I shouted out to the Doctor and River, and they came running into the control room. There wasn't any debate, they knew that I had to do this. And shortly we were landing, quietly as River had taken the breaks OFF, much to the Doctor's chagrin, in the carrier zone of the S.H.I.E.L.D helicarrier. I stepped out, and straightened my top. I had elected to wear black jeans and a plain red t shirt. In my pocket was my own sonic screwdriver, though that was only to use if I absolutely had to. Quietly I made my way up to the main deck.
"Stranger on deck," I heard a shout to my left, "State your name and intention."
"Elise," I spoke clearly and with a sense of authority, "And I am here to speak to Thor and Loki of Asgard."
Before another word could be said, Thor came walking up to me and enveloped me in a rib crushing hug.
"Elise," He said as he placed me back on the ground, "It has been quite a while."
"It has," I said, straightening out my top, "And you haven't changed a bit."
Thor held his arm out for me and I took it, "You, my lady , look as beautiful as ever."
I smiled, relaxing a little, "And I thought you said it was Fandral that was the flirt?" And we both laughed.
"Have I been cleared to talk to Loki?" I was hopeful, but I wasn't holding my breath.
"You have," Thor agreed, "However, you cannot enter his holding cell. They believe he is too dangerous." Thor looked me in the eyes, and I could see that he doubted that his brother would do anything to harm me. "I am sorry Elise."
A grim smile formed on my lips, "Doors are no problem," I grinned, pulling my sonic screwdriver from my pocket, "So long as they aren't wood."
At that moment we stopped in front of a large glass door, with a soldier standing either side of it. Through the door I could see a metal walkway and more soldiers. Beyond that I could see a glass cell, with a white floor. And on a bench on the far side, sat Loki.
"Are we permitted a private conversation?" I asked, uncomfortable with the presence of the guards.
"You are dismissed," Thor commanded, as the doors opened. The agents inside gave a curt nod and then a look of curiosity towards me, before walking out.
As I got closer to Loki, I could see how dishevelled his clothing was, and the cuts and bruises on his face. I winced in sympathy.
Thor nodded at me to talk.
"Loki?" I began softly, "It's Elise."
He looked up, and my heart stopped for a beat. Unlike on the TV, he looked sad and lost. Without the confidence and mischief that usually sparkled in his eyes, they looked dead and dull. After a beat he turned his head away from me.
"Brother," Thor spoke, his voice low and caring, "Speak to us, please."
"I am not your brother," Loki spat, standing up and walking towards. "Why are you here? To gloat over your success? To mock me?" He was getting steadily angrier and angrier.
I took a breath, slowly breathing in and then letting it out before I spoke.
"I just wanted to talk to you," I made my voice sound a little pouty and sad, "And to make sure you are okay." Thor spoke straight after me.
"We grew up together, you will always be my brother," he said simply.
Loki turned away and stood looking out and away from us.
"Take your pity elsewhere," he growled at us.
I was upset and confused, I wasn't quite sure why he didn't want to speak to two of the people who had known him the longest. Then it dawned on me, he felt as if he had been betrayed by Thor. However he had no reason to have a problem with me, yet, and I hoped to keep it that way.
"Thor," I turned to him, facing totally away from Loki, "Would you mind stepping out for a bit?" Thor looked down at me, and I stared determinedly back.
Loki might just talk to me with his brother gone, but I had to show that I would be in no danger from Loki before Thor would ever leave me alone with him. Slowly, Thor made up his mind and nodded, before turning and walking out. As the doors hissed shut behind Thor, Loki turned out of curiosity. I raised my finger to my lips with a smile, the universal sign to stay quiet, and then pointed the sonic straight at the doors of Loki's cell. The door slid open and, without a word, I stepped inside and the door shut behind me.
