The Avengers scatter after breakfast, most of them going with Tony to the ground level of the Tower for a meeting with that worm, Pierce. Dr. Banner, however, chooses to remain behind, going to one of the lab levels to...well, be a scientist. Tinker. Blow stuff up. I don't know.

Which, of course, leaves me by myself. Free to roam. Which is probably not a good thing, considering my reputation, but I don't mind. I decide to start my explorations with the second level, since I've already been on the first level, and if I encounter Pierce I may kill him. And that would make a mess on Stark's floor, and a terrible impression on my heroes. And ruin the timeline. So, better safe than sorry.

The first half of the Tower is mostly offices and such, so I don't do much exploring there. Apparently, Stark Industries is planning to move their HQ to the new Tower. The next several levels are mainly storage, but after that, things begin to get interesting.

When the doors open on the 55th floor, I am surprised to discover a lounge area, kitchen, and dining room that are state-of-the-art and very elegant. "What is this level used for?"

"It is for Mr. Stark's formal dinners and receptions," the AI responds. "The next four levels are much of the same, with a bar on every floor."

I roll my eyes. "Now why doesn't that surprise me?"

I decide to explore the next levels, but besides trying out the expensive couches and admiring the beautiful kitchen, there isn't much to do. After only twenty minutes, I'm in the elevator, ready to explore the rest of the Tower.

Getting off on the 60th floor, my eyes widen in amazement. The entire floor is wide open, and filled with the highest tech imaginable. Hologram monitors are in various places all over the area, constantly updating whatever information they are tracking. All kinds of different machines are scattered throughout the area, each with a separate purpose I can only guess at. The entire place is in a state of organized chaos, reminding me of Loki's underground lair. I step out and walk slowly amongst the plethora of technological creations, marveling at every one. A few of them intrigue me enough that I ask JARVIS to explain their functions to me, and by the time I get back in the elevator, I feel much more educated than before.

The next level is nearly the same, which shouldn't have surprised me. However, the tech on this level seems to have a different purpose than that of the previous level. After another half hour of getting the AI to explain different machines to me, I go up to the next level to discover even more of the same. I'm beginning to realize how carefully Tony has this all organized. Each level has its own purpose, but is also similar to every other level. And as I continue going up, I notice multiple items that are on every single level, such as a coffee maker and a couple of smaller, handheld machines that I can't remember the names of. By the time I reach the end of the lab levels, I am incredibly impressed. And I also notice that I have not seen Dr. Banner. I question JARVIS, and the AI informs me that the doctor has retired to his room. I hope he's alright.

The next several levels are off limits to everyone except those with explicit permission. When I ask JARVIS why, he explains that those levels are mainly for robotic maintenance, and that it can be dangerous for unauthorized humans to enter. I raise an eyebrow, remembering something very similar in Age of Ultron at the new Avengers Facility. "Ok. Well, just take me to the next authorized level, then."

"Very well, Vikki."

The 76th level is the next object of my exploration, and proves to be rather boring. Its the place where the Avengers has breakfast this morning. The next level is much the same—just another guest level, with a kitchenette and bedrooms, almost identical to my own level. In fact, all the levels after that up to the 85th level are guest levels. The 85th is my own level, so I stop in to check on the chained Jotun and then continue upwards. JARVIS tells me the next five levels are for guest entertainment, so I'm a little more excited when I step off the elevator onto the 86th level. My eyes widen at the sight of a full-on gym, complete with all of the latest workout machines, an assortment of targets and weapons on one side of the area, and a couple of smaller areas dedicated specifically to sparring. There are also yoga mats, a rack of dumbbells, and multiple other items I can't identify scattered in an orderly manner throughout the level. Once again, I'm impressed.

The next level makes my eyes sparkle. A huge indoor swimming pool is equipped with a diving board and slide, a hot tub is in one corner, and the entire level is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, giving the occupants the feel of being outdoors. The view of the city would normally be absolutely breathtaking, I'm sure, especially so high in the air.

Levels 88 and 89 are a theater and a large game room, respectively. But the 90th floor I fall in love with the moment the doors of the elevator open.

It's a beautiful library.

Books of every kind fill the shelves adorning the walls, some old, some new. A lounge area in the center is surrounded on all sides by bookshelves, and along the walls are large windows with window seats every ten to fifteen feet. I stand in the elevator just gaping at it all for a moment, then slowly walk in, gazing around in awe. Who knew Tony Stark kept a personal library? I browse the shelves, and give an exclamation of delight when I discover one of my personal favorite series of books: The Chronicles of Narnia. I pull The Horse and His Boy off of the shelf, and sit down in one of the window seats to read.

Needless to say, I am in the library for several hours.

"Vikki, Mr. Stark would like to know if you have eaten."

I look up from my book, startled. "Ah, no, I haven't." I look at my watch, and my eyes widen. Since when was it 5 pm?! I jump up. "Oh my gosh, I've been gone all day! Have they been looking for me?"

"Not to worry, Mr Stark has only just finished his engagement with Mr. Pierce. He is ordering Chinese takeout and wants to know if you would like a dish."

"Oh, uh, sure. Just get me whatever he's getting."

"Very well, Vikki."

I look out the window briefly as the AI answers me, and then stand up, stretching with a yawn. I've been curled up on the window seat for several hours now. I put the book back on the shelf where I found it, deciding to finish it in bed tonight. Then I get in the elevator. "JARVIS, take me-" Suddenly, the doors close, and I feel the elevator moving downwards. I frown. "Hey, Jarv, where are you taking me?"

"Agent Barton would like to speak with you," the AI answers. I raise an eyebrow as the elevator settles on the 86th level. He wants to talk in the gym?

"Uh, ok." The doors open to reveal the large gym. Clint is standing in front of the elevator, arms crossed, just far enough back for me to alight without invading his personal space. I step out with a raised brow. "Hi, Barton. JARVIS said you wanted to talk with me?"

He stares at me for a moment, making me feel rather uncomfortable. But I decide to turn the tactic back on him, tilting my head with an amused expression on my face. "Are you going to stare at me all day?"

His expression doesn't change; he merely responds to my question. "Wasn't planning on it."

I nod slowly. "Ok, then what do you need? I'm hungry, and I don't-"

"I remembered something earlier."

I raise my eyebrows again. "That's good! I...think? Depends on what you remembered, I guess?"

"You told Loki that the 'magic door' you stepped through brought you from another world. Then, you told him that you're an American. Which story is true? And why did he believe you?"

...oh my gosh. Not again!

Author's Note: Oof you guys must hate me by now with all of my cliffhangers. Sorry (not sorry). Hahahaha! Anywho, I hope you liked it! How the heck is she gonna get herself out of this one?

Thank you so much for reading!

AuthorsDream, signing off.