Loki closed his door with a soft click. Inspecting the room with his eyes, he concluded that there was no one hidden anywhere in the room. This did not mean that SHIELD was not monitoring the room though. He felt for unusually warm areas in the room and found three strategically angled cameras. He left them alone but tweaked the light entering each lens. He bended, refracted, and absorbed the light to produce an illusion of the room. The cameras can now only record what he allowed.
Sound was a little trickier. You didn't need electronics in the room to listen to someone inside. As long as there were materials that vibrated and resonated, Loki could not be certain of his privacy. If needed, he could concentrate the air lining the inside of the room. The increase in density would garble any sound that passed through it.
Satisfied with the changes to the room, he relaxed and began to appreciate the luxury in the furnishings. Ebony wood with a thick polish was the dominant feature in the room. The floor was covered in green marble tiles with a thick black rug in the center. Black and green. He wondered if his hosts had guessed his colors.
As he walked across the room, he dissolved his boots and coat. He focused inside and tugged at the fifth dimension. A shimmer over his hands dissipated to reveal a change of clothes. He discovered this little talent centuries ago. He had other objects hidden and the more dangerous they were, the higher the dimension he chose to "shelve" it. He had reserved the eleventh dimension(1) for the Casket of Ancient Winters. It was the highest dimension he ever reached but it was also the most difficult and required the most concentration. He also kept the majority of his weapons in these dimensional pockets. While he kept twin daggers underneath his coat most of the time, he had practiced summoning others if he was ever disarmed.
He released a slow exhale.
He was exhausted.
After quickly changing, he pulled back the cool covers and sheets before sliding into the bed. Distractedly, he slipped one of his blades underneath the pillow. As a last thought he forced the air to coalesce right at the door's edge. If the door opened during his slumber, the bubble would pop, instantly alerting him of an intruder.
Within a few minutes, he descended into darkness and dreams.
Two figures met in the shadows, with only the dimmed glowing of the surrounding computers and far off lamps giving off light.
"Sir, concerning the Avengers' presence in JFK Airport, we have the footage from the infrared cameras. Comparing this with videos from normal lighting, one of our guests, Thor, appear inconsistent. The outline of his image from the infrared is leaner than the image from the other cameras."
"Impressive manipulation of light. He is not Thor then, but perhaps someone just as valuable." The Asgardian Thor had been placed on their watch list since his appearance in Puente Antiguo. The events there and in New York more than indicated a higher level of technology than was present on Earth, which meant that Thor wasn't from around here. Much to their dismay, he had disappeared completely, but this new person masquerading as Thor might also have what they needed.
The other person replied, "Sir, we do not know his location. SHIELD has him."
"Watch for him. He will probably remain close to the Avengers. Dismissed."
"Yes, sir."
Alone, the remaining figure thought that there might be a connection between this Thor-impersonator and the stranger that was captured in Stuttgart. The reports from there had witnesses describing their attacker's clothes shifting into armor right before their eyes.
The next morning...
Loki examined the three people across the table. Fury, Romanova, and Coulson watched him in return. He had no problem with Fury, because the man was easily agitated, at least in Loki's opinion. It was around Romanova and Coulson he was wary. One had outplayed him and the other had seen through him. For the life of him, Loki could not decide which one he despised more.
On his own side of the table, Frigga sat with a contemplative look on her face. She had noticed the tension in her son when the red-haired woman and the man in a sharp suit entered the conference room. Fulla and Gefjon remained oblivious to this. Her attendants would play the role of observers and only add their input when needed.
Food and drinks were set on either end. As a show of no foul play, all three SHIELD members had each taken small portions of each dish before the Asgardians were served.
That was ten minutes ago and still no words were exchanged except the necessary ones of greeting and gratitude for the breakfast.
Impatient, Fury began to pass out several folders, one to each person. "Each folder contains a copy of a sample standard contract we sign with allies. It includes a basic agreement between two parties to offer aid when needed. Please look through it. If there are any disagreeable policies written in there, we can negotiate any changes. The folder also includes a summary list of all damages and injuries reported to us. In chronological order, they are spread out over one of our SHIELD research labs, Stuttgart in Germany, our Helicarrier and vehicles, and New York City."
Frigga browsed through the documents, but paid special attention to the contract. "Director Fury, in compensation for the material destruction done, my son will personally repair any remaining damages. For the assault to your people, he will also heal any persistent injuries." Frigga quickly glanced at Loki, who had turned away. "We understand that this does not cover the full costs to you and your people. For this, Loki has offered his expertise in our technology and crafts to help you build your own Bifrost. We are unable to rebuild our own and Loki, despite his reputation for being the foremost expert in our magic and technology, cannot do it alone. This first bridge will be built here and we will allow all knowledge of its construction to remain here as a measure of good faith. Once the research is completed and your bridge is built, we can easily replicate it in Asgard."
"This seems fair, but we would also like the opportunity to learn about how Loki had prevented any deaths from occurring despite the devastation in all the areas he visited."
With her eyes, Frigga urged her son to explain. "I sent out clones, disguised or invisible, to mingle with your people. They were spread out and assigned to attract attention from the Chitauri with either illusions or violence, ensure building integrity until all occupants had evacuated or were teleported out, even die and pose as bodies."
Fury realized Loki had been controlling the strings ever since his entrance via the Tesseract. He bitterly remembered the collapsed research lab, where the casualties numbered over a hundred, and all the corpses of his agents and researchers. After Thor and Loki's departure to Asgard, Fury had received a call about the disappearance of all the bodies scavenged from the ruins. He had felt intense enmity to whomever had stolen the bodies, but all that evaporated when he received another call. This one about the discovery of all the missing deceased, but with one significant difference: they were alive, unconscious next to the demolished lab, but healthy and alive. The second prince of Asgard was no mere illusionist, he could control the entire chessboard if he wanted. While dangerous, Loki had not crossed the point of no return yet; he had chosen to spare his men. Fury figured Loki was probably the one that had dropped the letter in his office without being detected. As much as Fury wanted to know Loki's reasons, Fury was certain he would not get a straight answer if he asked the trickster god.
"We're also very curious how Thor was able to come the last time and how you all arrived here without your bridge."
Frigga nodded and took over, "Thor arrived using a special feathered cloak, loaned to him by Freyja, a fellow Asgardian. It can only carry one person. Our transportation here was arranged by Loki, through considerable effort on his part. His method is different from the bridge and does not have the same potential for quick travel of large numbers of passengers."
Fury wanted to push for more information about Loki's teleportation, illusions, and clones but knew enough not to push it. The technology behind the bridge was already an attractive concession. Overall, Fury thought it was a good deal but he was confused on how Loki would repair all the damage. He had a good guess but asked anyway. "It'll take us months or longer to fix all this and with teams, so how are you going to do it all by yourself?"
"Did you not hear the ambassador when she described me as an expert in magic, in the sciences?" Loki needled.
Fury ignored it and asked a more specific question. "How long will it take you?"
"A week for the buildings and vehicles, longer if you want it done discreetly. As for the injuries, the time required will depend on what was inflicted. Not long, I surmise. Your anatomy appears simpler than the Aesir's. I suggest you allow me to tend first to the ones who are not healing well on their own."
"We'll figure out the logistics and schedule, working around the time you spend with the research team of course." Fury nodded, satisfied. "This all sounds agreeable. We will add your suggestions into the treaty and leave you the final draft before you sign. Honestly, I didn't think these talks would be so easy. If there are no other questions, this meeting is adjourned."
Loki, relieved to hear that, started to stand up, but felt the beginnings of dread when he saw Fury share an odd look with Coulson.
"Wait, you-" Coulson began.
"Attempted to kill you?" Loki adlibbed.
Coulson's mouth turned up with that knowing smile. "Not that. No, you still lack conviction, then and now. So, Prince Loki of Asgard, what are you really here for?"
Romanova must have seen something in Loki's eyes because she mercilessly dissected it. "You're hiding something. Another reason for offering your services? You don't believe you need any help with the bridge do you? You can do it on your own, so why pretend to need our help?"
Damn them to Muspelheim! Romanova and Coulson teaming up was possibly the worst combination. They worked too well together at drawing secrets from him. His mother looked to him with an offended expression. He had kept his motives hidden even from her. With his mother here, he could not just vanish without answering.
"It would consume too much time, if I do it alone. I can spend as much as one of your lifetimes figuring out all the necessary equations needed for a working model."
"So why the rush?" Romanova pushed.
"The Tesseract is now on Asgard," Loki reluctantly admitted.
Fury was quick to translate the last statement. "The Chitauri will now focus their attention on Asgard. By building a Bifrost and solidifying this alliance, you hope that we will help in defending your home world."
"Yes, hope. I am uncertain if even your aid will be enough." Loki just revealed his greatest fear. He felt something in him plummet at the thought of a wasted Asgard. He felt vulnerable now, but dammit, he would drag the humans into war if it meant saving his family. He didn't tell them that the Chitauri might have a personal grudge against him, in addition to retrieving the Tesseract. "Before I arrived on Midgard, I entered an agreement: an exchange for the Chitauri army if I hand them the Tesseract. The Chitauri are led by a dark figure, powerful. He called himself the Other. There was something about him though, he was not their Master. The Other had the air of a servant playing in his master's stead. They are stationed in another part of the galaxy, but if they make Asgard their primary target, they might be there within the decade or less."
His words settled deep within everyone.
"Loki, does this mean that you did not propose this research collaboration to rectify your past crimes, but to construct a buffer between this new threat and Asgard?" Frigga inquired. Loki kept his eyes down. She was saddened and disappointed that her son had kept this from her. She had always known her son was cunning, perhaps too smart for his own good sometimes. This was one of those times. "My son, again you have impressed me with your loyalty, but not with this roundabout approach."
Fury decided then that having Frigga here was absolutely necessary when communicating with Loki. She tempered him. He looked to his right and left, and nodded a good job to his two agents. "Even in light of this, we are still open to the alliance. I will have to confirm with my superiors but regardless if our enemies' aim is the Tesseract or not, they would have remembered their defeat here and will see us, at least, as a stain on their pride. Do you wish to continue with the treaty?"
"Yes, of course. We apologize for this recent trouble. If that is all, we will retire to our rooms now." Frigga excused herself and passed Loki with a promise on her face. She would talk to him later that afternoon. Loki nodded in response.
Frigga and Loki sat side by side on the couch in his room. She stretched up and kissed his forehead. "My son, what will I do with you?"
He debated and fought with his words. She had asked him this before and he had remained silent. But now, he slowly murmured, "It seems I'm not worthy yet."
"Your father should not have encouraged such extreme competition between you and your brother. Don't withdraw; come here." Frigga took his left hand and placed it in her lap. Ever since he had found out about his Jotunn birth, he had tried to avoid all skin contact. She gently rubbed his palm, knuckles, and finally his wrist. She spent more time on his wrist, because his magic and the other skills he liked to practice stressed it too much.
Since young, he had always excelled in all the magics, crafts, and even in the martial arts he was trained in, however in a society that lauded physical prowess, he became the outcast. As a result, his personality cooled and hardened to protect his confidence. With battle hammer and roar, Thor was the Asgardian ideal, and Loki who fought with a mixture of tricks, feints, and the opportunistic stab in the back was easily overshadowed. Frigga was one of the few who realized that Thor and Loki made an excellent combination: one who fought in the light, attracting attention, while the other quietly crept behind enemy lines to induce fear and decrease morale by picking off inattentive opponents. They complemented each other.
Frigga hoped that coming to Midgard would help her son. She had at first been very happy that her son was willing to work with the Menn, but with this newest discovery of his true intentions, she felt he hadn't grown much as a person. She saw a second chance for her second son here; there were people who shared his wit, love of books, and thirst for knowledge. Perhaps being with people like him, he could shed his uncaring attitude toward others.
Frigga remembered the words from the man Coulson. He had said her son still lacked conviction. She saw truth in his words. Loki was unsure of himself, unsure of the future of Asgard, and unsure if the Menn were capable of helping. That was a considerable amount of uncertainty, but she was certain of this: "You are worthy, my son, but your actions are not worthy of you. Do you understand?" When he didn't answer, she kissed his forehead again. They continued to sit in the silence.
Later that night, Loki found himself in the bar area. After Frigga had left, he started to poke and touch every single corner of his room. Bored and restless, he ventured out, checking every available open room until he walked into a piano studio with an adjoining bar on the far wall. With no one behind the counter, he spent the next half hour opening each individual bottle, sniffing the waft of the beverages and flavors. When he liked the smell of one, he'd pour a little into a glass, taste it, and remember its name.
This was how Tony Stark found Loki, surrounded by used glasses.
"I'm glad we think alike. You still want that scotch I offered awhile back?"
Loki took a moment before answering, "No, perhaps another time." He took another bottle and uncapped it. He cringed at the smell and immediately put it back.
"I brought this laptop so you can catch up on Earth terms. We'll be working together and I'm sure the scientific jargon is going to be different. This baby has access to my personal database of textbooks, research articles, and notes on… well, everything I could find. It also includes pictures of our lovely resident red head. Not that I look anymore, I have my own red head now." Tony placed the laptop bag on an empty counter space. "I'm assuming you know how to use it."
"Yes, if I am safe to assume that your user interface is not counterintuitive," Loki shot back.
Tony swung around the counter to lift a bottle from the rack and grab a clean glass. He emptied a quarter of the bottle before saying, "I bugged the conference room."
Loki was amused by Tony's continuing effort at undermining Fury's authority, but did not appreciate his knowing of that morning's conversation. "Well?"
"You're obviously not the evil bastard-no offense to your mother-that everyone thinks you are. So why did you do all that in the first place? The invasion I mean."
Loki did not want to discuss this, least of all with the most immature of all the people here. He gave a clipped response. "I am no one's shadow." Belatedly, he thought he had given more than he wanted.
They both stood there, not looking at each other; one leaning on the counter while the other kept opening new bottles. Tony didn't think he'd get an elaboration on that last statement, but he was positive he could relate. He had been struggling with being his father's shadow for decades. Tony chose a different topic this time. "I thought it was odd that all my employees in the tower made it out alive before the Chitauri showed up like mosquitos. I was- am happy that they all got away, thankfully not as scratched up as everyone else, and all alive." There was a question there.
"I was distracted by the red handles present on the side of half the doors," Loki hinted. With the laptop under one arm, he left Tony with that little puzzle.
AN: Loki, in my mind, is Machiavellian, but has not gone too far yet. He's clever, accomplished, proud, and he's not beyond redemption. Here, he's not the only smart one; there's opportunity for camaraderie/rivalry and not just from Tony.
I like to add little puzzles, are these detracting from the story? By the way, any guesses on Loki's little puzzle?
1. M-Theory - One of the many hypotheses which attempt to harmonize general relativity (physics behind large objects) and quantum mechanics (very small objects). This theory requires 11 spacetime dimensions.