Chapter 1
Steve reads over the deal again. He knows that by now he can recite it word for word with his eyes closed; still he reads it as closely as he had when the guards had delivered it to his cell door. He gets to the end and tosses it on the small table in front of him and scrubs the exhaustion from his eyes.
It’s a good deal. Everyone wins. Mostly. Bucky will get access to the best therapy around and all charges dismissed. The others will have their charges dropped as well. Tony will lead what’s left of the Avengers under the command of General Ross and Steve… well it’s not a treason charge and the death penalty, which until three days ago had been on the table.
Steve picks up the paper and begins reading the deal again. His mind drifts back to fight in the abandoned bunker, His shield poised over Tony’s reactor. He should have finished it. He knew that hesitating in battle was a rookie mistake, still he had paused. It was all the time Tony had needed. An arc reactor blast to the face had knocked him out and he hadn’t woken up until halfway through the flight home, his hands cuffed and his shield locked away.
Steve reads the charges and then reads his sentence: extra-dimensional exile. It sounded like something out of a ten cent novel he would have read growing up, but Tony had been by his cell and discussed the science behind it. Steve isn’t very interested in the science that goes into causing a temporary rift in the fabric of the universe just to shove him through and make him some other dimension’s problem, but he would have liked to know exactly where he was being sent to. Unfortunately, Tony couldn’t give him that kind of detail. Apparently it’s difficult to get data from other dimensions, but he did assure Steve that the atmosphere was suitable for human life.
Steve sighs. He’s a long way from his Brooklyn. Hell, Brooklyn now is a long way from his Brooklyn. After traveling to the future why not add dimension hopping to his resume. Besides, what else was the government supposed to do with Captain America? They can’t let him go, Ross would never allow it, but they can’t keep him in jail, the public would never stand for it. Already he’s heard guards whispering about the ever growing number of protesters in the streets.
Steve picks up his pen and signs his name at the bottom. He probably should have waited for his lawyer, a nice gentleman who had offered to take his case pro bono, but he doesn’t see the point in wasting Mr. Murdock’s time. Nothing will change his mind. This deal is for the best, for Bucky, for Tony, and for the team.
When a guard comes in to drop off his dinner, Steve hands him the signed deal.
“You made the right choice Captain,” The guard says, “It’s better to spare the country the pain of having a trial for Captain America.”
Steve doesn’t bother with a reply. He just adds America to the list of people and things that benefit from his accepting the deal.
Mr. Murdock doesn’t agree with his assessment. A fact he makes crystal clear the next time Steve sees him.
“Are you sure you weren’t under duress when you signed?” Mr. Murdock asks as they walk down the hall, his white can tapping in front of them.
“Yes. I made a choice that was better for everyone.” Steve s says.
“Not better for you,” Mr. Murdock snaps, “or for your supporters. There are lots of people who don’t support the registration act and you’re the face of that movement. Losing you would be a big blow to it.”
“What that movement needs are dedicated lawyers, not an old soldier who should have retired decades ago.”
Mr. Murdock’s face twists into a scowl, “don’t underestimate the power of public support.”
“If you need a superhero to be the face against registration maybe ask your buddy daredevil.” Steve suggests.
“Daredevil hardly has the same clout as Captain America.” Mr. Murdock says.
“I don’t know,” Steve shrugs, “I’ve seen some of his work. He really cares about Hell’s Kitchen. That’s all it really takes; someone actually caring enough to do something.”
Mr. Murdock sighs as they stop in front of the door to the courtroom. In a few minutes Steve will stand in front of a judge and plead guilty to a long list of crimes.
“Are you ready?” Mr. Murdock asks; his voice quiet and heavy with defeat.
“Yes.”
Steve steps into the courtroom. Journalists aren’t allowed inside, neither is the public. Steve is really only expecting the Judge, security, and maybe General Ross if he wants to gloat. What he sees makes his chest ache with appreciation and grief.
Bucky, Sam, Wanda, Natasha, and Clint sit just behind his chair. On the other side of the aisle sits Tony, who stares straight ahead refusing to make eye contact with any of them. Steve offers them all a small smile, only Sam makes an effort to return it. Steve hopes he’ll have a chance to say goodbye later.
“Mr. Rogers.” The judge greets.
“Captain Rogers. My client was never stripped of his title and will thus be addressed as such,” Mr. Murdock corrects. It’s a meaningless correction in the grand scheme of things, but Steve can’t help but to smile. He almost wishes he had rejected the plea deal just for the opportunity of seeing Mr. Murdock really let loose in the courtroom.
“Captain Rogers,” The judge says, “how do you plead?”
Steve straightens and ignores the six set of eyes burning into the back of his skull.
“Guilty, Your Honor.” Steve says. Behind him he can hear Wanda sniffle and Clint quietly whispering reassurances.
The judge reads out the plea deal as Steve nods along. Tomorrow at noon. Steve would leave this world behind and travel into the great unknown tomorrow at noon. He glances at the clock above the judges head. 4 PM.
The judge dismisses him. Steve turns and finds the others, except for Tony, crowding around him.
Natasha pulls him in for a hug, her lips pressed against the shell of his ear.
“Just say the word and I’ll get you out of here.”
Steve smiles and hugs her tighter. He’s sure she has several plans for smuggling him off into a new life, all of them would be a success of course. But if he backs out of the deal that means no therapy for Bucky and no pardons for the rest. He shakes his head and she steps back. She gives Clint a look as and jerks her head. Clint scowls and roughly pulls Steve in for a hug.
“You sure?” He mumbles.
Steve breathes in the smell of his leather jacket. It smells like his farm where his happy little family is waiting for him. He can’t make Clint risk that.
“Yeah, I’m sure.”
Wanda throws herself into Steve’s arms the moment Clint steps away, tears streaming down her face and red sparking from her fingertips.
“Wanda,” Steve sighs.
“We’re not giving up on you.” She says, her voice steal beneath tears. Steve doesn’t tell her that it would be for the best if they did. He doesn’t want his last moments with his team to be him getting scolded. He just nods and lets her go.
Sam is hugging him next.
“So this is really it?” He asks.
“Looks like it.” Steve says shrugging as best he can.
“Stark tell you anything about your new home?”
“Only that it’s compatible with human life.” Steve says.
“Bullshit,” Sam scowls, “They can’t do this. This has got to be unconstitutional.”
“It definitely is.” Mr. Murdock says. Everyone jumps, nobody noticed Mr. Murdock’s approach. This isn’t the first time Steve has noticed his lawyer’s peculiar habit of lifting his cane to sneak up on people.
“And I will be filing an appeal whether my client objects or not.”
“Good,” Sam says decisively. He steps back. Bucky awkwardly steps forward. There had been a time when Bucky would have been the first to initiate contact. Now he shyly clings to the edges and flinches when people approach to fast. Steve holds out his arms and lets Bucky step into the hug.
“I could go with you.” Bucky mumbles into his shoulder. Steve smiles but shakes his head.
“It might even be fun,” Bucky presses, “We always talked about camping as kids. Just packing up and heading out into the wild.”
“Yeah and then we both joined the army and realized we hated camping.” Steve says.
“Yeah, but it might be more fun if there aren’t any Nazis shooting at us.”
Steve huffs out a laugh before his smile fades.
“All the doctors who can help you are here.” Steve says. He lets his arms drop, “I’m sorry, but I’ve gone through every option and this is the best one.”
“That sounds like surrender.” Sam says, “But I didn’t think Captain America did that sort of thing.”
“He does when it’s not just his life on the line.” Steve says.
“We didn’t ask you to take the fall for us,” Clint snaps. Behind him, Natasha nods. Only the faintest flush of her cheeks belaying the fury Steve knows she’s feeling.
“I know,” Steve says, “but I was the leader and the final call was mine. That’s on me.” Steve says. From over their shoulders Steve can see a guard approaching. These are his last moments with the only people in left in the world that he cares about, that care about him. The realization hits him like a shield to the back of the head. He stares at them all trying to memorize their faces. He searches for the right words to say, but for the first time in his life he comes up empty.
Sam comes to his rescue.
“We’re going to miss you Cap.” He says.
“Me too.” Steve says. The guard steps up and shoos them away. Steve is reluctantly impressed by how passively the guard ignores the five death stares directed at him. The guard reaches out for Steve’s arm, only to be knocked away by a white cane.
“Captain Rogers,” Mr. Murdock says smoothly stepping into the space between Steve and the guard and latching on to Steve’s arm, “I want to discuss the appeals process with you as we make our way back to your…accommodations.”
Steve isn’t sure how Mr. Murdock did that or the various other things Steve had noticed him doing. He doesn’t bring it up though; it wouldn’t be polite to pry, especially when Mr. Murdock has done him such a favor by taking his case in the first place.
“Of course,” Steve says, stepping past the guard and guiding Mr. Murdock down the hall, “but I really don’t want an appeal.”
Mr. Murdock ignores him, speaking adamantly about case law and their chances of taking it all the way to Supreme Court. Steve stops in front of his cell.
“Thank you again Mr. Murdock,” Steve says, “and I’m sorry if it’s been a waste of your time.”
“Matt.” He says, “The trials over, you can call me Matt. And it wasn’t a waste; I consider it an honor Captain Rogers.”
“Steve,” Steve says, “I don’t think the army really wants to claim me anymore anyways.”
Mr. Murdock’s lips quirk, “Not everybody in the army sees things like General Ross. You have more allies than you are letting yourself see.”
“Maybe,” Steve says, “but allies are no, I’m—”
He cuts himself off before he says happy. It’s not true and he has an odd feeling Matt would somehow sense the lie.
“I’m content with my decision.” He says instead. Matt cocks his head and nods, accepting his statement.
“Say hello to Daredevil for me,” Steve says, “and tell him to keep up the good work. I have a feeling we’re going to need more heroes like him after I’m gone.”
A strange look passes over Matt’s face, like he wants to smile but isn’t sure how or even if he should.
“I’ll let him know.” Matt says, “Goodbye Steve. I’ll be back tomorrow.”
From behind his cell door Steve watches Matt tap his way down the hallway. Restless, and perhaps more afraid than he’s letting himself admit, Steve paces the tiny cell. Five steps. Wall. Five steps. Wall. The hours tick by. Steve doesn’t stop. Five steps. Wall. Five steps. Wall. He should be doing something, finding a way to commemorate his last night on this Earth. In the corner of his cell is a small table. He could probably ask the guards for some paper. He could leave something hopeful and inspiring for the others to hold onto. Steve sighs. Five steps. Wall. Five steps. Wall. But Steve doesn’t feel hopeful or inspiring. He feels tired, and both too young and too old to be dealing with this. When he was an actual fresh faces twenty year old he had kind of expected the war to be the most difficult challenge he’s ever faced, but now he’s faced the future, aliens, Norse gods, and soon, interdimensional travel. He’d pray to God and ask for a break, but he’s pretty sure god stopped listing to him years ago.
Footsteps stop outside his cell. Steve ignores them, hoping the guard will go away. He’s not hungry for dinner.
“Ahem.”
Steve recognizes that voice. He turns around. Tony leans casually against the bars. Dark shadows under his eyes stand out against his too pale skin and his expensive suit hangs just a bit too loose from his shoulders. Despite that, he offers Steve a smile.
“Hey Cap.”
“Tony.” Steve says stiffly. He isn’t quite sure where he stands with Tony. They haven’t talked much since Siberia, but Tony was kind enough to support the deal that resulted in Bucky’s treatment. The silence stretches on.
“I just wanted to check up on you…see how you were doing.” Tony says awkwardly. Steve looks pointedly around his cramped cell.
“Right,” Tony sighs, and then brightens, “Oh, and sneak you this early.”
Tony reaches for something leaning against the wall out of sight and then pulls back beaming. Clutched in his hands, gleaming like the first day he saw her is his shield. Steve’s hand twitches.
“You’re giving this to me?” he asks, hardly daring to keep the hope out of his voice.
“I convinced General Ross that it was a matter of security. We couldn’t send you to a brave new world without protection.”
Steve snorts, he’s sure that’s exactly what General Ross was planning on doing.
“I’m not technically supposed to give this to you until tomorrow, so just promise me you won’t use it to break out.” Tony says. He doesn’t wait for Steve’s response before passing it through the bars. The rough leather of the strap feels right in his hands and he runs his fingers along cool metal. A piece of his settles.
“Thank you.” He says sincerely. Tony fidgets.
“Any updates about where I’ll be heading?” Steve asks. He treats it like a mission that he’s getting a report on. It’s easier to think about it like an extended mission, one that he may never come back from.
Tony shrugs, “Not much. It’s Earth though, or at least an Earth. But who knows how differently this Earth developed from our own. I’ve gotten some readings, there’s vegetation and…more complicated life forms.”
Steve straightens, “humans?”
“I don’t know, definitely animals, mammals even, but humans? That’s asking a lot.” Tony says. Steve doesn’t let the disappointment show on his face. He tries to imagine going the rest of his life without talking to another person, just alone with his thoughts. He wonders how long he will last before madness sets in. He grips his shield a little bit tighter.
“You ok Cap?” Tony asks. Concern lines his face, making the shadows under his eyes even more pronounced.
Steve gives him a smile that he used a lot on the campaign trail during the war. It’s bright and fake, but he knows Tony won’t know that.
“Yeah. Sounds almost peaceful.” He says, “Besides, I always wanted to try camping without getting shot at.”
Tony’s shoulders slump with relief.
“Yeah, peaceful.” Tony says. He straightens, “I should get going. I have a meeting with Ross that I’m already almost an hour later for.”
Steve and Tony share a small smile.
“Bye Tony.”
“Bye Cap.”
For a long time after Tony leaves Steve stares at his shield. He tries not to think about tomorrow or about how the last human face he probably sees will be General Ross. Instead he focuses on the positives; Bucky getting the help he needs, Wanda never having to wear that hideous shock collar again, Clint and Scott being with their children. This is the right choice. His sacrifice will be worth it. Besides, he reminds himself with a wry grin, it’s hardly the first time he’s laid on the wire for the greater good. With that thought firmly in mind, Steve drifts off to sleep.
Steve wakes up at early. The tiny cot in his cell is far from the most comfortable bed he’s ever slept in, but he takes a few minutes to savor it anyways. This will be the last bed he ever sleeps in. This will be his last morning in civilization.
Breakfast finally pulls Steve from his blankets. Steve eats slowly, appreciating every bite. He’ll have to hunt and scavenge for food, which means he expects many hungry nights ahead for him. He finds that doesn’t bother him much, he remembers plenty of hungry nights from his boyhood.
Matt knocks on his cell door.
“Are you ready Steve?”
Steve picks up his shield. He’s in his Captain America uniform. Personally, he would have preferred anything else, but the suit is reinforced and made for extreme weather conditions. It’s the pragmatic choice.
“Yeah. Let’s go.” Steve says.
Matt escorts him down the hallway, his face set in a scowl.
“I could stop this. Just say the word.” He says.
“Thank you, but I think this is the best deal I’m going to get.”
“If it’s the others you’re worried about, Fog- Mr. Nelson and I can represent them pro bono as well.” Matt says.
“Do you actually have any paying clients?”
Matt shrugs, but his scowl fractures into a half smile.
They enter the lab. Machines fill the room, all beeping and flashing and spitting out data at rapid rates. Tony is poking at a Starkpad while General Ross hovers over his shoulder. He breaks away though, when he sees Matt and Steve.
“Mr. Rogers.” General Ross says cheerfully.
“Captain Rogers.” Matt corrects. He plays with his cane, his knuckles white.
“Of course.” General Ross says shortly, the smile flickering, “Are you ready to go where no man has gone before Captain?”
No, he’s not. But he hadn’t been ready to fight aliens, or to wake up decades in the future, or to even put the plane in the water. The world didn’t care if he was ready, it never had. That wasn’t an excuse to not do what needed to be done.
“Yes sir.” Steve says.
“Good. Stand on that platform.” General Ross says coldly.
Steve steps past Matt. He feels a hand on his sleeve.
“Good luck.”
Steve stands on the platform, the leather strap from his shield digging into his hand. He stares at Tony. Tony stares at his Starkpad. Without looking up, Tony begins to speak.
“In 30 seconds the portal will open. You should be transported to Earth-B in that time. Good luck Cap.”
The countdown begins. 30 seconds. Steve takes in General Ross’s smug look, the top of Tony’s head, and Matt’s scowl. 23 seconds. He wishes the rest of the Avengers were here. Even if they couldn’t stop it, it would be nice to have friendly faces to say goodbye to. 18 seconds. He’s not ready to say goodbye. The future had just started to become his home. He doubts he will find that again. 9 Seconds. He could run. He has his shield; he’s taken worse odds before. 3 seconds. His mind screams at his feet to move. 2 seconds. He doesn’t move. The others need him to be strong. 1 second. Goodbye.
Red light glows around him, sending tingles down his spine. He feels as if he’s being zapped by Thor. The lab fades from view. There’s nothing. Steve is weightless in a void. He squeezes his eyes shut and then opens them several times. There’s no difference. Just when he begins to think something has gone wrong, his feet hit solid ground. Steve grunts as the impact sends him to his knees. There’s grass beneath his feet. He looks up. There’s blue sky above him…and skyscrapers?