LOKI: Prince of Mischief Story Trilogy
by vocaltaffy
I. AGENT BARTON
"A CIVIL REACTION"
It's 3:51 p.m. Friday afternoon in the Big Apple's Central Park. Stand with DR. BANNER, TONY STARK, STEVE ROGERS, CLINT BARTON, NATASHA ROMANOFF, and DR. ERIK SELVIG, surrounding Thor and Loki.
"Brother," Thor says in a low tone only Loki hears, "Before we go, we would pay a few of our friends a visit."
Loki turns his head toward Barton and Romanoff.
FAVORING
BARTON
Can't think too much. Feels like my brain's been run through some kinda cosmic blender. What I wouldn't do to see him squirm.
ROMANOFF
(in confidence)
Banner was right. This Loki is twisted. He's … basically damaged goods. (whispers to ear) And what he's gonna get… is just punishment for gods.
POV of Thor
as Loki turns in direction
FAVORING Barton and Romanoff
as Romanoff whispers
and a mischievous grin washes over Barton.
BARTON
Too bad we can't watch. Though… if I ever see him again I'm… gonna send him my regards.
Romanoff acknowledges.
1
ROMANOFF
You've had a long week Barton.
Let's do something to unwind. You and me.
The Catskills are really nice this time of year.
BARTON
(chuckle)
Unwind, Nat?(laugh) That what you call it?
(more serious) Not sure that's the best for us.
ROMANOFF
And why not us?
BARTON
Not you and me us.
ROMANOFF
Why are you being like this?
BARTON
(frustrated)
I need to clear my head, Nat.
Someone's been playing with it. You mind?
ROMANOFF
(slightly disappointed)
Alright, let's change the subject.
BARTON
(calmer)
So what's the word from Fury? Is he really doing it?
ANOTHER ANGLE
With Thor starting his goodbye.
INT
ROMANOFF
Seems pretty sure.
BARTON
(a bit incredulous)
And you're on board?
ROMANOFF
I'm trying to turn over a new leaf in case you haven't noticed.
2
BARTON
Oh I noticed.
ANOTHER ANGLE
As Barton pulls Romanoff aside
BARTON
(hush)
Nat… it's
ROMANOFF
(chimes)
Just like Budapest again?
BARTON
Don't start.
ROMANOFF
Are you ever gonna forget about that?
BARTON
Are you?
ROMANOFF
This is my chance to fight on the right side for a change.
If anyone would understand that, it's you.
BARTON
(frustrated concern)
But why Nat? Why go through this again?
You don't remember what it did to you?
WIDE SHOT
as ROGERS notice the two having words.
ROMANOFF
I'm a big girl, Barton. You said it yourself
BARTON
(interrupts)
That's not fair.
ROMANOFF
Look! You decided it
BARTON
We were just there Nat. The gov't ain't listenin' to their people. Resistance ain't got a chance. S.H.I.E.L.D.'s just-
3
ROMANOFF
(taps Barton)
Hey they're off-
ANOTHER ANGLE
As we see LOKI clutching the Tesseract capsule with Thor.
WIDE SHOT
as ROGERS starts to approach ROMANOFF. He stops halfway, pensive.
INT
THOR
(nods to all)
comrades… we shall meet again. Farewell.
EXT
Favoring THOR
As Banner, Stark, Rogers, Barton, & Romanoff- the AVENGERS- nod in syncopation.
MOVING
as we stand with Dr. Selvig and the Avengers, we watch the bright blue tractor beam of light draw and Loki up.
WIDE ANGLE
FAVORING
ROMANOFF
As she chats with Barton
BARTON
(resigned, a bit worried)
You're gonna do what you're gonna. So… can we agree to change the subject?
ROMANOFF
(agrees)
Okay… so any weekend plans?
BARTON
This has all been a heckuva way to end the week.
ROMANOFF
…Meaning?
BARTON
A bitta decompressing. See my family.
4
ROMANOFF
(surprised)
The family you almost never see? (teasing)
I see them more than you do.
WIDE SHOT
of ROGERS reaching Romanoff and Barton.
BARTON
(sarcastic)
Har-har, well you're not the only one running errands for S.H.I.E.L.D.
ROMANOFF
Touché.
BARTON
(to Rogers)
Captain.
WIDE SHOT
As Romanoff steps aside a bit.
ROGERS
Barton.
BARTON
Everything okay?
ROGERS
Just curious. But I oughta be asking you.
BARTON
Gonna be a lonnng weekend.
ROGERS
Yeah? Sorry about that. Mind control and all.
BARTON
Well karma's a payback. Just ask the other guy.
ROGERS
Nice aim you got back there.
BARTON
(half-chuckle)
Glad somebody noticed. Thanks Cap.
5
ROGERS
(humbled, modest)
Call me Steve. And nah…I just wanna do the right thing.
But thanks.
BARTON
Don't give me that, Rogers, you're awesome. Hey-
ROGERS
Yeah?
BARTON
Think you'd let me sling the shield?
ROGERS and BARTON enjoy a good chuckle.
BARTON
(childlike)
Aw come on… just once?
ROGERS' chuckling settles down.
ROGERS
So Barton… couldn't help overhearing.
We see Barton's joy quickly dissipate.
ROGERS
New mission?
BARTON
Nothing I wanna get involved with. (toward Romanoff) And if Nat knows what's best-
Barton stops mid-sentence.
(to Romanoff)
I'll be in the car.
(pats Rogers' shoulder)
Nice workin' with ya Rogers.
ROGERS
Let's do it again sometime.
6
BARTON
Rogers… be careful what ya wish for…
WIDE SHOT
As Barton slowly walks O.S.
BARTON
Thing is with S.H.I.E.L.D., that comes a bit too soon.
ROGERS waves.
(END ACT ONE, SCENE ONE)
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