Hello my lovlies! (Or should I say lovely, thank you SakuraFlutist) I need people's opinions, Jane isn't staying with (not that they were ever 'together' to begin with) Thor. I thought about killing her off (MWAHAHA) but I'm not totally repulsed by her character. What do you want to happen to her? I don't really have much to say (I know, it's amazing) but I'm glad you're still alive and reading this. I would appreciate some feedback (hint hint)! But anyways, Merry (late) Christmas and a Happy New Year!

DISCLAIMER: As much as I would like it, I don't own the Avengers. Agent Mason... is another issue entirely.

Chapter 3

S.H.I.E.L.D. Central Conference; New York, New York

"Loki is," Fury muttered something that sounded suspiciously like 'apparently', "innocent."

"So says a little girl."

"That 'girl' happens to be a trusted agent-"

"That could have been under Loki's influence."

"Agent Mason has not been in contact with Loki before today."

"Yes, that's right. Where was she a week ago? It might-no it would have saved lives if she would have helped. That is still assuming she isn't being controlled by Loki."

"Agent Mason-"

"Is right here and appreciates not being talked about like she isn't." The aforementioned agent said calmly walking in the door. Fury only looked mildly surprised as she took a seat at the table.

"Agent," he said nodding his head slightly in acknowledgement, "I was informed you were resting."

"I was," she grimaced, "nasty thing- sedative. But I'm up now, so I thought I'd come put Mr. Stark's "she paused, glancing at the gathered super heroes, "-and a few other's minds at rest." Fury blinked once and the corners of his mouth twitched upward slightly. He sat back at motioned for her to continue.

"I know you have questions, so ask away."

"You'll answer them all truthfully?"

"Fair point, I'll answer any questions I see as relevant with complete honesty. If you doubt it, I'll provide evidence. Deal?"

"Okay," Tony ran his hand through his hair," We'll start easy. Name and age?" Agent Mason rolled her eyes.

"If you want to take all day about it, Katherine Mason- 20."

"Place of birth?"

"London, England."

"Parents?"

"Aaron and Madeleine Mason."

"What happened to them?"

"I know you read my file and did a background search on me already," Tony gave her a hard stare and she sighed, "Fine, they died in a fire."

"When?"

"I was five."

"Who raised you?"

"My grandmother."

"What's her name?"

"Merida Mason."

"And her husband?"

"Never met him, he died before I was born."

"What about the grandparents on your mother's side?"

"Grandfather was James Cahill."

"What about your grandmother?" Agent Mason shrugged.

"I don't know who she was; my mother was born out of wedlock. My grandmother's family didn't approve so my grandfather raised her."

"But do you know her name?"

"No one ever saw fit to tell me, or if they did I was too young to remember."

"Explain."

"My parents died when I was five, and my grandmother doesn't mention it. Frankly, I don't really care."

"But-"

"It's ultimately irrelevant, next question." There was an edge in her voice that, surprisingly, Tony caught on to.

"Hometown?"

"West Kensington."

"School?"

"St. Mary's primary school and Cambridge University."

"Degrees?"

"Psychology, technology, history, music, and foreign language."

"And?"

"Engineering, art, politics, education, and literature under another name." He shot a clear 'I-told-you-so' look at Steve and Bruce.

"When did you come to S.H.I.E.L.D.?"

"When I was eighteen."

"Why were you recruited?"

"I'd imagine it was my stellar fighting abilities." She said stoically, Clint snickered.

"Yeah, that's why." He said sardonically.

"Shut it Clint. Sarcasm is a way to insult idiots without them realizing it." She gave a meaningful glance at Tony, which was met with smiles from around the table.

"I'm hurt."

"Are you done questioning me?"

"No. So, Legolas and Nat-"

"Don't call me 'Nat'."

"Trained you?" Tony continued, ignoring Natasha's death glare.

"Yes, there were quite a few agents that, as you say, 'trained me'."

"How are your combat skills?"

"Pretty much nonexistent. I do know, however, how to knock you out in a second flat only using a finger or a sturdy pencil."

"Other abilities then, archery?" He looked at Clint.

"She could barely even lift my bow, fair shot on a smaller one though- but not much force."

"Gun?" Tony asked, switching his gaze to Natasha.

"Slightly above the level of shooting her own eye out." She glanced at Fury- or more accurately, his eye patch- and opened her mouth to say something.

"Any more questions, Stark?" He asked, cutting Natasha off.

"Just a few, so- can you really read minds?"

"That's a rather idiotic question, but yes."

"I don't believe you."

"Ah, so you're a 'believing is seeing' type huh? Isn't being hired by S.H.I.E.L.D. enough?"

"Not when we're talking about Loki."

"So you think I'm faking?"

"Pretty much."

"Listen here Stark-"

"No, it's fine." Agent Mason tilted her head thoughtfully, before nodding her head once. "May I?" She asked, extending her hand.

"What?"

"You wanted proof, correct? Well I intend to give it to you."

"You want me to let you read my mind?"

"And here I thought you were supposed to be a genius. 189, if I'm not mistaken."

"You aren't, Miss 166."

"Didn't think I was."

"Naturally."

"Someone did their homework."

"We had homework?" Steve mumbled, but no one answered.

"It would be against my nature not to- investigate."

"Ah, because the last time you didn't I believe a certain Natalie Rushmore was involved."

"I have a feeling I don't want to know how you know that."

"But yet you still want to know, that's a story for another day- though."

"I digress."

"Really? That was almost painfully easy."

"Don't get used to it. I'd rather keep my thoughts to myself, but I believe you." The other occupants of the room had been watching the exchange like a tennis match, complete with wide eyes from Steve and Thor. Natasha and Clint were smirking slightly, while Bruce had an amused look on his face.

Steve leaned over to Bruce and whispered, "What just happened?"

"She," Bruce said, with a nod towards Agent Mason, "just got Tony to listen to someone besides himself."

"Should I bow?" Steve asked, with all seriousness. Bruce nodded, thinking.

"Probably grovel and worship too." Their conversation seemed to catch Agent Mason's eye and she turned and smiled at them.

"That won't be necessary, but I appreciate it nonetheless." She looked back at Tony, "I assume you have more questions?"

"Just one, actually. Is Loki innocent?"

"That," she sighed, "is a complicated question to answer. I will not reveal any details I have seen in his memories."

"Simplify." Agent Mason looked slightly annoyed.

"The 'simplified' version has one answer; yes." There was a loaded silence while everyone processed the information. "I'm not saying he should be completely trusted, but-"she continued when Thor looked like he was going to interrupt, "he didn't willingly bring harm to you or anyone else."

"Any other doubts or concerns?" Fury asked, impatiently. No one answered. "Very well then, you are dismissed." While they were filing out the door, he continued, "Agent Mason, may I have a word?"

Sorry if the format is wierd, isn't cooperating. Leave me a little Christmas/New Years gift below!