Benjamin Caldwell (Soldier Boy)

America uses him as a mascot and poster boy, and he's often referred to as "**Soldier Boy**". Ben is an American war hero and unwavering patriot. This war hero who is still revered today for his heroic actions during World War II and the Cold War, including leading **Task Force X** and his own team.

## History

### Early Life

Benjamin Caldwell's roots were deeply intertwined with the towering Caldwell family, a name that resonated through the very steel that built Gotham City. The Caldwells had amassed their immense wealth not just through shrewd business ventures, but by owning nearly half the state's steel mills. Their legacy was forged in the furnaces of industry, where molten metal transformed into girders that shaped the city's skyline. Nathaniel Caldwell, the patriarch of the family and Ben’s father, was the embodiment of the Caldwell legacy. With a visage as unyielding as the steel his family produced, he had a thirst for perfection and excellence, something that wasn’t necessarily a realistic vision, especially not one to inflict upon his son. With a father like that holding a tight grip around his family, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone but the father that Ben rebelled against that iron grip.

From an early age, Ben's spirit was ablaze with curiosity, igniting a fire of exploration and adventure within him. The towering spires of Gotham's steel structures were matched only by his desire to break free from the molds of expectation. Ben's thirst for life clashed with the suffocating rigidity of his father's expectations. Nathaniel Caldwell's towering presence was emblematic of the family's legacy, an unyielding standard that Ben struggled to measure up to. The quiet pressure to embody the family's prosperity and power weighed heavily on his young shoulders, even as his heart yearned for uncharted horizons.

As the shadows of Gotham's steel towers stretched across the city, Ben's escapades cast ripples of defiance. He navigated the city's hidden alleys and undiscovered pockets, relishing the freedom to chart his own path. But with freedom came friction, and his clashes with authority figures within the family's sphere grew more frequent and intense.

The halls of esteemed institutions became the stages for Ben's rebellion. Expulsion followed expulsion as his appetite for adventure steered him towards unorthodox pursuits. Despite the efforts of the finest tutors to harness his potential, his roving spirit remained untamed. Each expulsion became a strike against the family's expectations, deepening the chasm that separated father and son.

### Soldier Boy begins

As the events of World War II unfurled, Ben found an unexpected avenue to redeem himself in the eyes of his father. The attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 galvanized him to enlist in the U.S. military. With the assistance of his father's influential contacts within the war department, he secured a place in Dr. Vogelbaum's enigmatic Supersoldier program, hoping to become more than the disappointment his father saw when he looked at him. Emerging from the secretive program he was transformed into one of the strongest men alive, Ben was reborn as a superhuman force of nature. His body had been remodeled into a marvel of strength and agility, setting the stage for his remarkable rise to prominence. When he came home he was welcomed as a hero by everyone. Everyone…but one. When the press vanished and he was alone with his old man, his father told him the words he always knew were in his dad’s mind but had never yet been said out loud. He told him he took a shortcut, that a real man wouldn’t have cheated. He was a fucking disappointment.

For two years, he was used as a propaganda machine. To lift morale of the troops on the frontline and to make the Krauts shiver in their boots. He had been training non stop, sculpted and molded by the finest fighters not just in terms of marksmanship, but hand to hand combat too. He trained his reflexes, how to use his shield effectively and most importantly, how to win at all costs.  His crowning achievement however, the one was most proud of, came in 1944. The first time he saw any real conflict. As the sun's rays began to pierce through the clouds over the shores of Normandy, he emerged as a formidable leader, spearheading audacious assaults that would ultimately shape the course of World War II and stand as a testament to human courage. In the midst of the chaos and thundering waves, Soldier Boy exhibited unwavering determination and unyielding resolve. His strategic brilliance and indomitable spirit propelled him to the forefront of the battlefield, leading his comrades through the treacherous obstacles that lay before them. With relentless ferocity, he cleared the way for his fellow soldiers, securing crucial beachheads and establishing a foothold for the Allied forces.

Propaganda campaigns seized upon the aura surrounding Soldier Boy, immortalizing his deeds through powerful imagery and stirring narratives. His heroic exploits were carefully woven into the fabric of national consciousness, fueling the flames of patriotism and unity. Through posters, newsreels, and stories, he became more than just an individual; he became the embodiment of the nation's determination to overcome adversity. Or at least that was the official story. In truth, even after the war he was just an asset the government used for propaganda purposes. First against the Nazis, then the communists. It got to the point where even he called out the hypocrisy behind closed doors. , but he was told to be quiet and smile for the cameras.

### The Cold War

As the later stages of the Cold War unfolded, Ben's stance began to shift, revealing a more critical perspective on the government's actions and policies. Having been a central figure in the propaganda campaigns that once immortalized him, he found himself increasingly uncomfortable with the way his image had been manipulated for political ends. Soldier Boy's unique position as a living symbol of courage gave him insight into the intricate web of propaganda. He had experienced firsthand how his actions were carefully curated to construct a narrative that served the government's interests. Over time, this realization bred a sense of unease within him. While he recognized the necessity of maintaining morale during the Cold War, he couldn't ignore the inherent distortion of truth that came with it.

His concerns extended beyond mere propaganda. In an era where anti-drug campaigns were on the rise, Ben couldn't help but see the hypocrisy in the government's efforts. He had witnessed firsthand how not only soldiers like himself but also politicians and influential figures had engaged in drug use. The incongruity between the official stance against drugs and the realities he knew all too well gnawed at his conscience. The weight of his own experiences and the changing socio-political landscape compelled him to speak out. In a series of carefully worded statements behind closed doors with his superiors, he questioned the veracity of the narratives he had once been a part of crafting.

It’s presumed around this time he was a part of the original Task Force X team.

Ben's evolving critical stance proved to be a catalyst for a series of unfortunate events that would forever alter the course of his life. As his dissenting voice gained momentum, it began to grate against the nerves of not just the government, but also those within his own inner circle. The very team that had once fought alongside him found themselves increasingly uneasy with his outspoken opinions. For his comrades, his criticism represented a departure from the unity they had shared on the battlefield. They had fought side by side, trusting in the cause and relying on each other's unwavering loyalty not to each other but most importantly to their country. His newfound willingness to question authority and expose the darker underbelly of their shared experiences shattered that camaraderie. The team feared that his revelations could tarnish their own reputations and trigger a cascade of uncomfortable truths.

As Ben's critiques intensified, whispers of discomfort turned into murmurs of betrayal. Those who had once hailed him as a hero now began to view him as a liability, a loose cannon who could compromise their hard-fought reputations and their place in history. The unease within the team festered, and in a moment of desperation, some members sought their own survival and security. It was amidst this growing dissonance that the Russian intelligence apparatus sensed an opportunity. The Russians had long sought to exploit any cracks in the armor of the American defense, and Soldier Boy's internal turmoil presented a perfect opening. The team members, feeling the weight of his criticism, saw an unlikely alliance with the Russians as a way to eliminate their growing problem.

Conversations in the shadows gave birth to a plan that would betray one of their own. The Russians offered promises of protection and most importantly, money, coaxing information out of the disillusioned team members in exchange for their cooperation. The decision was not made lightly, but in the eyes of these individuals, it became a matter of self-preservation along with personal gain. As word of this betrayal reached the government, their own calculus began to shift. The criticism that had once been brushed off as the musings of a discontented former soldier now took on a more dangerous hue. In the face of international intrigue and the potential for classified information falling into the wrong hands, the government chose a pragmatic path. Rather than risking further exposure and potential political fallout, they opted to cut their losses and disavow Soldier Boy.

### Nicaragua, 1948

Accompanied by his team, Ben pressed through the dense undergrowth, heading toward an enemy encampment believed to hold valuable intelligence. There was an unmistakable tension in the air, an undercurrent of unease within the team. The bonds that had once united them were fraying, replaced by an unspoken skepticism that lingered beneath the surface.

The mission's objective was clear: locate and secure any vital information from the encampment. Unbeknownst to Ben, his team had made a hidden agreement with external forces, including operatives from foreign nations. Their loyalty had shifted, placing their personal interests ahead of their allegiance to Ben and the mission. As gunfire erupted and combatants clashed, Ben fought with the experience and determination that had earned him his reputation. Yet, amidst the chaos, he couldn't ignore the subtle changes in his team's behavior. His suspicions were confirmed as his teammates orchestrated his isolation amid the tumult of battle. Despite his valiant efforts, Ben found himself in a perilous situation. The opposing soldiers were no ordinary adversaries. Armed with specialized knowledge and a potent gas toxin, they had meticulously planned for this precise moment. Amid the cacophony of battle, a canister of gas was released into the air, dispersing its contents.

The gas's effects were swift and incapacitating. Ben's movements slowed, his senses grew dull, and his strength began to ebb away. He struggled to maintain his footing, but the gas's influence was relentless. Consciousness began to slip away as the toxin worked its way through his system. As the sounds of battle faded into the background, Ben found himself immobilized. His adversaries approached cautiously, ensuring his vulnerability. The soldiers who had once been his comrades now stood over him, their expressions a mix of grim determination and resignation.In that pivotal moment, the heroic aura surrounding Ben gave way to a stark reality. His resistance had been futile, a stark reminder of the calculated actions of a team divided by ambition and self-preservation. His resilience was subdued, leaving him to grapple with the consequences of misplaced trust and allegiance.

As he faded further into unconsciousness, he heard voices. Russian voices.

### Soldier Boy returns

Subsequent to the retrieval operation conducted at the abandoned Soviet facility within the Siberian expanse, Benjamin Caldwell, prominently acknowledged under the mantle of Soldier Boy, has been placed in a sustained comatose state, endorsed by the directive of the President. Regular intervals of capsule opening have been implemented to monitor his physiological status. The anticipated consequences have transpired as projected: the Supersoldier program's impact on his aging progression is notably substantial, yielding an apparent stalling of the process, save for minor facial hair growth. This sustained preservation of his appearance serves as a salient testament to the efficacy of the program.

Exploring his genetic material was met with complexities. The heightened resilience of his dermal layers, a direct consequence of Supersoldier enhancements, presented hindrances to conventional methods of penetration. A pragmatic resolution emerged through the utilization of focused energy lasers, which elicited a controlled reduction in skin rigidity, facilitating the retrieval of pertinent samples for further analysis. These results have substantially enriched our investigative avenues. Subsequent plans involve the execution of an all-encompassing psychological evaluation of Mr. Caldwell. The pivotal stipulation remains his unawareness of his relocation from Siberian confines. To navigate this predicament judiciously, a linguist proficient in the Russian language has been enlisted. Strategic sedation is deemed imperative to subdue potential risks, with a calculated degree of consciousness being preserved to solicit relevant information. This tactical protocol ensures his containment without incurring jeopardy, concurrently affording the acquisition of indispensable responses. You can find the report below.

## Patient Information

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Name: Ben (pseudonym, real name withheld for security)
Age: [Age redacted]
Date of Evaluation: [Date redacted]
Evaluating Psychologist: [Your Name]

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Presenting Issues: Ben's psychological evaluation was requested due to his extensive exposure to traumatic events, including captivity, torture, and experiments during his time as a soldier. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the potential psychological impact of these experiences on his mental well-being and to provide insights into his current emotional state.

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Psychological Assessment: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Ben's experiences are indicative of exposure to traumatic events that meet the criteria for PTSD. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hyperarousal, and emotional numbing are likely to be present. His background as a soldier may initially have contributed to his ability to cope with stress, but the cumulative impact of his captivity and mistreatment has likely overwhelmed his coping mechanisms.

Complex Trauma: The prolonged nature of his captivity, coupled with the chronic nature of his trauma, aligns with the diagnosis of complex trauma. This form of trauma can result in disrupted emotional regulation, difficulties with relationships, and a pervasive sense of helplessness. The combination of physical abuse, psychological torment, and experimentation underscores the complexity of his traumatic experiences.

Depressive Symptoms: Given the severity of the trauma he endured, depressive symptoms are likely to be present. Feelings of hopelessness, despair, and a loss of interest in activities he once enjoyed may indicate the presence of depression.

Survivor Guilt and Betrayal: Ben's betrayal by his own team and his subsequent captivity may have led to feelings of survivor guilt and a profound sense of betrayal. These emotions, combined with the realization that his former comrades turned against him, could contribute to low self-esteem and difficulties in trusting others.

Psychological Resilience: Despite the overwhelming adversity he faced, it's important to note that Ben's capacity for resilience is evident in his survival and his determination to endure his ordeal. His ability to maintain a sense of self and cling to memories of his past identity demonstrates his inner strength.

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Recommendations:

Trauma-Focused Therapy: Ben would likely benefit from evidence-based trauma-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or Prolonged Exposure Therapy. These approaches can help him process traumatic memories, manage distressing symptoms, and work through feelings of guilt and betrayal.

Medication Evaluation: Given the potential severity of his symptoms, a consultation with a psychiatrist to assess the appropriateness of medication for managing symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety should be considered.

Supportive Counseling: Individual therapy that focuses on building coping strategies, managing distress, and addressing feelings of trust and betrayal could provide a supportive framework for his recovery.

Psychoeducation: Providing Ben with psychoeducation about trauma responses, coping mechanisms, and strategies for self-care can empower him to better understand and manage his psychological reactions.

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Ben's psychological evaluation indicates the presence of trauma-related symptoms consistent with his experiences of captivity, torture, and experimentation. His journey toward recovery will likely be marked by challenges, but his capacity for resilience and his willingness to seek help are promising indicators for his potential for healing and growth. Continued therapeutic support, along with a multidisciplinary approach that may include medication and support from a trusted social network, will be essential components of his recovery journey.

## Powers and Abilities

### Powers

* **Superhuman Strength**
* **Superhuman Durability**
* **Superhuman Reflexes**
* **Radiation Energy Blasts**: able to kill any superpowered individual, theoretically, as well as strip them of their powers
* **Decelerated Aging**
* **Toxin Invulnerability**: he also has built an immunity to radiation and toxins based on what the Soviets used on him.

### Abilities

* **Peak Physical Condition**
* **Advanced hand-to-hand combat**
* **Firearms**
* **Singer**
* **Actor**
* **Intimidation**

### Characteristics

* **Post Traumatic Stress Disorder:** Ben suffers post traumatic stress disorder from the Russians and their torture.

## Paraphernalia

### Equipment

* **Soldier Boy's Suit**: The costume resembles a soldier uniform and incorporates numerous American emblems, cementing Soldier Boy's image as a "patriotic." The suit looks to have further uses as well, as it is composed of a material that can withstand his radiation blasts as well as an abuse from other supes as well as bullets. Kevlar is most likely the main material of Ben’s heroic costume.

### Weapons

* **Soldier Boy's Shield**: Soldier Boy's primary weapon is a metal, golden-colored triangular shield. He typically employs it to pound his opponents to death or block assaults.