Synopsis: Before his space program would be shut down for good, America personally wanted to taste adventure in the cosmos. As the first nation ever, he headed out with a cheerful wave and twenty astronauts on the Apollo 32 mission to explore for evidence of life on other planets. It's been half a year since his scheduled return, and while the nations want to confer his death, America's growing country and no evidence of a new personification prevents any conclusions. What is going on? The Nations decide to take matters into their own hands and set out to look for him on Apollo 33. Mission? Find America, or evidence of his demise.

A/N: So, this is my first (experimental) fanfiction and it will probably be really bad.

This story will have mild one-sided OC X America, but for plot purposes. This story is for story-telling only (mainly adventure, action, drama), not any real romance unless I get a good idea and decide to implement it for the sake of plot.

Also, since 'Paint it White!' was anime-only, i plan to ignore that ever happened here.

I probably won't use accents…random foreign language phrases here and there, but I don't think I can pull off accents just yet.

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia. Just the OCs in this fic.

Chapter 1:

20XX

"I still don't think you should be taking such time off to go exploring barren wastelands."

"Aw, come on England! Can't I get one real adventure before my boss shuts down the space program for good? It took me so long just to convince him to approve this one mission, let alone allow me to go along!"

"I just don't think it's safe… Your technology has improved, yes, but anything could go wrong up there. You're not just risking your life, you know, but millions of your citizens' as well should anything go wrong."

"I know. I'm not that dense."

"I didn't say you were."

"It was totally implied and you know it."

"Alright, alright. I still think it's a bit unorthodox, though. Do you honestly believe you will find alien life up there? Any life you find could be thousands of miles from Earth and takes longer to get to than your ship can travel. You might have to turn back before you find anything at all."

"Well, at least I'll get to see space first-hand. During the Space Race with Russia, all I got to do was supervise with NASA and watch from a low-grade monitor as my astronauts stepped foot on the moon. When the Mars probe landed, it was basically the same, only with a better T.V. Watching isn't the same as experiencing, and I want to experience space. Besides, Tony got here okay. He's totally going to guide me through anything complicated."

"I understand your ambition, but- wait, who?"

"You know, my bestie, Tony? Alien? Likes to cuss you out all the time?"

"Oh, yes…that bloke. Well, if characters like him are what you want to find, I'm sure he's enough evidence to convince anyone."

"I'm not using him as evidence! They'll probably experiment on him!"

"Then you're going to find another unsuspecting, probably innocent, substitute?"

"No! It's not just about finding proof, England. It's about being able to communicate with them, too. If we find another species out there, maybe they'll hold the key to our problems, or we'll hold the key to theirs. It's like how you found me all those years ago. Didn't you feel that way when you sailed through sea in search of treasure and visiting different cultures? The new culture, remedies, ideas, wealth?"

"I-I see your point…but space is completely different! It's much more dangerous than the ocean. At least there is oxygen there."

"I'm sure back then you thought the same thing about the sea."

"Well-"

"Trust me England, this is just a step we have to take to keep our world growing. I'll have Tony guide me through any weird alien junk, an entire crew, plus great technology to gets us where we need to be. Who knows? We might find some aliens who want to form an alliance, and then we'll just keep our society growing until we're inviting other life forms into our cities- just like in Futurama! Don't you want flying cars and a Dr. Zoidberg as a friend?"

"I'm perfectly fine with Flying Mint Bunny, thank you."

"You're no fun. Does this mean I have your okay, though?

"…I suppose. Why do you need my approval?"

"Well, I just didn't want anyone to have any unease before I left. I know a lot of people were skeptical since having a nation go is really risky. I just wanted to calm people's nerves and say my goodbyes. You wouldn't believe how many nations were giving me good-well gifts! Russia was especially jealous, but he still gave me a good luck hug. Dude was a total bear."

"That's very…odd. Well, I assure you I support your decision to go, despite my unease. It's not every day a person, let alone a nation, gets to experience outer space firsthand. I wish you the best of luck, America."

"…Thank you, England. And hey, maybe I'll bring you back a weird friend! Alien-version of course. I'm not sure how alien-fairies would look like. Maybe something from Avatar? Floating flowers seem cool, right?"

"Prat."

England walked in silence through a long hallway. His short blond hair shone in the early morning sunlight peeking through the six foot tall windows, and his thick eyebrows were tilted down in a worried scowl.

Today was the day the nations would decide America's fate, and it unnerved him how simple most of this was being handled. With one meeting, America; that blonde, loud, burger-loving, eccentric nation; would be presumed dead or alive. Just one meeting and his former-brother would be out of everyone's conversation topics, and his country changed forever.

Things just couldn't keep going on as they were, though. It had been six months since Apollo 32 was scheduled to return, but the spacecraft, astronauts, and America remained missing. During the first few weeks everyone assumed it was a simple delay caused by the unexpected obstacles in such a dangerous journey (perhaps the crew had to maneuver through an asteroid field? Maybe they actually met someone and had to stay a couple of days to make negotiations on an alliance? America probably wanted to stay up there longer and convinced his eager crew into succumbing to his demands). However, no one at NASA could come into contact with their ship. All traces of its presence had disappeared weeks before, leaving no evidence to assume the ship was even functional.

At first people panicked. Their nation was in deep space with possibly no way to return. How would they break the news to the president? They had a national emergency on their hands! Unfortunately, it soon proved that he was the least of the NASA scientists' worries. Once the nations obtained knowledge of the missing spacecraft, their negative attention became directed at anyone possibly responsible for the screw up. NASA employees dreaded any visit from nations for days until Russia stepped in to threaten anyone who was not NASA personnel with his faucet pipe. The nations eventually had to qualm their fury when they realized it would yield no positive outcome.

Three months after the scheduled return everyone saw a sign that clearly something was not right.

The United States of America was improving as a country. The economy was booming, the crime rate going down, poverty was close to nonexistent, and the people were happier than they ever were. Not only that, but the national debt was depleting from various exports and increase in money supply. China was baffled when almost one-fifth of the debt owed to him was paid back by the second month. At this rate, America would be debt free in less than a year. While normally this would be cause for celebration, China was receiving more money after all, instead it caused concern.

How could America be jumping back so quickly without the representative around? His boss was doing nothing special in his policies, yet the country improved day by day.

Eventually, the nations ordered a search of American lands for a new representative. As much as some did not want to admit their America was gone, it was not impossible that he reached his demise and a new country emerged from his ashes.

Months later, however, still no evidence surfaced that a new nation had been born was found.

America's death was slightly less of a possibility now. Did this mean he was alive somewhere? Trapped in an unknown planet with no way to communicate and reach help? Even he would realize how much everyone would worry should he not return soon. And if he was in some form of dire situation, wouldn't Tony help him or at least report back?

This led to England's current destination. All nations had agreed to meet in order to discuss America's missing status. In the end, though, whether he would be presumed dead wasn't really what the nations came to discuss.

The issue was what they would do should they decide to declare him alive.

Declaring him dead was easy; It would go down on paper and then his government would simply have to go from there. Canada might take up the responsibility of being the United States of America's representative until a new nation emerged. It certainly wasn't simple in retrospect, but it was definitely less conflict than what would be done if the nations wished to keep his survival a possibility.

A probe had been sent the first month in search of the spacecraft and, to everyone's excitement, a dust trail with material from America's ship was found among the small rocks two weeks prior to the meeting. Even if it wasn't definite proof that his crew survived whatever caused debris from his ship to end up there, NASA now had some form of trail to follow should they go out and look for the missing astronauts; one clue that, at the very least, set a path for them to follow. Now all they needed was the approval of another expedition. Considering their current situation, simply suggesting it angered the president. Their only hope was if the nations supported it. Only they could gather the funds their own government would not supply.

England was determined to convince anyone opposed to a rescue mission see the benefits- or at least what he assumed seemed like benefits to them. Honestly, he just wanted someone on his side. How could he live with himself knowing his former colony was lost in space not knowing whether he was alive or not? He wouldn't rest until he knew for sure of America's fate. Whether that meant learning of his demise, so be it. As long as he had closure.

England knew others felt the same way. Even if they didn't care for America on a personal level like he did, the fact that they knew nothing of his fate unnerved them. Everyone wanted a definite answer to their most important question: Is he alive?

"H-Hello, England." England snapped out of his thoughts when a hushed voice greeted him. He turned to see an almost spitting image of America, and while he deeply wished to believe it was him, six months was enough time to keep him from forgetting Canada once his much more attention-hogging sibling was out of the picture. In fact, he was one of his closest allies at this point aside from Mexico and America's micronation, Molossia. The two nations (and micronation) had both agreed to help him in convincing the others to find America. Family was very important to them, and they dearly missed their brother.

"Hello, Canada. How are you?" He said, trying but failing to put a sincere smile on his face.

"I'm fine. As good as I can be when I'm walking to a meeting deciding my brother's fate." England scowl returned. The air was grim for them. How could one not feel distaste having to openly discuss the fate of someone you held dear with others who possibly only came to confirm the use of his name in past tense? Every nation fought with each other, but only a select few stuck together despite their disagreements. The American brothers were one of those close pairs. Canada and America were very close, and while Mexico had many qualms with America, she still remained family. In addition, while Molossia was only a micronation, he remained a part of the USA and cared just as deeply for America as his other siblings. England, France, and Japan (for America at least) were of the few outsiders who crossed that family circle. To have one suddenly disappear affected them all.

Both nations looked forward, a silent few seconds passing between them before England spoke again,

"We'll convince them Canada, don't you worry. I may not be the Great British Empire any more, but I still have a few manipulation tricks up my sleeve. Plus some hearty blackmail I've kept in secret for just such an occasion."

Canada couldn't help but smirk at this. He expected nothing less from England.

"I know we will. Even if we can't convince them all, I'm sure we can convince enough to help fund the project. I'm prepared to fight like you guys always do if I have to!"

England couldn't help but smile at the usually shy nation's determination and grabbed the handle to the conference room door they'd reached only seconds before.

"Then let's give them hell."

Almost every nation was present for the meeting: the Latin, Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and even the micronations. How could they not? The matter discussed could very well affect their economy and international affairs. Not to mention everyone's opinion was required for this meeting. For once, everyone would be asked for their opinion rather than have to yell over loud others in attempt to even have the floor. It as an opportunity not to be lost. It was for this reason the nations willingly sat in silence as they listened to the three nations and micronation at the front of the room explain their plan of action.

The meeting had gone on for an hour, surprisingly productive, before people began to voice their concerns. Despite the doubt Canada, England, Mexico and Molossia (who'd arrived shortly after England and Canada) managed to counter any protest with a reasonable one of their own. Money? The funds of the combined nations involved would be plenty to cover it. Time? Majority of nations were in a time of peace and would not face trouble in spending a couple of months or so investing their resources in a space project. Why should we? Once the mission was over, the three nations would team up with the United States to come up with some form of collateral for their services. Considering the U.S.' growing prosperity, it should be simple to do.

So far England, Canada, Mexico, and Molossia seemed to have convinced majority of the nations present to support a possible rescue mission. It was when the identity of the astronauts responsible for finding the lost nation arose that almost everyone erupted in shock. England had revealed he planned to go along with a small number of select nations and human astronauts—needless to say, a lot of the nations present were not taking the news well. It was quite the dangerous journey that no one felt the need to risk multiple of their kind for. As far as they were concerned, England (and anyone accompanying him) was a madman aiming to get killed.

"It's more likely he's dead anyway, so why bother?!" Cuba yelled over the now arguing nations. Almost immediately silence permeated the room. Everyone present had already mulled over the possibility that America was dead. Really, what were the chances he was alive? It was oxygen-less space! His journey was years too early, even with his technological advancement. America was an idiot for even attempting it.

Suddenly, a loud thud echoed in the tense atmosphere as Canada slammed his fists onto the table; his face was filled with malice aimed towards his friend. "He isn't dead!" He knew Cuba never got along with his more aggressive brother, but Canada also knew he was aware how much his brother meant to him despite their conflicts. How could Cuba be so heartless when he needed his support more than ever?

"Canada, lad, please calm down…" England, to Canada's right, said. Although he probably shared the same sentiments as Canada, really wanting to punch Cuba in the face, he was worried the nation's frantic actions could cause others who might have considered assisting in their cause go back on their decision. He understood his passion, but it was not the right way to handle such a delicate situation.

Canada refused to listen. "I am calm!"

"We don't think he's dead either, yeah?! How dare you say that! Who the fuck do you think you are?!"

"Si! America is not dead!"

Molossia and Mexico joined in, the ruckus of passionate siblings almost daring someone to speak out against them.

"No offense friend, but it seems you're too hysterical to suggest-"

"Enough!"

Everyone turned to Russia, surprised that the usually quiet, albeit intimidating, nation had spoken up. He dad been seated almost to the far end of the circular meeting table, listening intently to the meeting before the outburst. Russia turned to a now speechless Canada, a frown forming on his pale face. His eyes betrayed his calm exterior, showing the deep stress but also concern he had for the North American nation. His voice remained solid and determined, however. "I also do not believe America to have perished so easily. He is strong, I know, and his love for the cosmos possibly greater than mine. He would have found a way to survive- I know it."

Canada remained speechless, but his heart was practically soaring in happiness at Russia's words.

Russia took Canada's silence as a means to continue speaking and turned to everyone seated around the conference table. "Besides, I know for a fact that if it were anyone else, regardless of personal grudge or lack thereof, America would not hesitate to assist in bringing them back home."

And just like that Russia's smile was back as he turned to Canada once again. "Do not fret, comrade. We may not have gotten along sometimes, but America is my rival and friend. Sometimes, as I'm sure others would agree, I wish he would just disappear. Now that he has, surely we all realize the truth behind the saying: 'you don't know how much something means to you until it's gone.'" At this, he turned to Cuba with his childish smile, who flinched, and then swept over the other nations before returning them to the three leaders of their meeting at the front of the room. "I intend to fully support this mission. My boss has already agreed on cooperating, and we've acquired the assistance of the previous members of the Soviet Union." Suddenly the Baltics, Ukraine, and Belarus stood up, smiling (albeit a bit nervously aside from Belarus, whose only noticeable change in her features was a small smile gracing her lips).

"We intend to fully support searching for America's whereabouts- wherever that may be," Lithuania said. His smile was genuine, and it wasn't long before other nations whom previously felt too pressured to express their decision stood up.

"I also support this mission. My space station will be happy to lend their technology on your search!" This was China.

"I, as well. He is a great friend of mine, and I will not rest until I know he is okay." Japan.

"Ve, me too! My country isn't that big on space, but we do have our own program! I want to help!" Italy.

"You know i will assist. What kind of big brother would i be should i let Amérique stay in such dreary surroundings? It is simply uncouth of me as the country of love." France.

Soon Germany, Spain, Denmark, Finland, Sweden- even some of the usually less-involved nations like Romania and Monaco were showing support.

Cuba seemed to feel ashamed and stayed put, looking away from anyone's (especially Canada's) gaze as majority of nations exclaimed in excitement over their new objective: find America (and his crew, hopefully) through the void of space.

Canada felt tears well up in his violet eyes. He wasn't alone in this. He didn't have to go out alone, not knowing if he had enough supplies or the proper funds to build a ship good enough to travel the distance he might need to in search of his brother. No, he had his brethren and many nations willing to lend their resources on his search. He couldn't be more grateful.

England, Mexico, and Molossia shared the same sentiments, and the four nations at the front of the room embraced in a victory hug. Everything had worked out. Their plan was going to come true. They would find America!

Suddenly, someone spoke up: "So…who gets to go on the mission?"

The room silenced before erupting into arguments once again.

A/N: Okay, I know six months is a bit short for space travel. Just assume, since I didn't say a specific time, America's space ship can travel much faster than your average rocket. It was the most advanced technology of their current time(whenever that is), after all.

Plus, I'm not a huge sci-fi person as far as things like Star Trek and Star Wars go. I've seen the original Star Wars movies, although that was long ago, and only some episodes of Star Trek. Obviously, I'm not experienced in the space travel aspect so I'm just going by research material as I go along. Even then it's not much research since I tend to write this when I should be doing other stuff, lol.

Great idea to start a Sci-fi fic, huh?

Nothing against Cuba. He was the only one i could really count on to be the 'hate America' douche to suggest leaving him up there. He'll be needed later on, i promise.

Also, if anyone has a better title for me, suggest away. It took me an hour to come up with the mess i posted this under. ._.'