NOTE: This story-arc takes place before the events of Avengers #17

1940

Isaiah Bradley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. The office he found himself in was fairly spacious, with an American flag draped behind the large desk he sat before. He was dressed in a formal military uniform and the collar felt tight around his neck.

There were framed photographs on the wall, featuring the office’s owner with a number of influential leaders, including Presidents Roosevelt, Hoover and Coolidge. There were also degrees framed, mostly doctorates in various science fields.

The door to the office entered and Bradley instantly stood and saluted, just as he was trained. The man, who was dressed in a suit and of a slim build, offered a smile and said, “there’s no need for that, Private. I’m not an officer.”

Bradley lowered his hand and placed them both behind his back, still standing at attention. The man offered his hand. “My name is Dr. Abraham Erksine.”

Bradley shook the man’s hand. “Private First Class Isaiah Bradley.”

“Yes, I know. Please sit.”

Bradley did as he was told and Erksine took his own seat behind the desk. He opened a file and Bradley could see it had a black and white photograph of him as well as several other documents. All of them were stamped with a CONFIDENTIAL seal.

“Private, what I’m about to tell you may not leave this room, is that understood?” asked Erksine. Bradley nodded. “Good. Now, I’m sure you know something about the war in Europe?”

“Yes sir,” said Bradley.

“Hitler is quickly rising to become a threat to not only Europe, but the world as a whole. The President is starting to get concerned, especially with Germany bringing out this Red Skull character. Have you heard of the Red Skull?”

“A little bit, there were lots of rumors flying around about him at boot camp. Some sort of Nazi superman or something.”

“That shows the intimidation factor is working,” said Erksine with a sigh. “The truth of the matter is that the Red Skull is just a man in a mask. But it doesn’t change the fact that Germany is working day and night to try and produce their own superman.”

“I’m not sure I follow, sir.”

“Germany is trying to create a being with superhuman abilities,” said Erksine. “Imagine a soldier who was faster, stronger, more agile than normal soldiers. One who could take on a battalion single-handedly and live to tell about it. One whose endurance was far greater than the average soldier.”

“So… a super soldier?” asked Bradley.

“Precisely,” said Erksine. “Have you heard of the Human Torch?”

“Yessir I have,” said Bradley.

“The Human Torch is an android, created by the U.S. government,” said Erksine. “Now, while the Torch can be used as an effective weapon against the Nazis, we need something more. We need a symbol.”

Isaiah raised his arm slightly. “May I ask a question, sir?” Erksine motioned for him to ask. “Well… why is this a concern, sir? I mean, America isn’t even involved in this war.”

“Although we’re not officially involved with this war, there’s a very good chance we will be within the next year or two. It’s almost inevitable. Hitler has amassed a powerful army and they’ve been steamrolling through Europe. If America doesn’t willingly enter this war, we will surely be dragged into it.”

“Sir, may I ask what this has to do with me?”

“Your medical reports indicate that you’re in excellent physical health,” said Erksine. “You’re strong, fast. More importantly, all your commanding officers have given you good marks—you’re loyal, you know how to follow orders. What I’m saying Isaiah, is that America wants you to be part of a special operation.”

“What’s that?” asked Bradley.

“I’ve personally developed an experimental formula that could help us completely turn the tide of this war before it gets anywhere near America’s shores. We’ve called it the Super Soldier Serum. And I want you to be the first test subject. What do you say?”

“I… I dunno, sir,” said Bradley. “This sounds a little dangerous and I dunno if I’m the right choice.”

“Isaiah, you are the perfect candidate for this project,” said Erksine. “Please, consider this. You’re being asked to serve your country in a capacity far higher than you ever could as a Private First Class. We’re asking you to be something more, to help shape history.”

Isaiah Bradley considered the doctor’s words. He thought about his wife. He thought about his job back home. His family had always raised Isaiah to believe that all men, both white and black were equal, yet people of his race rarely received the same treatment. It was a truth Isaiah tried to avoid at many times, but being asked to serve his country as a super soldier, to be a symbol for America, that would surely help change perceptions.

“I’ll do it,” he said.

Erksine smiled and extended his hand once again. “Welcome to Operation: REBIRTH.”

SENTINELS OF LIBERTY

Part II: Confidential

By Dino Pollard

Today

The offices of the Commission on Superhuman Activities were located in Washington, D.C. The last time Steve Rogers found himself in his nation’s capitol, it was as an invader. He and his fellow Avengers were under the control of the Kree warrior called Noh-Varr. Thanks to the help of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard, the Avengers were liberated from the control, but not before they caused some destruction.

It was with a heavy heart that Captain America looked upon the reconstruction. Times like this made him wonder if he had made the right decision when he and his teammates accepted the United Nations’ offer to grant the Avengers sovereignty.

Still, he had to put those thoughts aside. More important matters weighed on his heart this day. His former sidekick Jack Monroe, called Nomad, had broken into the CSA’s offices and stole classified documents related to Operation: REBIRTH. The project that created the Super Soldier Serum which turned scrawny Steve Rogers into Captain America.

By his side was Sharon Carter, Agent 13 of SHIELD. One of her relatives was an alley of Captain America’s during World War II and something more. And if Sharon’s own unique relationship with Steve was any indication, it ran in the family.

Also present was Henry Peter Gyrich, head of the CSA who also served as the government liaison for the Avengers. To say he and Captain America had something of a shaky relationship was an extreme understatement.

Captain America examined the records room that had been Nomad’s target. Shattered glass was everywhere—a cleaning crew hadn’t been allowed near the scene yet. There were no clues left behind as to Nomad’s whereabouts, which was as Steve has suspected. Nomad was well-trained in espionage and counter-intelligence and the Super Soldier Serum pumping through his veins granted him the same abilities as Captain America.

“Well?” asked Gyrich.

Captain America shook his head. “There’s nothing here I can work with, Gyrich. I need more information. What exactly was in the files Nomad stole?”

“I told you already, that information is classified,” said Gyrich.

“Then how do you expect me to bring him in?” asked Captain America. “The information contained in those files is the only lead I have.”

“You know Monroe on a personal level, you should have a way to contact him,” said Gyrich.

“We haven’t spoken in a long time. And with a name like Nomad, what makes you think he stays in one place for very long?” asked Captain America. Sharon stifled a chuckle. Gyrich was not amused.

“What makes you think I know what was in those files?” he asked.

“Because you’re the head of the Commission,” said Captain America. “If you don’t know, who does?”

Gyrich sighed. “I honestly don’t know what was in the files. I was the only one with access to them, true. But that doesn’t mean I’ve read every file in this place.”

“In other words, we don’t have a single lead,” said Sharon.

“More or less,” said Captain America. “There have to be copies of the files somewhere, or at least someone who can guide us in the right direction.”

Gyrich thought about the possibilities for a moment, ran down the list of possible candidates. “Haywerth.”

“Who?” asked Sharon.

“General Lewis Haywerth,” said Gyrich. “Presidentially-appointed as the first director of the Commission. Prior to that, he was well-connected in circles related to the Super Soldier Project. He retired a few years ago.”

Captain America turned to Sharon. “Can you track him down for me?”

“I’ll get right on it,” said Sharon.

Sharon had dropped Steve off not far from his home—a private brownstone concealed by a holographic wall. Kept his place secret from anyone and, most-importantly for Steve, he didn’t have to worry about endangering any neighbors if his enemies came knocking at his door.

Once Steve entered the place, he slipped off the shield and set it against the wall and pulled his mask off. He wondered just what Nomad’s game was. Could it be as simple as vengeance against the CSA for what Gyrich did to him? Or was it something more?

Questions. Unfortunately, that was all Steve dealt with lately. Questions about Nomad, about Operation: REBIRTH, and things with the Avengers weren’t any smoother. Genis was missing and if Kang was to be believed, there was some greater threat on the horizon.

He paused and looked to the side. Steve knew instantly that he was no longer alone. But before he could reach his shield or sniff out the intruder, the intruder struck first, coming up behind Steve and holding a metal bo-staff against the Living Legend’s throat.

Steve gripped the staff and thrust his body forward, flinging the assailant over his head and throwing him to the ground. Just as Steve thought, it was Nomad himself. The former Bucky quickly got to his feet and smiled. Steve was about to open his mouth to speak when Nomad separated the staff into two battle staves and attacked.

Steve used his arms to block the blows. He brought his leg forward and kicked Nomad in the chest, putting some temporary distance between the two former partners. Steve flipped back and picked up his shield.

Nomad removed the two discs mounted on his chest and hurled them forward. Steve easily blocked them with his shield and they ricocheted off. He wasn’t about to give Nomad a chance to strike again and instead Steve rushed forward, holding his shield in front of him as he rammed into Nomad’s body. Steve pinned Nomad to the ground but Monroe just laughed.

“Not bad,” said Nomad. “I was worried you might be losing your edge.”

“So you were just testing me?” asked Steve. Nomad nodded. “What’s this about, Jack?”

“Let me up and I’ll tell you what you wanna know,” said Nomad. “Trust me, it concerns both of us and, if I’ve drawn the right conclusions, a lot more people.”

Steve raised his eyebrows in curiosity and stood upright, offering his hand to Jack. Nomad took it and pulled himself to his feet. He dusted himself off and took a seat on Steve’s couch. Steve eyed his old partner carefully, but set down his shield and sat in an adjacent chair.

“Some of the story, you already know,” said Nomad. “In 1941, you were turned down when you tried to enlist and instead, you volunteered for Operation: REBIRTH. You were given an experimental Super Soldier Serum that turned you into Captain America.”

“And…?” asked Steve.

“What you don’t know is you weren’t the first test subject,” said Nomad.

“What?” asked Steve.

“According to the files I stole, there was a previous test subject, code-named Weapon I. Before they gave you the Super Soldier Serum, they tested it on black soldiers.”

“You can’t be serious,” said Steve.

“Does it really surprise you?” asked Nomad. “It’s not the only time the government has done something like this. Ever hear of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study? Project: MK-ULTRA?”

“Who was this test subject?” asked Steve.

“His name’s Isaiah Bradley,” said Nomad. “And there’s more.”

“What else did you find out?” asked Steve.

“Operation: REBIRTH wasn’t the only attempt to create super soldiers. The U.S. has been involved with the creation of super soldiers for decades. I’ve been able to find documentation of no less than sixteen successful super soldiers.”

“Who are they all?” asked Steve.

“I’m not sure, the CSA didn’t have any records based on the other super soldiers. The only names I could find were specifically related to Operation: REBIRTH. That means you, me, Bradley and the Grand Director.”

“Which means there are still twelve super soldiers unaccounted for,” said Steve.

“Maybe not, there was a Weapon 0 listed,” said Nomad. “Someone preceded Bradley, but wasn’t part of Operation: REBIRTH.”

“It couldn’t be Protocide, could it?” asked Steve.

“I’m not sure, I couldn’t find any mention of him,” said Nomad.

“I’ll look into it,” said Steve. “Tomorrow I’m meeting General Lewis Haywerth, who was the first director of the CSA.”

“Ask him about something else, then,” said Nomad.

“What?” asked Steve.

“The name of the program, apparently it’s not Operation: REBIRTH. That was just related to Erksine’s serum. The program was called Weapon Plus.”

“You’re coming with me,” said Steve. “We’re going to talk to Fury and Gyrich about this.”

“No thanks, Steve, I don’t trust Fury or Gyrich. For all we know they’re also connected. You were part of this as well and you deserve to know the truth. But I’m going to get to the bottom of this—my way.”

“You’re not leaving, Jack.”

Nomad leapt from the couch and removed something from one of his gauntlets, which he hurled at Steve. As it flew, it expanded to full-size—one of the binding rings used by the Ringer. Steve tried to move to dodge it, but was caught inside the ring and he watched as Nomad vanished from sight. The stealth cloak used by Mirage.

Steve silently cursed himself for letting his guard down. His hand was close enough to his belt, however and he flipped open the buckle. There was a transmitter inside, which he activated. SHIELD would get the signal and Sharon would be down here soon to help him.

And tomorrow, Steve was going to get some answers from General Haywerth.