Chapter 9: Birth of Captain America
A few years had passed since Logan and his pack left their old home behind and settled in New York.
Much had changed during that time, both within the pack and in Logan himself. The world had moved forward, and so had they.
Logan had purchased a vast expanse of land just outside of New York City. Over the years, he and his pack had built a city there—one that catered to their unique needs.
A dense forest surrounded the city, providing them with a space to roam freely in their wolf forms.
Because of the incident with whitehaven, Logan had come to a sobering realization: humans and werewolves couldn't coexist peacefully, at least not yet.
The differences between them were too great, the fear too deep-seated. It was a harsh truth, but one Logan had accepted.
To protect his pack and to protect the humans, Logan had instituted strict rules. Anyone who discovered their true nature had to be dealt with—eliminated to protect the secrecy of the pack. Love between a human and a werewolf was permitted, but the human had to be turned. There were no exceptions. These were the rules Logan had set, and they were enforced with absolute seriousness.
Over time, the pack grew stronger and more organized.
Hank had become the head of the medical division at Howlett Enterprises, using his expertise to keep the pack in peak physical condition.
Selene who is the advisor and sorceress of the pack along with her keen intellect and strategic mind, was given the role of CEO of the company.
Logan had initially considered Laura for the position, but after she nearly beat the living daylights out of a business rival during a meeting, he decided against it.
Logan himself found that his patience is decreasing. Meetings bored him, and he quickly grew irritated with the endless discussions and negotiations. He only attended when it was absolutely necessary, preferring to focus on the pack and their future.
Along the years, Logan discovered that he grew stronger with age. The older he got, the more powerful he became.
He also learned that werewolves, in general, became stronger over time, and that the once-dreaded wolfsbane no longer affected them. These discoveries gave him a sense of confidence, knowing that his pack would continue to grow in strength.
Under Selene's guidance, the pack also learned to shield their minds from telepaths. It was a crucial skill, one that provided a layer of protection against those who might seek to exploit their secrets. The mind shields were basic but effective, ensuring that no one could easily infiltrate their thoughts.
Logan made plans for the impending war. With World War II on the horizon and the emergence of figures like Captain America, Logan saw an opportunity. He intended to offer the pack's services as mercenaries to the government, using the war as a means to grow stronger and more influential.
His plan was simple: make the government believe they could control the pack, all the while building their strength in secret.
By the time the authorities realized the true extent of their power, it would be too late—the pack would be untouchable.
----
Logan sat across from Hank in the spacious lab they had set up within Howlett Enterprises. The lab was state-of-the-art, filled with the latest technology and equipment, all geared towards Hank's research. The room hummed with a quiet intensity, the air thick with the scent of chemicals and the faint whir of machines.
"Hank, we need to talk about something important," Logan said seriously.
Hank looked up from his work, removing his glows and then his glasses. "What is it, Logan?"
"I want you to develop a DNA lock serum," Logan began, leaning forward. "Something that will prevent anyone from using our DNA to create clones or other super-powered beings. We've got too much to lose, and I don't trust anyone outside the pack with this kind of power."
Hank frowned, considering Logan's words. "It's a complex task, Logan. The DNA of werewolves is... different. It's more resilient, adaptable, but also more volatile. To create a lock that prevents genetic manipulation, we'd need to fundamentally alter the way our DNA functions."
"How long do you think it would take?" Logan asked curiously.
Hank sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Years. Maybe even decades. And there's another issue. If we tamper with our DNA to that extent, it could affect the pack's ability to produce offspring. We could be sterilizing ourselves in the process."
Logan hearing this frowned. The idea of the pack being unable to have children was troubling, but the risk of their DNA being exploited was too great to ignore.
The implications of such a serum were enormous, but so were the risks of not having it. He couldn't let the possibility of cloning or genetic exploitation hang over their heads, since he knows the future.
"I understand that, Hank," Logan said after a moment. "But this is something we need to do. I don't want immediate results. Take your time, and do it right. We can't afford to rush this and make mistakes. But we need to be prepared for what's coming. Trust me, we need this."
Hank met Logan's gaze, seeing the determination in his eyes. He knew Logan well enough to understand that once his mind was set on something, there was no changing it. And in this case, Hank could see the logic behind the request.
"Alright," Hank agreed with a nod. "I'll start working on it. But we both need to be patient. This is going to take time—lots of it. We're talking about years of research, maybe even longer. But I'll do my best."
"That's all I'm asking for," Logan replied with a small smile. "We've got all the time in the world, Hank. Let's make sure we use it wisely."
Hank nodded again, returning Logan's smile. "We'll figure this out, Logan."
Logan stood up, placing a reassuring hand on Hank's shoulder. "I know we will. Thanks, Hank."
----
Soon World War II had erupted, plunging the globe into chaos. The MCU's version of events had key differences from our world, but the core conflicts remained: the Axis powers, led by the Red Skull's HYDRA, threatened global stability. Logan saw an opportunity to increase the reputation of his pack.
Logan's connections in the business world led him to Howard Stark, the brilliant inventor and industrialist. The two quickly became friends, bonding over their shared interest in technology.
Howard introduced Logan to the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR), the precursor to S.H.I.E.L.D., where Logan met Peggy Carter, a formidable agent with a sharp mind and unwavering determination.
"We could use someone like you," Roger Dooley had said over drinks one evening. "Your pack, your money... they could turn the tide."
Logan agreed, offering not only financial support from Howlett Enterprises but also the services of his pack as elite mercenaries. However, he made it clear to his pack: they were to use their powers carefully, and if exposed, they were to eliminate any witnesses, regardless of their allegiance.
The Crescent Pack quickly gained a fearsome reputation. They executed missions with ruthless efficiency, earning a 100% success rate. Their ability to strike with their superhuman abilities, made them a nightmare for the enemy. Logan's leadership and strategic acumen turned the Crescent Pack into one of the most formidable forces in the war.
Logan's involvement with the SSR deepened. He worked closely with Peggy Carter, and soon, Laura and Peggy became fast friends, bonding over their shared experiences and the challenges of war. The pack's presence became a cornerstone of the Allied efforts against HYDRA.
During this time, Dr. Abraham Erskine's Super Soldier Serum project was in full swing. Logan and his pack were initially considered for the first trials, but Dr. Erskine had his reservations.
"We need someone who represents the best of humanity," Erskine had said. "Someone with the heart and spirit to match the power they will gain."
Logan understood the doctor's perspective, even if it meant the pack would not be the first to receive the serum. He respects Steve Rogers and he has to be the first Super Soldier.
Erskine eventually chose a frail, young man from Brooklyn named Steve Rogers. Despite his small stature, Rogers had a heart full of courage and a relentless will to do good.
The night before the procedure, Logan met Rogers in a dimly lit SSR facility.
"You've got guts, kid," Logan said, clapping Steve on the shoulder. "Remember, it's not just the serum that makes you strong. It's who you are inside."
Steve nodded, determination in his eyes. "I'll make sure it's worth it."
----
Soon, the day had finally arrived. The Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) facility was bustling with activity, filled with top military brass, scientists, and dignitaries.
They had gathered to witness a groundbreaking moment in history: the transformation of Steve Rogers from a scrawny, frail young man into the world's first Super Soldier.
Logan, Laura, and hank were present, standing discreetly at the back of the observation room. Howard Stark and Peggy Carter were also in attendance, both looking anxious yet hopeful. Logan had seen many strange things in his long life, but even he is also looking forward to this.
In the center of the room, Steve Rogers was prepped for the procedure. He was shirtless, revealing his thin frame and the multitude of bruises he had acquired over the years from countless beatings by bullies.
Despite his physical appearance, Steve's eyes were filled with determination. This was the moment he had been waiting for, the chance to prove that strength wasn't just about muscles—it was about heart.
Dr. Abraham Erskine approached Steve with a reassuring smile. "How are you feeling, Steve?".
"A little nervous," Steve admitted with his voice steady despite the tension. "But ready."
Dr. Erskine nodded and began to explain the process, though most of the audience already knew the details.
Steve was to be injected with a serum that would enhance his physical abilities to their peak, making him faster, stronger, and more resilient than any normal human.
After the injection, Steve would be bombarded with Vita-Rays, a process designed to stabilize the serum and ensure its effects took hold.
As Steve was strapped into the metal pod designed for the procedure, not before he exchanged a look with Peggy Carter, who gave him a small, encouraging smile. Howard Stark is at the control panel as his fingers flying over the buttons and switches.
"Starting the serum injection," Dr. Erskine announced, signaling to the technicians. A series of syringes descended from the ceiling, each one filled with a glowing blue liquid. They were inserted into Steve's arms and torso, and with a deep breath, he braced himself.
The serum was administered, and Steve's body immediately began to convulse in pain. His muscles spasmed, and he let out a groan, his face contorting with the intense sensation coursing through his veins.
Hank watched closely, his enhanced senses picking up some details. He could hear Steve's heart racing, his bones creaking as they began to stretch and grow.
"Raising the Vita-Ray levels," Howard announced, his voice calm despite the situation. He turned a dial, and the chamber filled with bright light as the rays began to do their work.
The room was tense, the only sounds being the hum of the machinery and Steve's labored breathing. As the process continued, Steve's body began to change. His muscles expanded, filling out his frame, and his skin tightened over his newly formed physique. He grew taller, broader, every inch of his body transforming into the pinnacle of human potential.
Peggy watched with a mixture of awe and concern, her eyes never leaving Steve. Logan, too, was impressed. He had seen many people strive for power, but few had the inner strength to match what Steve was enduring.
Finally, the procedure was complete. The lights dimmed, and the machinery powered down. The metal pod opened with a hiss of steam, and for a moment, there was silence. Then, Steve stepped out, his once frail body now transformed into a towering figure of strength and power.
The crowd gasped in amazement. Steve Rogers was now the perfect Super soldier.
His chest heaved as he took his first deep breath, adjusting to the new sensation of having a body that felt like it could do anything.
Peggy approached him, her eyes wide with admiration. "How do you feel?" she asked, her voice soft.
"Taller," Steve replied with a grin, looking down at her with a newfound confidence.
The room erupted in applause, everyone cheering for the success of the experiment. Dr. Erskine beamed with pride, knowing that his creation was everything he had hoped for. Howard Stark, always the showman, couldn't resist clapping Steve on the back.
"You did it, Rogers," he said, flashing his trademark smile. "You're officially America's first Super Soldier."
As the celebration continued, Logan remained silent, observing Steve with a thoughtful expression, he knew that the real fight has just begin.