The Microverse was suddenly disturbed as space began to twist and warp. In a flash of light, Captain America appeared, wearing the harness provided to him by Bill Foster, with his shield strapped to his arm.

"I’m in," he said into the headset he wore. It provided him with a signal back to the SHIELD Helicarrier in his own universe. He pressed a button on the harness and it began to glow. "Tracking beacon’s on."

He wore a wristband which provided him with a small screen that told him which direction to travel. Activating the thrusters on the harness, he took to the sky, flying towards the signal given off by Rick’s Avengers ID card.

{ Anything yet? } The voice that came through Captain America’s earpiece belonged to Tony Stark.

"I’ve locked onto Rick’s signal," said Captain America. "His ID card is still transmitting, so that’s good news."

{ Just be careful out there. We don’t know what’s been happening in the Microverse lately since Karza’s war with Thanos. }

"I know," said Captain America. "How’s Vision doing?"

{ The launch went off without a hitch. Right now, Fury’s keeping in contact with him. }

"Okay," said Captain America. The beep of the beacon grew louder and faster. "I’m getting a strong signal here, I’m touching down to have a look. I’ll get back to you soon, Cap out."

He lowered his altitude and slowly disengaged the jetpack. He groaned slightly, still a little off-balance from the teleportation into the Microverse. He took a moment to take in his surroundings and glanced down to the beacon. That’s when he noticed that somehow, it stopped. He tried to adjust the settings on the harness, but received no signal from Rick’s card.

"What in the world…?"

"Halt!"

Captain America turned and saw several armed soldiers emerging from the nearby brush. There were five of them and one of him, but he learned long ago that it doesn’t matter how stacked the odds are. He brought himself into a fighting stance, ready to throw his shield at a moment’s notice.

"I take it you boys aren’t with the Microverse’s tourist bureau," he said with a slight grin.

The soldiers responded by opening fire. Captain America brought his shield in front of his body. The bullets ricocheted off it as he leapt for stronger cover or some sort of vantage point. He sprung into the air and threw out his arm. The shield left his fingertips and struck down one of the soldiers.

Captain America landed feet-first on the back of a second one. When a third one came at him, he elbowed the soldier in the face, grabbed his gun and slammed the butt of it against the soldier’s throat.

The two remaining soldiers charged at him. Captain America’s shield returned to him and he caught it, instantly sliding it back onto his arm. He activated the jetpack, but instead of flying into the air, he used it as a boost of speed for him to thrust forward. With his shield in front, he became a human battering ram and crashed hard into the two men.

He heard the sound of several guns cocking. Looking around, Captain America now found himself surrounded by at least two-dozen soldiers. He wasn’t prepared to give up without a fight and brought himself into another stance. Before he moved though, one of the soldiers spoke up.

"Surrender or Rick Jones is as good as dead."

Captain America halted and considered the soldier’s words. He wanted to lash out and quickly incapacitate them all. But it wasn’t worth the risk to Rick’s own life. He allowed his shield to fall to the ground and he raised his arms. One of the soldiers came up behind him and slammed the gun against the back of his skull.

{ Are you sure this is going to work? }

Nick Fury’s voice rang through the Vision’s head while the Avenger streaked through the sky, rocketing towards Earth’s atmosphere.

"No, but it’s the only option we have right now," said the Vision.

{ How long? }

"Judging by my current speed, I should reach the shuttle shortly. With any luck, I should be able to reach the shuttle in enough time to repair any damage and get it back on course to Earth."

{ Luck? Sounds kinda weird comin’ from an android. Thought you guys were supposed to be all logical. }

"Need I remind you that my ex-wife is a witch who could alter probability fields?" asked the Vision.

{ Point taken. }

"How’s Cap doing?"

{ We sent him off to the Microverse, but we just broke contact with him. He should be fine, though. If anyone can take care of themselves, it’s Rogers. }

"True," said the Vision.

{ You gonna suffer any damage going through the atmosphere? }

"Not at my current density, no. The main concern is reaching them in time. And if I fail, at least I’ll have died trying to save her."

{ Her? }

"What?"

{ You said her. }

"Did I? Apologies, I meant them. I think for now it’s best if we maintain radio silence, Colonel. I’ll contact you once I reach the shuttle."

Sam Guthrie fell to the ground of the shuttle, breathing heavily. Warbird came to his side to help him up. Cannonball shrugged her off and pounded his fist on the ground.

"Dammit!"

"Told you it wouldn’t work," said Namor from his seat.

"Well aren’t we just a ray of freaking sunshine…" muttered Warbird.

"Nah, he’s right," said Cannonball. "I’m too weak to build up the energy we’d need to get anywhere near Earth’s atmosphere, plus we don’t have enough oxygen to sustain us the entire trip. We’d probably run out of breath before we reached Earth’s orbit."

"If nothing else, your persistence has earned you the respect of the monarch of Atlantis," said Namor. "A pity you won’t be able to enjoy it."

"Well, at least I can die happy with that knowledge," said Cannonball, sarcasm dripping from his voice.

"There has to be something we can do," said Warbird. "Maybe if we hold our breath for as long as possible, we could make it some of the way before we start using the oxygen in the field."

"Right now, that looks like our only hope," said Cannonball.

"Both of you… stop talking," said Namor. "Can’t you feel it? The air… getting thin. We’ll be lucky… if it lasts… another five minutes."

Microverse

Captain America’s eyes slowly opened and he found himself in a dungeon of some sort. The walls were made of heavy stone, like a castle. He tried to move, but found he was strapped down to a slab of some sort, which stood upright. Wires were connected to his body. He looked to his left and saw Rick passed out, restrained in a similar fashion. He also noticed something else—the harness was missing.

"He finally wakes."

The voice was deep and there was an echo to it. Captain America looked up and saw a figure dressed in heavy, black armor with glowing red eyes. Attached to his hips was a red cape that spilled down the back of his legs.

"Karza," said Captain America.

"I’m flattered, Captain," said Baron Karza. "I take it you’re obviously here for your friend."

"What have you done with him?" asked Captain America.

"Recently, there was a fierce battle here in the Microverse between myself and Thanos. It’s left the entire area a bit cluttered. I need to regain control and through Jones, I have the means to."

"How?"

"Have you ever heard of the Uni-Power?" asked Baron Karza.

"You’re insane," said Captain America. "What makes you think the Uni-Power will come to you?"

"It won’t, but I have the means to siphon it once it arrives to one in dire need," said Baron Karza.

"Torture, I assume," said Captain America. Baron Karza nodded. "Alright then, do your worst, Karza. I’ll take whatever you throw at me."

"Now who said anything about torturing you?" asked Baron Karza. He stepped over to a console with two dials on it. Karza slowly turned the one on the right and electricity began to course through Rick’s body. He went into convulsions, his body moving spastically from the sudden charge.

"Why are you doing this?" exclaimed Captain America.

"It’s simple," said Baron Karza. "I’ve attempted to torture the Microns, but it hasn’t brought the Uni-Power. An Earthling, however, that’s a different story. Especially one as linked to cosmic events as Rick Jones. With the Uni-Power, I can establish my dominance over the Microverse and seize control once more."

Once he caught sight of the shuttle, Vision pushed his thrusters into full-speed. He thought of his teammates inside, of Sam and Namor, but especially of Carol. Once he arrived at the shuttle, he deactivated the thrusters and shifted his density, allowing him to phase through the hull.

Inside, he saw the three Avengers passed out on the floor of the shuttle. He checked over them quickly, ensuring they were still alive, and took a moment to linger on Carol.

Quickly, he rushed to the controls and placed his hand against the console. Wires snaked out from his fingertips and interfaced with the ship’s motherboard. He was able to get the oxygen dispensers back online, and the hull slowly filled once more with the gas.

Once that was complete, Vision turned his attention to the navigation computers, repairing the damage done to them. He improvised a bit, downloading his own files onto the ship’s computer.

Cannonball was the first to regain consciousness and he brought himself to a sitting position. He shook his head and glanced to the ship’s controls. He did a double take once he saw the Vision sitting there. Warbird and Namor woke soon after and shared a similar reaction.

Warbird moved to the co-pilot’s seat, next to the Vision. He looked at her and cracked a smile and she smiled back.

"Thanks for coming," she said.

"We’re Avengers, we look after our own," said the Vision. He reestablished his connection with Fury at the Helicarrier. "This is the Vision. I’ve repaired the damage to the shuttle and we’re en route to Earth."

{ Good work, Vizh. }

The Vision reversed the course of the shuttle and hit the throttle, shifting the thrusters into full-force. He was locked on a navigational course with Earth.

Cannonball sat beside Namor, but the Atlantean did not look at him. Finally, Cannonball spoke.

"So, you mean what you said about respect? Or was that just ‘cause we were about to die?"

Namor shot him a cold glare, but then turned his head back to the observation window. "Imperious rex…" he muttered.

"What was that?" asked Cannonball.

"It means arrogant king," said the Vision.

"In other words, he’s too proud to admit to respecting anything," said Warbird with a smile. "Isn’t that right, Namor?"

"I’m through speaking with you, woman," said Namor.

"I’ll take that as a yes," said Warbird.

SHIELD Helicarrier

"He got ‘em!" said Fury. Tony glanced over to the Director of SHIELD.

"Vision found them?" he asked.

"Yup, they’re back on track, bound for Earth," said Fury. "Any word from Cap?"

"Nothing yet," said Bill Foster. "We haven’t been able to reach him, he’s not answering the calls."

"We don’t have a choice," said Tony. "Bill, bring him back."

"What if he hasn’t found Rick?" asked Foster.

"Then we’ll figure something else out, but for now, bring him back," said Tony.

The man who was once the Black Goliath nodded and turned his attention to the console before him. He activated the controls and there was a flash of light in the center of the room. When the light dissipated, all they found was the harness on its own, without Captain America.

"Aw fuck," said Fury.

Microverse

Captain America struggled with his bonds, trying to force himself free. Meanwhile, Rick’s body continued to convulse with the electricity. Baron Karza simply looked at Captain America and laughed. The Baron wasn’t sure which he found more amusing—torturing Rick or watching the Sentinel of Liberty try to break free of his bonds.

"Karza, stop!" said Captain America. "You’re killing him! What good is he to you dead?"

"Hmm, perhaps you’re right," said Baron Karza. He turned the dial in the opposite direction, breaking the charge. Rick’s body slumped forward, his restraints the only thing that kept him from hitting the ground. Smoke slowly came off his body.

Baron Karza turned his attention to the second dial. "We’ll give him some time to recuperate. However, I’ll need some entertainment in the meantime. Perhaps that’s something you can provide me with, Captain."

"Like I said before, do your worst."

"Who am I to refuse an order from Captain America," said Baron Karza. He turned the dial all the way to the right and electricity flowed into Captain America’s body. He gritted his teeth as his nerve endings lit on fire. His eyes were shut tightly. He tried to block out the pain, he refused to give Karza the satisfaction of hearing his screams.

"Such resilience, I’m impressed," said Baron Karza. "But no matter, you’ll break shortly. If not, then I suppose I’ll simply kill you."

As Baron Karza focused his attention on Captain America, he failed to notice what was happening to Rick Jones. Slowly, the young man felt his strength beginning to return to his body. He lifted his head up and opened his eyes to see a shining bright light before him. At first, he assumed he was dying, but then he realized it was something else.

The light came towards him and flowed into his body. His clothes seemed to change form, into a blue and white bodysuit with a star pattern over the darker portions of it. Energy appeared around Rick’s clenched fists and the restraints seemed to melt away, freeing him.

"Hey Karza!"

The Baron turned his attention to the sound of the new voice and saw Rick, dressed in the garb of Captain Universe, hovering above the ground. Before Karza could react, Captain Universe unleashed a blast of energy, forcing the villain back.

He moved towards Captain America and used his powers to release the Avenger from the restraints. Captain America slumped down, but Captain Universe grabbed him, hefting him up.

"Easy Cap, I gotcha," he said. He looked back at Baron Karza. "Don’t think we’re through yet."

In a bright, flash of light, the two Captains vanished from Karza’s dungeon, leaving the former scientist alone with his thoughts.

"I don’t doubt it for a moment," said the Baron.

On the Helicarrier, a bright flash of light appeared, and Captain America lay on the ground. Iron Man, Fury and Foster quickly rushed to him, helping him sit up.

"What just happened?" asked Iron Man.

"Rick… where’s Rick?" asked Captain America, looking around.

"He’s not here, you just appeared," said Foster.

"What happened in the Microverse?" asked Iron Man again.

"I was captured by Karza’s forces, he was torturing Rick to try and gain control of the Uni-Power," said Captain America. "It worked, but not like he expected. Rick broke free, teleported us out. But he should be here, shouldn’t he?"

"Great, so he’s still missin’," said Fury. "Wonderful."

"And that means we still don’t know where Genis is," said Iron Man.

"What about the others?" asked Captain America.

"Vision got to them, they’re on their way home right now," said Fury.

"I’m more worried about Genis and Rick and what this means," said Iron Man.

Captain Marvel awoke, lying on a mountaintop. His powers were deactivated, and his skin and hair were their normal colors. He brought himself to his feet and looked around, trying to take stock of his surroundings. He wasn’t sure where he was and his memory was still fractured, but he remembered some things.

"Well, at least I can move again," he said. "Right, Rick?"

Genis-Vell expected to hear Rick Jones’ voice in his head, but he could only hear his own thoughts.

"Rick, are you there?"

Still no answer.

"C’mon Rick, this isn’t funny," said Genis. "Where are you? More importantly, where am I?"

A blast of energy struck Genis from behind. He fell to the ground. Before he could turn around, another blast struck him again, this time knocking him out. Two figures approached him, one of them a young boy with short, blond hair and a shirt that had the number 4 on it. The other was quite tall, and dressed in sleek, silver armor that was covered with a green tunic and cape, with a hood concealing most of his armored features.

"This, little Franklin, shall be our new playmate," said the armored man. He looked down at Genis. "Doom bids you welcome to Latveria, Captain Marvel."

NEXT: Logan Polk will sadly be departing AVENGERS, but instead of writing the title alone, Dino Pollard will now be penning it with none other than Derrick Ferguson! So be here for AVENGERS #17, which kicks off a crossover with FANTASTIC FOUR entitled "Doom"!