Soon after, they convened with the Jedi Council. Unlike the usual Council Chamber, this meeting was held in a larger war room to accommodate more personnel. Many Council members attended in person, with only a few participating via holographic transmission. Under everyone's gaze, Master Yoda stood out. He leaned on his gimer stick with both hands, eyes closed as if in deep meditation.
The small green Force user's ears twitched as he sensed the long-awaited heroes' arrival, then he slowly opened his eyes. The Jedi Master, with centuries of experience, regarded Earth's Mightiest Heroes as they entered the room.
This recently discovered Avenger was not a natural creature but a nearly organic synthetic being. His artificial nature possessed a strange connection with the Force. He gave people a complex and contradictory impression: on one hand, he maintained close connection with the Force; on the other, he seemed keeping distance from it.
Yoda recalled an encounter with a droid in his early days as a Jedi Knight. That droid also possessed a strange Force connection, something he'd never witnessed before. Additionally, decades ago, some droids were created that could use the Force to limited degrees. Such examples were considered one-in-a-million miracles.
In the vastness of the galaxy, though his control over cosmic power wasn't as absolute as some imagined, this Avenger's power shouldn't be underestimated. Perhaps his power had surpassed any Jedi Knight present. The focus of all this centered on the mysterious gem embedded in his forehead.
Master Yoda had never seen or sensed such a presence in his long nine-hundred-year life. He wondered silently, "What is this? Another form of the Force? Or something greater?"
"Welcome, Avengers," Kit Fisto broke the silence with his usual easygoing smile. "Pleased knowing and seeing you've found another teammate."
Master Yoda also expressed welcome with a humble gesture. "Welcome you are, to Coruscant and the Jedi Temple."
Vision responded politely. "Pleased meeting you. I come bearing greetings from my companions on Mandalore."
Plo Koon quipped, "Are you certain you're not a lost Jedi but a unique Avenger?"
Yoda continued gently. "Much your team has done for us. Deeply grateful, we are."
Steve continued, "And you've returned the favor. I assume there are more important matters to discuss than pleasantries?"
Mace Windu nodded, his eyes turning to the Mind Stone on Vision's forehead. "I believe it's clear why we're assembled. Regarding the Force, your comrade Vision possesses a form unlike any we're familiar with. Is he willing sharing what he knows?"
Vision replied calmly, "That's precisely what I've learned during my time here. Since separating from my team, I've learned more about this gem and the knowledge it represents."
Everyone present regarded him expectantly, hoping he'd share more. This conversation about the Force between Avengers and Jedi Knights had just begun.
Vision turned and glanced at the rest of his team, who all shrugged agreement. He stepped forward and asked, "Have any of you heard of Bendu?"
The Jedi Council members fell into brief silence. Many exchanged glances, as if seeking someone who could answer.
"Perhaps you know but prefer not discussing it, or maybe you simply don't know at all," Vision explained. "If the former, that's understandable, because Bendu involves considerable sensitive information about the Force. The latter is equally understandable, because he's a rare entity who won't easily reveal his existence, or even his name."
Even Pietro frowned and interrupted. "Did you mention he's a Force user?"
"Not precisely, but he represents a unique manifestation of it." Vision crossed his arms, contemplating how to explain his mentor and friend. He recalled one of their many communication methods and believed he could convey the same message to his companions.
"Everyone," Vision looked around, ensuring everyone paid attention. "I possess an ability not relying on the Mind Stone, which I developed during my time with Bendu. I believe I can mentally project what I wish showing you, if you're willing."
"Like a Force meld?" Ahsoka asked uncertainly.
"Somewhat similar, but not identical," Vision said, placing his hand on his forehead.
Steve, Pietro, and Natasha's eyes all focused on the stone embedded in Vision's forehead. They'd witnessed Vision's birth and heard Thor discuss its origin.
"Are you certain you can do this, Vision?" Steve asked with slight uncertainty.
"Trust me, Captain," Vision replied confidently.
"So what do we do for this?" Sam asked loudly, looking around at their team and the Jedi Council members. "Did we mention opening our minds before, or something like that?"
"Normally we'd say let the Force flow within you, but since you don't possess it, perhaps opening your mind would be a suitable start," Luminara suggested.
"That doesn't inspire much confidence, Lumi," Rhodey's voice sounded somewhat helpless, causing Luminara to chuckle.
"So how do we maintain this 'open' mind?" Scott scratched his head, asking puzzledly.
Natasha considered for a moment. "Maybe it's like a feeling in your consciousness. Instead of fighting it, just allow it."
Pietro shrugged. "That's settled then." His attitude seemed casual.
Vision took a deep breath and looked around. The war room's atmosphere seemed to crystallize. Suddenly, the synthetic Avenger began emitting an energy hum, and the yellow stone on his forehead began radiating brilliant light.
The light was so intense some people had to shield their eyes. After several seconds, the entire room was engulfed by luminescence. When the light dissipated, they appeared in an unfamiliar location.
All assembled individuals blinked as they now stood on what appeared to be barren land with strange coral-like rock formations surrounding them.
"Whoa," Peter exclaimed quietly. "This is seriously trippy."
Shaak Ti also widened her eyes in disbelief. "I feel as though I'm on Kamino..."
"This stone can access any thought I desire, provided I focus my attention," Vision explained.
"So where are we now?" Pietro looked around, confused by the desolate landscape.
"This is Atollon," Vision explained. "I spent most of my time separated from you on this planet."
After a moment, they witnessed another vision appear, which surprised some despite the person who'd brought them here quickly explaining in detail what they observed.
"These are my memories," Vision slowly revealed. He then announced, "Next you'll see Bendu."
The images of the past seemed fog-covered, as if they'd never truly existed. Everyone turned to see that in Vision's memory, he walked into a volcanic crater. The scenery instantly transformed to where he stood presently. Suddenly, ground movement attracted everyone's attention. They were surprised discovering what appeared to be moving rock was actually a living creature.
"Woah," the youngest in the crowd exclaimed. Others felt similarly.
Vision extended his hand toward the giant creature. "This is my friend and mentor, Bendu."
"Good seeing you return again, my friend," Bendu's memory projection spoke in a strange, somewhat sardonic voice that aroused curiosity and astonishment. "Are you prepared for the next lesson?"
Vision responded naturally. "Naturally."
Bendu's memory brought a chuckle. "Well, let's continue from where we departed," he said.
The Jedi and Avengers began observing Vision's memories, exploring what he'd learned during his time with Bendu. They gradually absorbed information about Force balance, known celestial entities, and Jedi and Sith philosophies.
The information volume was overwhelming. Many found it difficult maintaining pace. But what impressed the Jedi was mention of a woman who'd become one of these nearly omnipotent beings known as Celestials, whom Bendu had known thousands of years prior.
Suddenly, a cane struck the ground. Everyone turned to see Master Yoda, who appeared weary. His voice matched his age, which far exceeded everyone present, yet carried strength and vitality. "Much have we seen."
After brief silence, Plo Koon began speaking. "That was an indescribable experience."
Depa continued, her face showing profound awe. "The knowledge we've gained is truly vast."
Mundi couldn't help sighing softly. "This is extraordinary."
Windu regarded Vision and spoke slowly. "I know this may seem considerable to request, but if I may..."
"I'd gladly show you more when we have time," Vision immediately offered.
"Thank you, grateful we are," Master Yoda expressed.
At this point, Vision reached out and seemingly pulled a hexagonal holocron from nowhere.
"A holocron!" Plo whispered with surprise.
When Vision explained the holocron belonged to an ancient Jedi Knight named Meetra Surik, Council members were amazed, though their wide eyes still couldn't quite believe it.
"The Exile's holocron?"
"She who saved the Order?"
"I thought it was lost!"
Rhodey broke the excitement with a teasing gesture. He nudged the synthetic being. "Vision, you've been busy."
Vision shot back, "I gained knowledge while my friends engaged in galactic warfare."
Finally, Windu's voice cut through the lively atmosphere. He reminded everyone, "We have much discussing now, but we must address it later. Presently, we all need time calming ourselves, meditating, and absorbing the wisdom we've just witnessed."
Afterward, the war room's atmosphere gradually returned to calm, though everyone's minds remained full of contemplation and anticipation. In silence, no one opposed his proposal. The crowd began dispersing, most Council members choosing to depart.
However, some Jedi chose remaining around the Avengers, eager continuing communication.
"Meetra Surik's holocron," Obi-Wan's surprised voice broke the silence. "How did you acquire it?"
"Unconventional means," Vision said with a hint of mystery. "We encountered a droid on Mandalore, HK-47, who was this Jedi Knight's companion. For millennia, he's kept this holocron in his chest cavity, for nearly four thousand years."
"How can a droid remain functional for four thousand years?" Sam stared at the holocron in confusion.
"I wouldn't be surprised if this holocron is connected to HK-47," Anakin crossed his arms, his eyes glittering with undeniable desire as his gaze lingered on the holocron. "Perhaps Meetra used a Force bond or constraint keeping the droid operational, at least ensuring it wouldn't disintegrate into dust until falling into Jedi hands."
"Can anyone explain what she accomplished?" Luminara asked in her soft voice.
"The important thing is we now possess something extremely valuable, my friends," Aayla said, indescribable excitement in her words.
"Judging from everyone's reactions, there must be something significant behind this," Scott observed calmly.
"You're correct, Mr. Lang," Luminara responded with a smile. "There may be more stories and secrets hidden behind this name."
While she wanted staying and conversing with her companions longer, being a Jedi Council member meant Luminara had other matters requiring attention.