Hello! Here is the next installment of Invasion! I'm really looking forward to writing the chapter after this one because I thought of an AWESOME idea so stay tuned for the next update!
Pergjithshme: *wink* Keep reading. That's all I've got to say. :)
laureas: Don't worry, I'm not an Ahsoka-hater. And yes, see the Avengers! It will change your life. Vis tecum! According to Ayy Kaim, that's "May the Force be with you" in Latin. :D
Ptroxsora: *bows* Your wish is my command!
AaylaKit: Yay you saw it! YOU LOVE THOR AND LOKI LIKE ME YES, YES, YES!
Count Dooku closed his eyes and meditated. If he was to bring his army down to contain this planet and force it under Separatist control, he'd have to learn a bit about it first.
"Sir, I have received intelligence that the people that are after us are from a government agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D and they have a response team that took down an entire army of extraterrestrials," the pilot informed him. "I also learned that we are on the planet Earth. The primary species is human, though there are many forms of semi-intelligent animals that reside here as well."
Dooku nodded. So that's what the planet was called. Earth. A very interesting name for a planet. "I must find a way to make contact with my Master. I do not think we have the means of communication in this ship. The transmission is too weak. We've got to find another way. Do an analysis and see if you can find the nearest power source that is strong enough to allow me to call upon General Grievous and Darth Sideous. If we are to get the army down here, I need authorization from the latter and a means of transportation from the former." He paused thoughtfully. "Could this be the glorious battle I was promised?" he wondered.
The pilot nodded. "I will get on that right away, sir." He went back to pushing buttons and staring at screens. After a long pause, he turned back to face the expectant Dooku. "There is only one match that fits your criteria," he said. "It is called Stark Tower and it is not far from here. It is a very powerful source of energy. The information indicates that you will be able to make contact without any problem."
Dooku smiled. "Good. Any risks?"
"Unfortunately, yes. The resident of Stark Tower is a human known as Tony Stark." He pulled up a profile. "He was formerly a constructor of weapons and now works as a superhero known by many as 'Iron Man.' He is a billionaire and his intellect is extremely high. It also says here that he is a member of the 'Avengers.' If the information is correct, then the Avengers are the response team that S.H.I.E.L.D Director Nick Fury was talking about."
Dooku's smile melted. "So we need to get past this…Tony Stark…in order to make contact with Grievous and Sideous?" he asked.
"It has been confirmed, yes," the pilot answered.
"And Stark is a member of the response team that Mace's replica will most likely contact regarding my capture, yes?"
"That is correct, sir."
Dooku facepalmed. "Wonderful." He was smart enough to figure out that Stark would not leave such a powerful source of energy unguarded. Plus, if Mace's duplicate was going to gather up the response team, it would very likely be at that location. He would be walking right into a prison if he went there. But if he sat around and did nothing, he would eventually be subdued by the S.H.I.E.L.D agency. So he had two options. Stride into Stark Tower and get captured or run away like a coward and eventually get captured. He knew that Option Three, flying home, would not apply because the ship would never be able to take them that far. Plus, how would he find that Portal again? No matter what he did, he would be taken away.
"Sir?" The pilot sounded uncertain. "What course of action are you going to take?"
Dooku sighed. He knew that the best option was going to Stark Tower. It was better to attempt to make contact rather than be silenced immediately. Looking at the pilot, an idea suddenly came to him. He smiled. "You're going to Stark Tower," he said.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm sending you in to serve as a distraction." He went to the back of the ship and took out a collar. "I'm putting this around your neck so that I can stay in contact with you," he said, attaching it to the pilot. "If you reveal anything about me or my plan, then I can push this pretty little button right here."
He pushed a red button. A voice came from the collar: "Self-destruction activated. Commencement will begin in one minute." The pilot was suddenly very nervous indeed. Dooku pushed another button. "Self-destruction de-activated," the voice said.
"Do we understand each other?" Dooku asked. "Am I clear?"
"Y-yes, sir. Crystal clear."
Tony walked out of the kitchen with a tray of drinks and set them on a table. He was completely alone if you didn't count JARVIS. The rest of the team would be there soon. He glanced at the time. It was nine-thirty. They should be here any minute, he thought. In the meantime, let's get this party started. He hit a button, blasting music throughout the room.
"Sir, Captain Steve Rogers has arrived," JARVIS announced.
"Thanks, JARVIS," Tony said, turning the music down a little. "Let him in." When Steve came in, Tony joined him, drink in hand, and put an arm around his visitor. "Hey there, Cap," he greeted. "Make yourself at home. The others should be here soon enough."
Steve nodded tensely. "Did you look through the files yet?"
Tony nodded. "Of course. Our bad guy looks way less threatening than Loki."
"Do you ever take things seriously, Mr. Stark?" a new voice asked, revealing Agent Natasha Romanoff.
"Only on Wednesdays," Tony called over his shoulder.
"It is Wednesday," Natasha said pointedly.
"Oh." Tony stared at the ceiling. "Thanks for the advanced warning, JARVIS," he shouted, changing the subject. "I didn't even get a chance to greet our newest guest."
"Well, you can do that now," Natasha suggested.
Tony shrugged. "Welcome to Stark Tower, Agent Romanoff," he said formally. There was a glint in his eyes, though.
"If I heard you correctly, you have to be serious today." Agent Clint Barton's voice joined them.
"JARVIS!" Tony scowled.
"Sir, Agent Clint Barton has just arrived," JARVIS informed him.
"Don't get smart with me."
"Nice place," Barton remarked. "Last time I was here, I was pointing an arrow at Loki's face."
"Ah, yes, let's all stand here and reminisce in pleasant memories," Tony said.
"They're certainly memories," Bruce Banner said, stepping in. "Whether they are pleasant or not is up for debate."
Tony smiled and looked around. "Looks like the gang's all here," he said. "Except for our Norse god. Where is the Thor, anyway?"
"We don't know how to reach him," Fury said, joining the group. "He might come if he finds out he is needed. Either way, we need to get down to business. Everyone sit."
"Get down to business? That sounds serious," Tony complained.
"We're about to go to war, Stark. Everything gets serious from here on out," Fury said. The Avengers all sat down to listen to the Director. "I've got my best agents searching for this Count Dooku character. He will not be hiding for long. If we can catch him before he contacts his army, then we might not need any of you to take any action. But I'm calling in everyone now so that we'll all be prepared for the worst. Considering we know nothing of his origins, like we knew Loki's, we do not have the upper hand this time."
"Unless Dooku has a brother," Barton pointed out. "The situation might be the same as the last one if we can get someone on our side that knows a thing or two about what we are dealing with."
"That's a pretty big if, Agent," Fury said. "It's a lovely thought, but I doubt it will happen. We're on our own this time. Even Thor isn't here to help us."
"Who said?" a new voice boomed. Everyone turned around, shocked, to see Thor standing there as if he had been in the room the whole time. At first, they were relieved to see the god of thunder. Their relief was quickly crushed when they got an eyeful of Loki, whom Thor was holding by the arm. The god of mischief had his hands chained in the same way that they were when Thor had taken him back to Asgard the last time the brothers had been seen. He also had that muzzle over his mouth so that he could not speak.
The reactions were very similar. Fury and Natasha each pulled out a handgun. Barton, who always had his bow handy, whipped it out and positioned an arrow. Steve, Banner, and Tony did not have any weapons on them. Banner took several steps toward the door, ready to bolt if the other guy decided it was time to crash the party. Tony positioned himself to suit up if he had to, and Steve fell into a battle stance.
Loki's eyes sparkled with amusement. Had his mouth not been restrained, he would have laughed outright. The obvious paranoia in the room was downright comical. Silly mortals, he thought. Are they really that afraid of me? Their useless weapons compare not to the power of my magic. If only I was free…I would destroy every one of them one by one. His gaze flickered to Banner. Well, maybe not that one…
"Hey there, Thor," Tony said stiffly, his gaze flickering from Thor to the suit and back again.
"Are you crazy?" Natasha demanded. Though she addressed Thor, her eyes were fixed on Loki.
"Get that lunatic out of here!" Barton snapped.
"I do not like the way you talk," Thor thundered. "Put your weapons away. Loki is harmless."
"Harmless?" Natasha spat.
"Have you already forgotten what he has done to our world?" Steve asked.
"Of course I haven't!" Thor protested. "But look, all of you, upon my brother for a moment. Does he look like someone who is able to take any action? The chains on his wrists and muzzle on his mouth restrain him enough. He will do no harm while he is under my care." The Avengers still did not lower their weapons. "Do you not trust me?"
"We don't trust him, Thor," Natasha said simply.
"I am sorry, my friends. My mind is made up."
"You'll need briefing, then," Fury said resignedly. "I assume you do not know why the Avengers are reassembling?" Thor shook his head. "All right, then. His name is Count Dooku…"
While Fury explained this, the Avengers slowly began to back down, though Loki's frosty glare kept them on edge. Loki never particularly wanted to accompany his adopted brother on this mission for this very reason. He knew that he was hated here. He also knew that the feeling was mutual. He very much wanted to strangle everyone in the room. They were the ones that had ruined his plans. He would claim revenge on them one day. Just not today, seeing as he was heavily restrained.
Fury finally finished updating Thor on the issue at hand. The god of thunder frowned deeply. "I see," he said. "I do not care what you think of Loki; he has no connection to Count Dooku."
I don't even know who this 'Count Dooku' is, Loki thought, let alone did I recruit him. He's setting himself up for failure, that's for sure.
"So what do we do from here?" Tony asked, sitting down.
"We search," Fury said. "That's all we can do for the time being. I'm sure we'll all be informed if and when the army arrives. I wanted to call you all here to make sure that everyone is up to speed on the situation. Be prepared to be called in at any moment. We might hold other meetings here in the future, so be ready."
There was a pause as everyone nodded, taking in Fury's words. Tony glanced from one face to another. "So, who's up for pizza?" he asked finally. "My treat." Everyone rolled their eyes except Thor and Loki, who looked at him strangely. "What? Don't we ever get to get together for the heck of it? I mean, when's the next time we'll all be assembled here in my tower with nothing but down time until the big battle happens? We might as well enjoy ourselves for just one night."
What is this mortal going on about? Loki wondered.
"Very well, Stark," Fury said, sighing. "Order in some pizza if you must. But make it fast, because I have a lot of work to do."
Stark immediately got to work. "What are everyone's preferences for toppings?" he asked. "JARVIS, get this down." The rest of the group eagerly gave their input, though the gods still looked confused. "Please tell me you've had pizza before, Thor," Tony said. Thor shook his head. "You've missed out, then. Tonight's your lucky night. Okay, JARVIS. Place the order for me, will you?"
Loki felt downright uncomfortable in the presence of the team. It was awkward standing there, surrounded by casual conversation. Everyone had forgotten that he was there. They were finally relaxing and catching up on everything. Fighting together for a common cause had united them in a way. Even Thor and Banner stepped closer to join in on the conversations that had erupted. Fury finally relented and took part as well. Loki was completely alone. When the pizza arrived, it got even more difficult for Loki to adjust. He hated to watch the Avengers talk and laugh and eat. Tony turned the music back up to make the atmosphere that much more comfortable for them. Even with the threat of war over their heads, the team took some time to enjoy themselves. How wonderful, Loki scowled to himself.
The look on Thor's face when he tried the pizza was priceless. "I like it," he said. "MORE!" Everyone laughed.
"You could all stay here," Tony suggested. "It'd be fun, you know?"
"A slumber party?" Barton asked doubtfully.
"We'll need some form of containment for our war criminal friend here," Steve pointed out, finally giving Loki some attention.
"He is not going into my helicarrier," Fury said adamantly. "I still do not agree with Thor's logic, whatever it may be, in bringing him here."
"What's done is done," Thor said with finality.
"What do we have to do? Take turns guarding him? I for one did not see that in the job description," Tony said.
"It is obvious that Loki isn't enjoying our company any more than we are his," Banner pointed out.
He was right, of course. Loki had had enough. The only problem was that he could not simply walk away. Thor wouldn't allow it. Can we get out of here, please? He wanted so much to voice that he did not want to be there, but the muzzle kept him quiet as it always did. All he could do was express his distaste through his body language.
"I suppose that is our cue to leave," Thor said. "Loki is obviously getting restless."
Finally, you catch on. Loki took a few steps toward the door. Thor sprang to his feet and secured his brother by grabbing hold of his arm once again.
"Goodnight, my friends," Thor said.
"Where will you go for the night, Thor?" Natasha asked.
Thor paused thoughtfully. "I do not know," he admitted.
"Stay here," Tony urged him.
"What about Loki? Do you really want him to stay in Stark Tower?" Banner asked. "Is that a wise idea?"
"I'll find a place for him," Tony promised. "I'll find a place for all of you, in fact." He turned to Fury. "You can go do whatever it is big-time Directors do at this time of night. Rest assured that your team will be here in Stark Tower, one of the safest places around. If you need us, we can suit up on the go. All of you, get back to your homes and pack up. I won't take no for an answer. It's best this way."
"I hate to admit it, but Stark's right," Fury said. "It would be preferable if you all remained here where you can be easily accessed."
Tony's eyebrows shot up. "Do my ears deceive me? Did the great Nick Fury just admit that I am right?"
"Don't get used to it, Stark," Fury growled.
Tony shrugged. "Hey, you admitted it. And considering I've got security cameras everywhere, your admission has been archived. Congratulations. You've just been Stark'd."
On that note, everyone except Thor and Loki left to get their stuff.
Disclaimer: I do not own the "only on Wednesdays" quote. Patrick Star does. I also do not own The Avengers or Star Wars, in case you guys didn't know that by now.