out.
"I was hoping that I would have had a bigger influence on you but fair enough." Howard relented. "I'm at least glad you decided to wear your suit. Thanks again for that."
Clark looked down at his current attire Howard now lovingly dubbed Clark's Superman suit. Now that Clark had gotten a fair amount of fame after Howard and the media dubbed him the Superman, his suit and the S-shield he had on his chest was sort of his trademark. Colonel Phillips, after getting pestered and insisted on by some higherups, had Clark wear his suit despite the fact that he would have preferred to wear his military uniform to appear professional. Howard was ecstatic as it was like watching a new product getting the fame and attention it deserved. The suit worn by Superman was created by Howard Stark. It would do great for Stark Industries and if Clark could punch Howard he would.
The closer their little motorcade got to the White House the more and more reporters, photographers, and civilians crowded the streets. Already there was a small mob of reporters at the gates of the White House where the army and Secret Service were standing guard. When they saw the motorcade approaching, the soldiers and Secret Service members moved the reporters away and opened up the gate so the cars could come through. They drove up the driveway of the White House and then stopped by the main doors. Valets opened the doors and outwalked Colonel Phillips, Agent Carter, Howard, and then Clark. The photographers by the gate were desperate to try and get a photo but were too far away and had their view obstructed but certain White House reporters were waiting at the main doors and took a few photos. Clark raised his hand and covered his face.
"Easy, boys. Our Superman isn't exactly camera happy." Howard told them and got them to back off. Clark gave him a thankful nod before he walked over to his team. They got out of their vehicles, dressed up in their military best, looking prim and proper but nervous.
"It's ok, everyone. Like Buckingham palace. We smile, get medals and we're back in London tomorrow." Clark assured them and they nodded. "All right. Let's go."
Several White House Attendants escorted Colonel Phillips and everyone into the White House. Clark led his team and was a little nervous as he never expected to actually be in the White House of all places but unbeknownst to him it would be the first of many times in his future. They made their way through to the Oval Office and on the way, Clark noticed the looks of shock on the faces of every single person they passed whether it was a White House aide, a Secret Service Member, or the butlers. The looks of shock were on the odd makeup of Clark's team as a non-segregated unit of soldiers was unthinkable, but Clark didn't care.
After walking down several they arrived in one that had extra security standing around the door at the end. Along with some Secret Service were men in suits and one stepped forward when he noticed the new arrivals. "Colonel Phillips. Welcome. Everyone is gathered out on the terrace for the ceremony, but the President is in the oval office and would like a word first."
"Of course." Colonel Phillips replied when the man handed him a box. "What's this?"
"The medals." The man answered and Colonel Phillips opened the box to find 9 Legion of Merit Legionnaire medals. The medals were on a wreath of green laurel joined at the bottom by a gold bow-knot, a domed five-pointed white star bordered crimson, points reversed V-shaped extremities tipped with a gold ball. In the center, a blue disk encircled by gold clouds, with 13 white stars arranged in the pattern that appears on the great seal of the United States. Between each point, within the wreath are crossed arrows pointing outwards, all held by a red ribbon with a white outline.
"I'm sorry, I'm confused. I thought we would be given the medals during the ceremony." Clark spoke up.
"Yes, Lieutenant Elbert. Your medal will be given then after the President makes his speech, but your teams can be given now." The man explained.
"My team will be up there with me, correct?" Clark asked him but got a head shake in response.
"No, sir. Our organizer thought it'd be best if they were kept to the side out of view so you could be front and center." The man replied.
"Sorry, I didn't get your name." Clark said to him.
"Oliver Conwell, assistant to the Nigel Orwell, head of White House Affairs." The man introduced himself.
"Well, apologies Mr. Conwell but you can tell Mr. Orwell that I didn't accomplish this mission alone. I was helped by the men and women with me right now and they deserve to be up there standing by my side for this ceremony." Clark told him.
Mr. Conwell was about to reply but instead walked away to go speak to his boss. "Sir, you don't need to do this for us." Kingsley told him.
"I'm standing by what I just said. I'm not going up there unless it's for the President to honor all of us." Clark told him and the rest of them.
"You're not exactly making the day any easier, lieutenant." Colonel Philips pointed out.
"I'm aware sir and I apologize but you told me that I'm representing the SSR and I'm taking that seriously. Standing for something as simple as ensuring that the men and women who've fought side by side with me get the same amount of respect should be that. You were the one who told me that if I wanted to lead, I had to lead by example. So that's what I'm doing." Clark replied and the Colonel chuckled.
"Guess you were born with all that hope and optimism." The Colonel remarked just as Oliver Conwell returned with his boss.
"Colonel Phillips, hello. I'm Nigel Orwell. My assistant has informed me that there's a problem."
"No problem, Mr. Orwell. Just some confusion that arose. I'm truly grateful for this and everything but it was my understanding that my team would be joining me during the ceremony only to find out they won't be." Clark said.
"That's correct, Lieutenant Elbert. We felt that…" Nigel was going to explain why but Clark just raised his hand to stop him.
"With all due respect, Mr. Orwell…but the men and women standing before you did something that many considered impossible. Despite what the news may had decided to tell, it wasn't a one-man mission, and the success was because of everyone. It's only fair that everyone apart of that mission is given the same amount of respect and recognition." Clark told him. Nigel Orwell was baffled at this while Clark's team, Colonel Phillips, Peggy, and Howard smiled, seeing Clark willing to stand up for them while somehow sounding reasonable, calm and collected. He had a gift with words.
"Let them in, Mr. Orwell. All of them." They heard a man say from the other side of the door. Colonel Phillips immediately stood at attention along with the Secret Service members and the other men in the room. Clark and the others soon realized who just spoke, so they all stood up straight and followed the colonel as he led them in after a Secret Service member opened the door and they walked into the Oval Office. Waiting for them in front of the Presidential Desk was President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Wearing a suit with his glasses on his face, the 61-year-old president may have been in a wheelchair, but he exuded a confidence and demeanor of someone like Clark. "Apologies for all of that and any confusion that may have arisen."
"None needed, Mr. President. In fact, we should be the ones offering the apologies for the little scuffle you must have heard." Colonel Phillips told him.
"None needed, Colonel Phillips. Even I can admit that the Lieutenant made a very good point." Roosevelt said as he looked at Clark. "Lieutenant Elbert. It's nice to finally meet you."
"It's nice to finally meet you as well, sir. It's an honor." Clark walked over and they shook each other's hand.
"The honor is mine, Lieutenant. Colonel Phillips has kept me appraised of your actions and on behalf of the United States, I can't thank you enough for what you are doing. Mussolini was a big win."
"Thank you, sir but it was a team effort. One that I'm hoping we can continue when we get back." Clark hoped. "I'm sorry if my actions caused any problems but one thing my father taught me was to stand my ground on my beliefs and that was one of them."
"Then your father was a very wise man. It speaks volume that you were willing to speak up for your team when most wouldn't. They would have just taken the spotlight for themselves." The President admitted.
"I've never been that comfortable in the spotlight, Mr. President and that hasn't changed. And despite what Colonel Phillips has likely written in his reports, I'm not invincible. The success of our last mission proved that, but my team and I are ready for what comes next." Clark assured him as he stood with his team.
"Yes, I can see that. On behalf of the United States, I cannot thank you enough for the service you have done for the war. The Lieutenant was right that your service deserves its recognition. Each and every one of you." The President told them.
"Thank you, Mr. President." They all replied.
"You have good men and women here, Colonel Phillips. I'm glad I talked you into leading the SSR years ago." The President remarked but turned his wheelchair around to pick up a file from his desk. "And I hope you and the SSR can handle the developing situation you reported to me. We've heard a great deal of what Hitler and the Nazis have been doing but nothing like what Taskforce Vanguard faced in Italy. I trust the SSR is on top of the investigation?"
"Yes, sir. We already have several leads that we can follow. From the intel that Lieutenant Elbert, Sergeant Kingsley, and Sergeant Howlett intercepted on Sicily with what we were able to confirm with our spies, we've determined that the SS-officer who underwent the transformation is most likely Hauptsturmführer Otto Skorzeny. He was the officer in charge of the mission to recover Mussolini, so we've used our intelligence network behind enemy lines to try and retrace his steps. There's not a lot we've managed to get yet but one of our undercover agents was able to confirm that Skorzeny was in Austria before his deployment, and he had a visitor." Colonel Phillips handed the President a new file that was sparse but had some photos.
"Who am I looking at?" The President asked.
"Oberführer Wolfram Von List, head of weapons development at Project Endstation in Poland." Clark answered. "His name is one I came across several times when I was working intelligence before I joined the SSR. Him and Doctor Ulrich Vogel. Those two were talked about a lot in the Russian intelligence I was given along with all the German communiques I was able to decipher. Apparently, after Germany took over Poland, Von List was given control of their biggest weapons development center in the country protected by his own personal SS battalion Die Warheit. Allied intelligence actually has a fair amount on Von List because even before Hitler started his conquest of Europe, he and his men had gone around almost all of Europe, Africa, and Asia on archeological trips."
"What for?" The President questioned.
"I'm not sure, Mr. President. The intelligence was never able to verify what he was looking for or doing but I doubt it was just for fun. He and Doctor Vogel work directly under Heinrich Himmler so it had to be about something. Maybe with whatever we encountered in Italy?" Clark suggested.
"But what? What could the Nazi's have found buried in the ground that could make that monster?" Howard pondered. "I've managed to analyze the small sample Taskforce Vanguard was able to get and even I'm stumped. Granted, I'm not exactly an expert biologist or bio-chemist but I've never seen anything like it."
"Are we sure this Von List and Vogel aren't working for Hydra?" President Roosevelt questioned.
"All the intelligence says no, Mr. President. Whatever Von List and his men are up to is something new and he's likely reporting to Hitler. Schmidt is on his own and we still haven't heard much from Hydra." Colonel Phillips answered.
"As if we didn't have enough to worry about with the war as it stands but the German's making their own version of super soldiers is something we don't need." President Roosevelt said as he looked at the rough drawing Clark had made on what the transformed SS officer looked like. "Although I'm not sure I'd classify this thing as a super soldier like you, Lieutenant."
"More like a monster. Clearly whatever Von List was working on was nothing like Dr. Erskine's formula but it's dangerous if the Germans are able to produce them in any significant number which is why stopping that before it happens will be the SSR's top priority." Colonel Phillips assured the President.
"Good and I'll ensure that the SSR gets the resources it needs to get it done. You're the Vanguard for this, Colonel." The President told him.
"Yes, Mr. President." Colonel Phillips replied when they heard a knock on the door and a Secret Service member peaked his head in.
"Five minutes, Mr. President."
"Thank you, Adam. Well, we have a medal ceremony to conduct but could I have a moment alone with Lieutenant Elbert first." The President said so everyone left the room until it was just Clark.
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