(Preshow) Staging Area

[The Vision]

As the unstable quantum energy stabilized, the Vision brushed the residual charge off of his exoskeleton. Before he got a chance to secure his position and scan the environment, a reporter seemed to materialize in front of the Vision.

"Hello Omniverse. I'm Ron Burgundy, with your exclusive first look at this year's DA. Only a few days after the call for help was released, it looks like our first few volunteers are already pouring through the portals. Here comes one now."

The camera turned to the Vision. The reporter smiled and reached his hand. As per Vision's programming, he automatically reached out to shake it. Mr. Burgundy flashed a warm smile.

"What a privilege to meet you, sir."

The Vision smiled back. "Pleasure is all mine."

Ron looked down faux-pensively. The interrogation was now to commence.

"Now, let's start with your name."

"I am called the Vision."

Ron smiled. "And what a vision you are. So, Vis, I don't recall seeing you at a DA event before. Is this your first?"

"Correct."

"Lovely!" Mr. Burgundy flashed an understanding shrug. "Are you nervous?"

> Error: 'nervous' not defined

The Vision paused. "I do not understand the interrogative."

Mr. Burgundy smiled and pat the Vision on the shoulder. "It's quite alright to admit you are nervous, Mr. Vision."

"Correction: Vision is not my last name."

Ron paused, clearly confused. Then, his face lit up. "Ah, of course, of course. I totally understand. Like I say, Mr. Burgundy is my father."

> check-expect lastname()files/RonBurgundy Burgundy
> check-expect gender()files/RonBurgundy "male"
#All tests passed

"I will review THAT error at another time," the Vision calmly reported, "But I will first have to note that 'nervous' has not been defined. If your query is of my nervous system, my body is laced with multiple sensors which simulate a human's nervous system. If-"

"Oh!" Ron interrupted, "So you're a robot?"

"Correction: the term is 'synthezoid.'"

"Oh, of course. Forgive me. Robot rights culture is changing so rapidly, I'm having difficulty keeping up with the political correct terms. Now, Vision, if you don't mind me asking, why are you joining now?"

The Vision blinked. "I am here to assist in the rescue. Do I require additional reasons?"

"Yes, but there must be SOMETHING else to drive you here, yes?"

The Vision processed for a moment. "Ah. I am also here to locate my... friends."

"Other synthezoids?"

"Correction: most of them are organic creatures."

"Ah. Well, that's a very noble cause. I'm glad you're here with us, Vision. I hope you find your friends and go far in the event, and I don't think I'm alone there. We're rooting for you."

Vision blinked. "My thanks, Ron."

"That was a synthezoid known as 'the Vision'..."

Vision walked away calmly as the reporters moved to another victim. He seated himself on a nearby chair and took some time processing the strange discussion he just had. Did the other volunteers have ulterior motives?

Perhaps this event was more complex than he initially calculated.