video;

[unbearablynaive]

Who: The Vision
Broadcast: Video from the planet's surface
Action: Locked to Wanda
When: Now

[This video opens up with a view of a sea of dunes stretching out as far as the eye can see, lit only by the stars above. Some of those stars are moving about in a lively fashion - space traffic, though even the large stations are no more than points of light from this distance. Then the camera pans over to view some shadowy but dramatic rock formations - sandstone or a similar sedimentary rock, though it's hard to tell without more light. The voice narrating the scene has a gentle tone and a British accent, almost like a nature documentary. It's only very slightly muffled by the helmet he's wearing.]

A desert planet is hardly unusual. It's the most common type of rocky exoplanet according to the science in my time. Yet here we see several signs that this was not - and need not always be - the case. Look at the gentle curves in the rocks and the way the sand forms dunes. These are signs of more wind and water than the planet has. Did it have a stronger gravitational pull when it was younger? Did its atmosphere bleed off over time? Are these problems that could be fixed, with the right resources and engineering?

And would that effort destroy the view of the stars above? [He focuses the video a little more on the sky. Granted, they can see the stars any time from their own ships, but there's something about being on a planet that makes it different. The perspective, perhaps? A field of infinite stars is enough that the mind loses its focus unless there's something to compare it to, something to give it context.]

It might. Or it might allow even more people to see their beauty.

It's worth a look if you, like me, find the walls and ceilings too enclosing at times. But do wear your protective gear or you won't make it far outside a shuttle. This planet isn't for the unprepared.

[The view sweeps back to the dunes again, where it rests for a few moments before blinking out.]



[The Vision clicks off the communicator feed and smiles over at Wanda. He's in a full exosuit - he wouldn't need it if he decided to stay intangible throughout the trip, but then he wouldn't be able to grab a couple rocks as souvenirs. Or hold her hand through the gloves as they fly, because here is a space meant for such things.

And he really has missed flying.]

Shall we go to the top of that spire? It looks broad enough for the both of us.

Comments

[outstandingbalance]

I think we can avoid making you pick between the two. Let me know when you're free. I'll meet you—gives me time to find somewhere.

some time later....

[unbearablynaive]

[It's actually quite a few hours later when the Vision sends a text. Turns out certain distracting things happened on the planet.]

My apologies for the delay, Natasha. Have you located a suitable venue?

[outstandingbalance]

I think I found somewhere, yeah. It's an indoor park.

Figured it'd be less rude than a gallery.

I'll send you direction.

[unbearablynaive]

That sounds delightful. I'll see you soon.

[True to his word, the Vision arrives at the appointed spot as soon as his shuttle can get him there. He looks full of energy and pleased with himself; a park is probably just right for his mood so he can walk it off.]

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha is waiting for him near what might be some kind of minor monument, or maybe just a piece of public art.

Still blonde. Still pensive, but less tired.

She manages a smile when he appears. It's good to see him looking happy.]

I didn't cut anything short, did I?

[unbearablynaive]

On the contrary, I apologize for the delay. I became rather, er, distracted. [He clasps Natasha's hand warmly in greeting, still radiating happiness. It won't be hard for her to pick up on how it's a different...flavor than one might expect from just exploring a planet.]

I hope you're doing well?

[outstandingbalance]

Still here. [Which is a non answer, but that's normal for Natasha. It's not like she's always the most forthcoming with her emotions.] Not as chipper as you, I have to say.

Nice to see.

[unbearablynaive]

Thank you. And this is a lovely park, as well.

[He gestures for her to join him in a walk along one of the pathways.]

Was there anything in particular you wanted to talk about, or would you simply like to catch up on what's been happening lately?

[outstandingbalance]

Seemed like a good time to catch up. [Should she talk about other things? Maybe. But she still hasn't decided if it's worth it. So instead, she checks in with him.] You've been in good spirits lately.

[unbearablynaive]

[He might, just a little bit, be bursting to tell somebody, and Natasha is a pretty obvious choice when you come down to it. Still, he's a little bashful about it so he looks down to the ground, still smiling.]

I told Wanda how I feel about her.

[outstandingbalance]

[That news strikes Natasha as bittersweet, with what she knows, but... she can keep the darker parts to herself.

Her smile isn't fake.]

And I take it she responded well?

[unbearablynaive]

[If only he had any idea.]

She did. I was afraid it would be otherwise - you're perfectly aware of how people can be different here than they are at home. And she's from so much earlier in the timeline, I thought surely she wouldn't--

[But she did. The Vision clasps his hands together nervously, because above all else, he doesn't want to mess this up When he speaks again, his tone is lower.]

I think perhaps we both always felt this way, and didn't have the words for it.

[outstandingbalance]

A lot of us could say that. At least you have an excuse?

[A little more smile at that.]

Well, can't say I'm surprised. I've seen the two of you together. You're probably right that it's been there for a while.

[unbearablynaive]

[That gets a warm smile. He's glad Natasha seems to approve, because she's his friend and because she knows enough about him and his situation to understand where his hangups are coming from.]

The only real difference this time is that I've had the opportunity to realize it first.

And how about yourself, Natasha? It can certainly be jarring to return here after time passes in our world. Do you think you've readjusted, or will it still take some time?

[outstandingbalance]

Probably as readjusted as I'm going to be any time soon. [That's not a real answer, Natasha. That's the opposite of a real answer.

And she knows it.]

Barnes got an earful about it the other night. I think that helped.

[unbearablynaive]

[In a way it is an answer. It means she's at least considered the problem. And at least she's talked to somebody, so he nods.]

I've no doubt it did.

[Winter--he'll always be Winter to the Vision, what with all the Buckys running around--is a good man. Moreover, it's good that Natasha has someone here she can unload to.]

I do wish we could remember our time here when we returned home. It would certainly have informed some of my decisions there.

[outstandingbalance]

We could all wish that. Maybe it's better this way, though. Less confusing.

[She'd want that information when she left as well, but the idea of Steve or Tony at home, knowing what was happening here and unable to do anything about it, is a factor as well.

Either way, they can only work with what they have at the moment.]

What would you have done differently?

[unbearablynaive]

[It's at the front of his mind because she mentioned Bucky, so.]

Known that Barnes was set up for the bombing at the U.N., to begin with. I have a far better understanding of his situation now than I ever did at home.

[And that would have made Germany happen differently, if it happened at all, and then--well, the effects would trickle down into a waterfall.]

On a more personal level, I feel I've made more friends here. If I were to remember that, I'd be more confident in my interactions with society at large. I--wouldn't feel the need to hide as much as I do.

[outstandingbalance]

[Natasha hums at that. She can't help but think of the last time she saw Vision—the last time at home, facing Thanos.]

It is too bad you won't get that.

[Looking up, taking in the station ceiling high over head.]

Are you glad to be back?

[unbearablynaive]

Yes, it is.

[He also looks off into the distance as he thinks about how to answer that second question, and speaks slowly when he does answer.]

Is it terrible of me to say I am glad to be back? I have responsibilities in our own timeline, and I wouldn't leave the world undefended. [And there's Wanda. But now--perhaps they can have something here, too. Maybe even something better, not shrouded in secrecy and stolen moments.]

But in some ways, the Fleet is as much home to me as Earth is. I know the rest of you don't feel that way, but I've spent almost half my life here.

[outstandingbalance]

I don't think it's terrible at all. You were here a long time. You have friends here. You have good memories here.

[He has a future here, which is more than she can say for back home.]

Seems very human to me.

[unbearablynaive]

[And she knows him well enough to know that's about the highest compliment he could ask for. The Vision smiles warmly, not picking up on what she isn't saying.]

That means a great deal to me. Thank you.

[Though one thing he's also learned here, that he never did at home? How to be confident in his own personhood without needing to define it as "humanity".]