Stranded Stars and Stripes

[Centurion]

“That’s all you need to know right now. You’ll figure out the rest soon enough. I’ll be watching … and waiting.” 

  With that the darkness and the mysterious silhouette faded away. Out of pure habit, he reached for the shield that he kept strapped on him at all times. A brief moment of panic overtook him as Steve realized that it was missing. Then, a flash of red and silver caught the corner of his eye, indicating the shield lay beside him. He scooped it up and tightened the straps onto his left arm. Finally feeling complete and a little more secure, Rogers began to taking the world around him. Some sort of convoluted structure reminiscent of a fountain dominated the relatively flat landscape. Steve squinted his eyes and gazed out into the stark white expanse before him. A man of habit, Rogers quickly reviewed his equipment. His thick under layer of Kevlar weave padded heavily by Vibranium armor plating lay fitted over his muscular physique. The only part of his uniform that seemed out of place was the lack of tools and weapons made evident by the empty pouches on his belt. He could worry about his lack of items, that strange colorful orb and the suggestion of other 'Primes', whatever that meant, one he had found a safe place to camp. Satisfied with his equipment check, Captain America took his first step into the bleached region of mystery looming ahead.

[The Vision]

>reboot
>check_systems
Scanning...
100% of systems functional

The Vision lifted himself from the ground. He scowled. There was a discrepancy in his files. He had died. He was severely damaged in the cave-in, and he had no access to solar energy underground with which he could repair his body.

Yet here he was, in the blankness of the Nexus, as if he awoke from a bad dream. A fascinating phenomenon, since Vision was incapable of dreaming.

He let sunlight wash over him, its warmth pouring over his skin. Moments like these made him feel human. They were... distracting. But pleasant, nonetheless.

He stood up fully this time, reassessing the environment for other lifeforms, judging hostile reactions-

Vision paused his train of thought. His code must be faulty.

> scan 11250-nexus
Scanning…
Match found. “A-000001"
> file_found_in(“A-000001”)
File found in "Avengers Database”
Name :: Steve Rogers

“Captain Rogers?”

The super-soldier turned and smiled.

“Vision!” he cried, “Good to see a friendly face.”

“Indeed. Your presence here proves to be most fortuitous,” the android replied, “Have you seen other allies?”

The captain shook his head. “I actually just arrived. Why, have you?”

“I have met no allies from our world,” the Vision replied, “But I have made new ones.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, on a rescue mission. Alas, I was killed in action before we could succeed.”

Captain Rogers paused. “You were killed?”

“Ah,” the android nodded, “I have a lot to explain to you, Captain Rogers. But first, if you would give me a mo-"

> access-web http://www.omrealestate.omn/search/
Search results compiled into list "results"
> first("results")
Verse: Coruscant.
Size: 114 sq ft
Description: 14th floor of Imperial Apartme-
> Ctrl+C
Aborted.
> second("results")
Verse: Pale Moors
Size: 400 sq mi
Description: Abandoned castle, overrun by-
> Ctrl+C
Aborted.
>third("results")

This continued, over forty locations scanned and assessed in the span of one nanosecond, until finally, a suitable location was selected.

"-ment. If you would, Captain?"

The Vision gestured for the captain to follow him, and started walking towards the Vasty Deep.

[Centurion]

Captain America took one more glance back at the strange obelisk behind them before trekking of after Vision. His android ally was right about one thing, there was a lot to explain. Normally, he would have no problem allowing the Vision to lead an operation, however, the soldier within Rogers prevented any sort of veritable action without proper intel. Cap sped up to a slight jog, coming alongside his fellow avenger.

"Lets get some things straight before we end up wherever you're headed," Cap began. "First off, where on earth are we?"

"Not on earth, Captain Rogers." Vision responded calmly. "Rather a form of multidimensional pocket universe comprised of sections controlled by factions originating from various alternate timelines and realities."

Taken aback, Cap simply stood quiet for a moment, processing Vision's explanation. "You say you've met others? And more importantly, that you've died? I have no problem trusting you, Vision, but I'm running into some roadblocks when it comes to believing you."

Vision nodded understandingly. "It can only be expected, Captain. Be it as it may, we have time before we arrive at the Vasty Deep."

"The what?"

"The Vasty Deep. It is a place not far from here that we may take refuge in for a time."

Cap nodded in agreement. "I'm not sure how I feel about this place. But the sooner we're out of this blank canvas the sooner you can start explaining what I need to know. Lead the way, Vision."