Chapter 28 - Loki
Like I had planned, I materialized in Thor's office aboard the Beliskner, where he was standing behind his master console, obviously awaiting me. His eyes were resting on me for quite a while, hence I needed to gather up some courage to finally address him.
'Good morning.' I greeted him, admittedly feeling a tad awkward, given the fact that he had become my legal father just yesterday. The Asgard tradition of a father taking in his daughter-in-law as his rightful child had been confusing in the beginning, but I had already started to get used to it. I'd never have thought that I'd ever get the chance to have a proper father one day, and I appreciated Thor more than I could have been able to put in words.
'Good morning, Aegeti.' He returned the greeting, still eyeing me interestedly. 'I've received your message.'
'Thought so.' I confirmed. 'I have important matters to talk about. Thank you for sparing some time for me. It really means a lot to me that you responded on such short notice.'
'You're family.' He told me, a serious expression on his features. 'Our oaths of loyalty aren't just empty words. Whenever a family member needs help, we're obliged to grant them whatever we can. In your case, I'm more than glad to be of assistance.'
I bowed my head in respect towards both Thor and his confirmation of considering me family the same way as all the other members of it. There's no way of finding proper words for the pride I felt because of this fact.
'Well, first of all, I wanted to thank you.' I declared humbly. 'Yesterday was… incredible. I can rightfully say it's been one of the best days of my life.'
Thor tilted his head. 'Does that mean you did like the ceremony?'
I nodded vigorously. 'It was really amazing, Thor. I mean, I had expected something big, sure, but this… Your family has taken me in as one of their own on more than just one level. I didn't expect to be granted such an immense honour. The ceremony itself was simply breath-taking! All those formal robes and Odin's words….'
'We're taking family matters very seriously.' Thor confirmed my opinion. 'You're a full member of Odinfjölskyldan now with every right and duty that comes along with the privilege. My decision to give my son to you has not been taken lightly. I'm entrusting you with the most important part of my life.' He blinked at me and I adored the open and honest expression on his features.
'We're definitely on the same page when it comes to Hermiod.' I approved, my heart beating a tad faster by the mere mention of his name.
'Obviously.' Thor said meekly. 'So what is it that you wanted to address in this meeting?'
'I'm actually here because I want to talk about… family matters.' I admitted, now a lot braver, having heard Thor's words of approval. 'I suppose you know who I have in mind.'
'I take it you want to talk about Loki?' Thor came to the heart of the matter right away without any further beating around the bush – an Asgard habit that I appreciated by all means. Of course, it was also completely clear to me that he had a lot of work today, so I didn't want to waste any more time than necessary either.
'Yes, indeed.' I acknowledged. 'I assume we're going to leave for Atlantis anytime soon, so it's about time for someone to tell him he's on the team, right? I'm volunteering to be that person.'
'I appreciate that you're taking this task on you.' Thor let me know. 'Though, I wonder why you want to do it.'
I found it kind of adorable that Thor was so completely oblivious about all my typically human agonizing concerning the topic of his brother.
'There are a few things I need to talk about with him.' I admitted honestly. 'I simply want to learn to know him better before we're going to hit the road, so to say, and I also want to talk about Hermiod.'
Thor raised an eyebrow, looking quite shocked for a moment. 'Why?' He just asked.
'He's been one of the most influential and caring people in Hermiod's early life.' I reminded him. 'That's why I want to hear his thoughts before I can allow him to meet his …nephew again.'
Thor didn't look happy at all, but he also seemed to know he wouldn't be able to hold me back from my plans anyway. Hence he sighed, sounding quite annoyed, and glared out of the window for a while in order to come to terms with my audacity.
'You really want us to come to peace with each other.' He grumbled. 'Or am I mistaken?'
'You're family, both of you.' I reminded him sternly. 'You're important to me.'
Thor just sighed, falling in deep thoughts for a while as though he fought a deep struggle with his feelings concerning Loki.
'There's something else you want to tell me, don't you?' He finally addressed me again, obviously having decided to just accept the inevitable and therefore changing the topic before it became too awkward.
'Yeah.' I mumbled, clasping my hands behind my back, beginning to pace uneasily. 'Last night Hermiod had a nightmare. He said he had it before already, but since we've established our mind link, I couldn't avoid to witness said dream right there. It was horrible, to say the least.'
'A nightmare?' Thor asked in wonderment. 'I haven't heard of any Asgard having nightmares for a very long while. What was it about?'
I bit my lip, fidgeting and feeling terribly uneasy about letting Thor in on his son's nightmares, but in order to help him, I had no choice.
'It was a very clear and intense reflection of the day when he was in Dellingur's clutches.' I said quietly. 'I can't describe the pain Hermiod had to go through there. There's no way not to believe Dellingur wanted to kill him in the long run, slowly and painfully.'
It's an understatement to say Thor looked shocked. He took some time to digest the information before he turned to me again. 'Eir has told me about her examinations.' He then told me. 'She said that he was victim to unbelievable violence, but she didn't want to go into detail. She only said it's more than enough to talk about it at Dellingur's trial.'
'I suppose there's nothing such as death sentence in the Asgard legal system?' I mused, my expression grim. 'Otherwise I'd kill him right away.'
Of course, I'd never go as far as killing a person, but with the memory of Hermiod's nightmare still being so fresh, I really wanted Dellingur to suffer.
Thor finally came over to me to carefully put a hand on my forearm. I knew that he was a serious person, but he'd never before looked at me that sternly. 'We indeed don't sentence our criminals to death.' He confirmed softly. 'But I assure you that he'll receive a punishment suitable to the deeds he's done. I will never forgive him what he put my son through.'
'Neither do I.' I confirmed, swallowing hard, while I allowed Thor's hand to rest on my forearm for an indefinite amount of time. I was quite glad about his reassuring gesture, to be honest, because with it he was able to steady me. Once again, the images of Hermiod's nightmare passed through my mind, making me grit my teeth. I exhaled deeply in order to calm myself.
'Would you mind telling me?' Thor asked softly.
'I can't.' I shook my head slowly. 'I can't put these things in proper words, I'm sorry.'
'It's alright.' He said quietly, caressing my arm reassuringly. I was thankful for his understanding. 'Would you mind showing me, then?'
I nodded hesitantly, although I didn't quite know what he actually meant, but understood immediately when he sent me a mental request. Without a further word he presented his hand device. I carefully connected my device with his by touching his palm with mine. Mental data transfer was much easier than I'd ever have dreamed.
Thor gasped in shock when he saw the images of Hermiod's nightmare, alongside with the emotions of both my husband and me. When we split the connection, Thor looked at me with an unintelligible expression.
'Too much.' He mouthed, closing his eyes for a while to steady himself. Now it was me to put a comforting hand on his shoulder. He leaned into the gesture for a while, his mind connected to mine for the time being. We found comfort in each other for a while.
'I sense you want to talk to the culprit.' He said matter-of-factly after he had sorted out his thoughts and understood my silent request. 'Do you consider it a good idea?'
I nodded slowly. 'I want him to confess.'
'Hermiod's and your testimonies as well as Eir's examination results would be evidence enough already.' Thor informed me. 'You don't need to carry this burden.'
'I don't want him to confess to make his trial easier.' I objected quietly. 'I want to hear the truth from him. I want him to tell me what he's done and why he's done it.'
'Aegeti, I don't think you should burden yourself with meeting this person.' Thor emphasized, looking overly worried. 'It won't do you any good, and it won't help Hermiod either.'
I appreciated his worries a lot, but they couldn't convince me to change my mind concerning the conversation with Dellingur. I had an urge to talk to him, I needed answers.
Therefore, I just shrugged. 'Maybe.' I admitted vaguely. 'Still… I want him to look me in the eye and tell me the truth. I need to find out… if he, at least, regrets what he's done.'
Thor tilted his head, his expression a mix of understanding and worry. 'Then be it.'
'Thank you.' I said quietly. 'May I ask for something, please?'
'Of course.' Thor said encouragingly.
'Is there a chance anyone can help Hermiod to get rid of those nightmares?' I wanted to know. 'Eir maybe?'
Hermiod was and would always be my top priority. I was much more interested in his well-being than in anything else. Before I didn't know he'd be in good hands and get the help necessary, I couldn't focus on the conversations I was planning to have today.
'She'd be my first choice as well.' Thor approved. 'I'll ask her to see to this as soon as possible. I agree that he has to be helped.'
I nodded in agreement while Thor went behind his console, shoving a few stones around, then nodded in approval.
'She'll take the time necessary.' He assured me. 'I've also confirmed that everything will be prepared for your arrival at the prison. I take it Hermiod is already aboard the Beliskner?'
'He's told me he'll go to the engine room right away.' I confirmed.
'Very well.' Thor approved, then came back with a small box in his hands. I took it from him in surprise when he handed it over to me.
'You're granted permission to talk to both Loki and Dellingur.' He said in a business tone, supressing his obvious doubts very successfully. 'When you visit Loki, please give him the contents of this box.'
'What is it?' I asked curiously, carefully turning the box around in my hands.
'Whenever an Asgard goes to prison, his hand device and family credential stone are taken from them.' Thor explained. 'I suppose you want Loki to be transferred to me right after you've finished your conversation with him. Please give him these items. I have no right to keep them any longer as soon as he's a free man.'
'Why don't you give them to him yourself?' I wondered. 'I mean, you want to be the one to see him first anyways.'
'May I remind you that you're his warrantor?' He asked rhetorically. 'Therefore, it's your duty to hand those items over to him.' He blinked at me, looking slightly amused.
'Is that Asgard law or Thor law?' I asked, half-jokingly.
'Both.' He replied curtly.
'Alright.' I shrugged and tucked the box under my arm. 'How can I ensure he's sent directly to you right after our conversation?'
'Just tell the guards.' Thor recommended. 'They'll know what to do.'
I could almost sense that Thor still wasn't happy with my decision to take Loki along on our journey to Atlantis, but I was still of the opinion that he was a key element in our mission. I appreciated that Thor, despite his resentments towards his brother, agreed with my opinion on the matter. He was a man of reason, not personal animosities, after all.
Therefore, I bowed my head respectfully. 'Thank you for giving me this chance, Thor. It really means a lot.'
'You're welcome.' He just said. 'Don't stay too long.'
'I won't.' I promised and initialized the transporter to beam me to the exact coordinates Thor had given me. This was surely going to be a very interesting day.
I beamed right into a quite big room without windows that was filled with one of those massive computer consoles. Furthermore, there wasn't the tiniest clue that would have revealed the actual place I had ended up at. It looked like all Asgard control rooms.
There were only two Asgards who appeared to already have been waiting for me. One of them stepped forward the moment I materialized.
'Konan Hermiodkona.' He greeted me respectfully. 'My name is Vesh, officer of duty. Your arrival has already been announced.'
I was quite surprised by the official title he addressed me with, while he introduced himself with only his given name, but as I was quite oblivious still regarding the terms of how to address people correctly, I decided to stick with the way I've always addressed the Asgards.
'Good morning, Vesh.' I therefore returned his greeting. 'So you know the purpose of my visit already?'
He tilted his head, eyeing me interestedly. 'Supreme Commander Thor informed us of your visit's importance.' He acknowledged. 'It is quite unusual, though, for our prisoners to receive any visitors.'
'My presence here is of utmost importance.' I replied. 'I'm not here for doing the niceties only. One of the reasons why I've come to this place is to bring Loki Odinsonur home. Does he already know about my intentions?'
'Not yet.' Vesh told me. 'The Supreme Commander was very clear in his demands. He said something about a …surprise. I do not understand what this is all about.'
I couldn't help but smile about the fact that Thor was using human parlances once more to get his message through. One of those days was going to have to declare him some kind of honorary human.
'Don't worry.' I reassured the guard. 'He simply thinks Loki shouldn't be told about the latest developments earlier than necessary. As you may know, they haven't been on the best of terms recently.'
'I'm aware of this fact.' Vesh confirmed. 'I take it you're already in possession of Loki's personal items?' I nodded and showed him the box I had brought along.
'Very well.' He acknowledged after he had checked its contents. 'Please follow me.'
I followed the guard through a heavy door and along a narrow corridor. The Asgard seemed to deprive their prisoners of even the slightest bit of luxury. I had no idea where this particular prison was situated, but as I hadn't seen any windows by now, I concluded I was somewhere underground.
After a while, we passed another of those heavy doors that led into a small hexagonal room. The walls were of a clinical white colour with no pictures or anything to make them look less depressing. The room was divided into two parts. One half of the room was the visitor area, with a low bench right next to the entrance and nothing else, while the other half, secured by a blue-ishly shimmering force field, was a prison cell. On a low plank bed exactly opposite to the visitor bench, there was Loki. He was either asleep or just staring at the ceiling unseeingly. I dropped the box I had carried along on the bench and turned to the cell.
'Prisoner Loki.' Vesh boomed, making him snap out of his daydream with a start. 'You have a visitor.'
I watched Loki catching his breath and getting fully awake while he sat up on the plank bed clumsily, apparently not understanding why the guard woke him up that rudely. I hardly stifled a grin.
The cell was definitely not a place of grace and luxury, just a small room of about ten square meters with no other furniture than the bed. There was no sanitary equipment to be seen which made me wonder. Generally speaking, I found it quite scandalous how the Asgard kept their prisoners.
Loki, fully awake now, turned to me, squeezing his eyes shut just to jerk them open wide a second later, obviously not able to believe who he was confronted with. So he just glared at me observantly.
'Thank you very much, Vesh.' I said to the guard. 'Would you leave us alone for a while?'
'You're welcome.' He replied. 'Just give a call in case you need assistance.'
I lowered my head in acknowledgement and watched the guard leaving the room, shutting the door behind him. Now it was just Loki and me. I braced myself for the conversation with him, not really knowing what was awaiting me.
'Good morning, Loki.' I addressed the still utterly surprised prisoner.
'Dr Talvi.' He glowered at me, obviously trying to evaluate the situation he was just thrown into.
'My actual name is Aegeti Hermiodkona now.' I let him know, giving him the update in purpose. I had always appreciated to know exactly where I stood, so I supposed he'd like that, too.
Loki jerked a surprised eyebrow. 'Seems that Odin wasn't interested in losing any time.' He said mockingly. 'Though, I couldn't have expected anything else.'
'I didn't marry Hermiod because of Odin's demands.' I clarified, glowering back at him.
'Of course not.' Loki replied with a frown. 'Your motives have been clear to me from the first moment. You love him, and I can only approve of it. Still, it doesn't explain why you've come here, except for the possible need of yours to tell me something of importance that my dear brother can't tell me himself.'
Loki was able to make his problematic relationship with Thor clear in just a sentence and a glare. There were a lot of things that had gone wrong in the past, apparently, so I could only hope he'd cooperate on a plan that included him and Thor spending time on the same ship for an indefinite period of time.
'I'm here for more than just one reason.' I declared carefully. 'Persuading Thor to grant me permission to visit you took some time, indeed, but as I'm part of your family now, there's no real reason to keep me away from here.'
Loki glanced at me with scrutinizing eyes, taking in each and every little bit of my appearance as though he was trying to evaluate whether I was worth talking to or not. After a while, he seemed to have come to a conclusion.
'You have a hand device.' He remarked, taking an interested glance at my left hand, obviously not having expected what he saw. Though, this was a quite weird way to start a conversation.
'Indeed.' I just confirmed, not knowing what else to reply to the judgmental gaze of his.
'So I take it you also have one of our implants and an established link to our technology?' He kept on questioning, unwavering curiosity in his voice.
'Yes.' I only nodded with a smile. There was no reason not to confirm the facts.
'Do you also have a fully established mind link with Hermiod?' Loki urged, now standing up and stepping forth until his face was only millimetres away from the force field.
'Yes.' I nodded once more, although his questions were beginning to get a tad too personal. 'I'm also a fully accepted member of Odinfjölskyldan with all rights and duties. I'm as much an Asgard as an alien can ever become.'
Sometimes it was simply time to show all my cards at once in order to come to the heart of matters eventually. I didn't have an endless amount of time at my hands, after all.
'Impressive.' Loki admitted, still glaring at me. 'I expected Odin to give you some social status, but I didn't think he'd go that far. Whatever you've done, Aegeti Hermiodkona, you seem to have utterly impressed him.'
I withstood his still scrutinizing glare quite successfully, locking my eyes with his.
'I'm going to co-lead an expedition.' I informed him casually. 'Our goal is to find a cure for the Asgards' genetic disease and to stop the degeneration. I've declared it a personal matter of mine.'
Loki's reaction showed clearly his utter surprise. Although he had known my intentions already, he seemingly hadn't expected me to really be able and sell my ideas to the High Council. Now he clasped his hands behind his back and began pacing in a quite un-Asgard way. There was clear nervousness in his whole demeanour that I couldn't quite comprehend.
'I've done a lot of research on the matter already.' He finally voiced his thoughts. 'My data could be of help.'
'Not only your data.' I said secretively.
Loki's head shot in my direction. 'What do you mean?' He asked in confusion.
'I've convinced the High Council of the necessity to take you along, because your research is very promising, in my opinion.' I revealed, watching him stop in his tracks immediately. 'We need the best of the best, after all, to achieve our ambitious aims. More than a hundred billion lives are at stake. That's why we can't risk failure.'
I saw the change in Loki's whole demeanour with great pleasure. I didn't even have to do much to convince him. I knew that, no matter what he might come up with, I had already won him for the expedition. This opportunity was, when it came down to it, all he ever dreamed of.
'The High Council has banished me from every official research program.' Loki reminded me as expected. 'I'd never have thought anyone would ever be able to convince Thor of my usefulness. He's quite a stubborn man, you know.'
'I know.' I confirmed, knowing Thor all too well already. 'But he doesn't tend to put good argumentation down. It's a fact that we need both Heimdall and you, because both of you are boss geneticists. I'm informed about the major role you've played in sequencing Hermiod's DNA. I'm pretty sure this knowledge could come in handy when the time is right.'
Loki glared at me in such surprise that it was hard for me to stifle a smile. All the revelations I threw at him, seemed to overwhelm him completely.
'How much did my appreciated brother tell you about what I've done for Hermiod?' Loki now wanted to know, seemingly anxious about the truth I had found out.
'You've been a parent to Hermiod when Thor wasn't.' I said softly. 'A fact I'm really thankful for.' Those weren't just empty words, I really meant it.
'Thor and I didn't agree in many things when it came to Hermiod.' Loki revealed. 'He was disgusted by being confronted with a clone of his that was completely helpless and in need of care. Hermiod's whole existence seemed to have scared my brother. Thor didn't know how to handle him. I was just…' He shrugged and turned away.
'Compassionate.' I completed his sentence.
Loki sat down on his bed again, watching me intently. 'I've always hoped that someday someone would cross Hermiod's path who'd be able to understand him and handle his… strangeness.'
'It's his so-called strangeness that I adore the most in him.' I threw in. 'He's unique.'
'I'm aware of that.' Loki snapped. 'I've always been aware of it, unlike my brother. If I hadn't taken care to raise Hermiod and give him the chance he deserved, he'd never have left our lab and wouldn't be alive anymore. I did care. So did Heimdall.'
'You've helped Hermiod a lot, I'm sure of that.' I said approvingly. 'If I didn't know and accept this, I wouldn't be sitting here, talking to you. I'm thankful.'
Loki eyed me thoughtfully, slowly coming to terms with my appraisal that he, obviously, hadn't expected in any way.
'But now it's me who's locked away, considered a criminal, when all I ever wanted to do was to help.' He then concluded bitterly.
I moved closer towards the force field and got to my knees to have a better view of Loki who now stood up as well to advance towards me. Our faces were just a few inches apart.
'You loved him like he was your own son, didn't you?' I asked quietly.
'As much as an Asgard is able to love someone, yes.' Loki admitted in a low voice. 'I loved him like a father should love his son, but I didn't have much of a say in his upbringing. When Thor declared himself to be his legitimate father, he showed me clearly that he didn't want me in Hermiod's life. Instead he sent him off to university and went to attend to his own business. I would have loved to care for Hermiod.'
I was admittedly shocked by Loki's revelation, and I had a hard time to understand that it hadn't been Loki who had let Hermiod down. This fact touched something in me that made my heart ache.
'Why did you leave, then?' I therefore asked the question I had on my mind since the fateful conversation with Thor.
'Because I was told to.' Loki told me matter-of-factly, bitterness in his voice. 'Do you really think I would have left an innocent being like Hermiod to anyone else's devices, if I hadn't been recommended to leave? I'm not that bad of a person! I may have made mistakes, my morals are often questionable, but I'd never have let Hermiod down. Never.'
We glared at each other for quite a while. I took the time to read his features and eventually dared to touch him mentally. I only found sincerity where I should have expected treachery. I couldn't help but feel sorry for him.
'Why were you recommended to leave?' I finally voiced my question.
'The High Council knows a lot about my scientific work that nobody else knows.' Loki explained. 'They were afraid I could lead Hermiod on a path that they didn't want him to follow, so they decided to keep us apart for good. In the long run, they were maybe right with their decision, and I truly understand their worries, but back then… it was outrageous.'
I bit my lip and hid my trembling hands behind my back. 'So you were actually blackmailed to leave, because they didn't want your influence on Hermiod?' I wondered. 'I don't understand, to be honest. I mean, they even didn't want Hermiod alive in the first place.'
Loki sighed, looking endlessly tired all of a sudden. 'After Hermiod had spoken for himself in front of the Council of Science, they had to accredit him as a member of the Asgard society, and they came to the conclusion that he should be taken care of by Thor, simply because his reputation was better than mine. I think you can imagine how much I protested, but the more I spoke against them, the more they opposed me and finally drove me to leave.'
I felt genuinely sorry for both Loki and Hermiod. My heart told me that Loki would have been good for Hermiod, because with him he'd have been able to learn and understand what differed him from the other Asgards. With him, Hermiod wouldn't have been so lonely.
'It saddens me.' I told him pensively. 'Hermiod would have needed someone who'd give him more than just proper education.'
'Indeed.' Loki confirmed, looking all sad and defeated. 'Maybe the Council feared I'd take him on some kind of trail of obscure science. They, obviously, were afraid I'd be a bad influence on him. Thor tried to convince them otherwise, but he was outvoted, unfortunately.'
'So Thor actually cared for you?' I wondered. 'He wanted you to be around?'
'Indeed.' Loki confirmed. 'Hermiod's not the reason why we're not talking to each other anymore. Our struggles are of a different nature. Thor, even if he'd never have admitted it, wanted me to be a parent to Hermiod at that time, because I was the only one who at least remotely understood him. It saddens me that it's Hermiod who had to suffer. He would have deserved better than just becoming one of our most promising students. He's brilliant, indeed, but brilliance alone isn't enough to make a person happy, especially if said person struggles with emotions others can't comprehend. Though, when I look at you, I come to realize that now he seems to have found a good place where he experiences love and understanding as he deserves, eventually.'
'True.' I acknowledged, my heart beating faster because of the appraisal.
'I'm thankful.' Loki admitted. 'It's more than about time he'll finally get the good life he always deserved. If only you'd been able to come along a few centuries earlier… but better now than never.'
I blushed a bit and cleared my throat, deciding to change the awkward topic, because I really didn't know how to react properly on so much approval.
'Thank you.' I therefore said humbly. 'But there's one thing about you and Hermiod that I don't understand.'
'What is it?' He asked carefully, obviously dreading what I'd come up with.
'If you really care for Hermiod as you say, why did you allow Dellingur to mistreat him the way he did back at your lab?' I urged, knitting my eyebrows.
Loki looked to the side and exhaled. I had obviously touched a hurting point there, which I was sorry for, but I needed to know the truth.
'I admit that I was by far too consumed with the opportunity to examine you.' He finally whispered, a clear hint of remorse in his voice. 'I didn't know that Dellingur had any bad feelings about Hermiod. I just knew they had a few problems concerning their post on the Beliskner, but I didn't really care, because I didn't think the problem was of such significance. Though, now I understand, of course, why Dellingur was so eager to help me finding you.'
It was hard to believe that Loki didn't know about Dellingur's true intentions, but still I only felt sincerity when I reached out for him mentally.
'It's all been about Hermiod in the first place.' I confirmed. 'He wasn't interested in me. I was just his means to a very personal end. He saw a chance to lay his hands on Hermiod, a chance he wouldn't have gotten otherwise, and took it gladly. His motives were purely sinister.'
'I should have seen it, but I was too consumed by the chance of examining a human once more after all this time. I can only hope he didn't do all too much damage.' Loki mouthed, his voice small and full of regret.
'He actually attempted to kill Hermiod.' I spat, sudden anger boiling up in my stomach.
Loki startled heavily, his eyes growing wide when the truth hit him mercilessly. 'I've told him he should only bring you to me. I've told him he should leave Hermiod alone. I should have questioned him….' He began pacing nervously, his hands on his face in an attempt to calm himself down, then he stopped and looked at me again. 'Do you know what happened, what he did?'
I nodded gravely. 'I've seen Hermiod's memories, both conscious and subconscious, through our mind link. I know exactly what happened to him that day, and I don't exaggerate in telling you it was horrible.'
Loki seemed shocked, to say the least. He took a few steps backwards and sank on his bed, wringing his hands and blinking in an attempt to digest what I just told him. It seemed to be far too much for him to bear.
'I didn't know.' He whispered. 'For all it's worth, I didn't know.'
I remained silent for the time being, giving Loki the chance to catch up with the latest information. I was admittedly sorry for him, because the bad consciousness he showed was definitely genuine.
'Do you want to make up for the damage done?' I asked after a while, having come to the decision that it was time for him to make amends.
Loki turned back to me with an incredulous gaze. 'I don't think I deserve doing anything ever again concerning Hermiod. I should have taken care about what Dellingur did, but instead I failed in keeping Hermiod safe, instead I was completely occupied with anything but him. It's a shame. Even more so as I'm doing all my research for Hermiod's benefit alone.'
'What?' I fired in surprise. 'What does that mean?'
'The Asgard may be a dying race, Aegeti.' He declared agitatedly. 'But then there's Hermiod, who's so unique, so wonderful and special. In my opinion he's the best of us, therefore he should have the chance to survive. I do believe that we were on the right path when we created him. I'm positive that the key for our survival lies in his DNA. Of course, it's not the only factor, and there's still a lot of research to be done, but he's important. He should be taken care of. I should have taken care of him instead of leaving him to Dellingur's vengeance.'
Loki showed me a very interesting point of view that I had been thinking about as well for quite a while already. After all, they had brought him into existence in an attempt to create a better clone, a more stable one without the curse of genetic degeneration. What if they'd actually succeeded, at least in parts, but never got the chance to do more research after the Council had forbidden it?
'But if you see the solution to your problem in him, why the hell did you want me to experiment with?' I urged, for the moment completely and utterly confused. 'Wouldn't he have been much more interesting?'
Loki exhaled and began to pace again. Once more I had hit a nerve.
'As I said, his genes are only part of the equation.' Loki explained frantically. 'Before I sequenced his DNA, I had taken all efforts possible to decode the DNA of one of our ancestors in an attempt to find some missing links. Are you…'
'I know about your ancestor.' I confirmed. 'Thor has told me a lot about how Hermiod came into existence.'
'Very well.' Loki continued. 'I found out we can't get back to our ancestors' DNA anymore, because their age-old genome is no longer compatible to our advanced physiology. I wanted to find the proof for the possibility of cloning a hybrid that's healthy and without the defects the Asgard suffer from and also able to carry our complex neural system.'
'A hybrid with both Asgard and Human DNA?' I interfered. 'Why do you think this would work?'
'The human genome is very promising concerning it's compatibility with ours.' Loki explained freely. 'We would only need a few …patches here and there to fix our problems. That's my theory, at least. I've never got the chance to prove it right or wrong.'
'Why didn't you tell the Science Council about your theory?' I wondered, completely amazed by Loki's words.
'I told them.' He huffed in frustration. 'They didn't want to listen. They're of the opinion, my theories are too far-fetched. Also, I'm denied the chance to take further research on humans, therefore, there'll never be a chance to prove whether my theories are right or not. Now we don't have enough time for research anymore anyways, so it just doesn't matter anymore.'
'So you've given up?' I wondered. 'Just so?'
Loki glared at me in bitterness. 'There's nothing I can do anymore, can I? They've made a decision. I know you know about the decision they've made. I don't see a way to set up the necessary laboratory and do all the necessary research in just twenty months. They've taken all my results and destroyed everything I've ever worked on. There's no time! In destroying my work, they have doomed every single Asgard!'
Suddenly Loki's agitation rose to a whole new level, and I can't deny that I was just as agitated as him. Of course, there had surely been good reasons for the Science Council's decisions, but the fact of them destroying all of Loki's work because of moral concerns seemed pretty harsh to me.
'What if I allowed you to take samples of my DNA and ask Hermiod to contribute samples of his.' I mused. 'Would you be able…'
'No!' Loki interrupted. 'No.'
'Why?' I insisted.
'Because I'd have to start from zero.' He explained, wringing his hands. 'There's not enough time to work on new theories and procedures. My lab is destroyed, all of my records are destroyed. Also, don't forget that I've been working on theories alone. I never had the chance to create facts. If there can't be found a way to reverse the destruction…'
'I can't reverse anything.' I admitted. 'But I do have a complete database of limitless information at my hands that you can take a look at, if you like.'
Loki seemed surprised, not quite sure whether I was making fun of him. 'May I ask what you're talking about?' He wondered.
'Atlantis.' I said passionately. 'You know about the Ancients being boss scientists, don't you? They could alter their DNA in a way that got them closer to ascension, for example. It didn't really work, but I think you get the idea.'
Suddenly Loki was overly excited. 'You would grant me access to the Atlantis databases?' He asked incredulously. 'Me? A criminal?'
'Loki, in my opinion you're not really a criminal.' I reassured him. 'I find your lack of morality disturbing, but I like your determination. I'm entitled to give you the chance to legalize all your research. All I need is you to say yes. I've talked it through with Thor and the Council. They're not happy, but they're willing to give you a chance.'
'Why exactly are you doing this?' Loki inquired, still unbelieving, glaring at me in wonderment. 'What's your profit in all of this?'
'Profit?' I fired. 'This is not about profit, it's about the survival of your whole people, Loki. You've just said you're doing all this research for Hermiod, right? Well, we're on the same page here, you and me. The Asgard as such mean a lot to me, because they've taken me in as one of their own. I have found a family here like I've never had one before. Hermiod means the world to me! I'd beg, steal and borrow for him at any time. I love him more than life itself! So, for heaven's sake, come with me to Atlantis and do your job! I need you and your expertise! I mean it!'
Loki had taken a few steps back, obviously intimidated by my sudden outburst. His whole demeanour spoke of the fact that he began to believe my sincerity in this matter. It just took him a while to comprehend my motives.
'So it seems we're partners in crime, then.' He finally came to a conclusion.
'Apparently.' I replied. 'And not only when it comes to the genetics part. I also want you in Hermiod's life again. You've been important in his upbringing, and I think you both have the right to be together again.'
'Hermiod doesn't even remember me.' Loki reminded me sadly. 'He only sees the criminal when he looks at me, not the father figure I could have been.'
'We can tell him.' I suggested with a smile. 'We can be a family, Loki. Don't tell me you don't wish for that as well.'
'Of course, I do.' He admitted, looking away as though he felt embarrassed.
'Fine!' I rejoiced. 'So where's the problem?'
'You know that Odin hasn't talked to me in millennia?' He reminded me, still completely unsure about what was happening right there. 'I'm sure he'd be very unhappy about me playing a role in Hermiod's life again.'
'Odin has agreed to my plans.' I just stated. 'And as soon as you're doing legal research again, there's no legit reason anymore to keep you away from Hermiod.'
Loki looked so utterly surprised that I couldn't help but smile widely. His unbelieving gaze and the hope he literally emanated, made shivers run down my spine.
'I'd love to do this.' He finally admitted. 'Both doing research again and being with Hermiod, but I haven't even had a trial, yet, and I'm afraid that time is running out.'
All of a sudden, Loki's whole appearance was hopelessness and sadness again. I wasn't sure if I could handle all of his mood swings in the long run, but I was definitely willing to try.
'I'm actually here to get you out of this prison cell and up on the Beliskner.' I therefore told him with a conspiratorial undertone. 'We're going to leave for Atlantis tomorrow.'
Loki's eyes grew even wider in total astonishment. 'You're really serious, aren't you?' One last question for reassurance.
'Do I look like joking?' I fired a counter-question.
We exchanged glares for a moment, then Loki gave me a final nod. 'Then be it.'
There's no way to describe the relief I felt in this very moment. Having Loki on my side was an extremely important step in the right direction. With him on the team, the odds were a bit more in favour of our success. I was happy and proud of myself for having been able to both convince him and retrieve so much crucial information. And on top of it, I was able to try and make peace between him and Thor as well as give Hermiod the mentor back that he didn't even know he had. We could be a family, indeed.
'Alright.' I confirmed gladly. 'Are you ready?'
When Loki tilted his head in approval, I called for the guard on the internal communication system. Luckily, I didn't have to wait long, because Vesh entered the room almost immediately, looking quite curious.
'Can I be of help?' He asked dutifully.
'I'm entitled to bring Loki to Thor.' I informed him with a smile.
Vesh just nodded. 'I'm aware of this fact.' He acknowledged.
With a scrutinizing glance in Loki's direction, he touched a sensor panel at the right side of the cell's entrance, making the force field vanish in an instant.
Loki looked from me to Vesh and back to me in total wonderment. Until now, he had obviously still suspected I was making some kind of cruel joke, and now that he realized I was dead serious with all I had said, he was fascinated all the more.
I took Thor's box from the bench at the wall and handed it over to Loki. 'Here's your hand device and other personal stuff they've taken from you when they've brought you here. Thor sends his greetings.'
Loki took the box out of my hand carefully, opened it and looked inside curiously. I saw him exhaling in relief when he put on his hand device again. A few days ago I wouldn't have understood the utter relief he felt that moment, but now I knew that you're just half a person without all the necessary Asgard equipment.
'Are you ready?' I asked after I had given him some time to get used to the new situation.
'I am.' He confirmed. 'Thank you, Aegeti Hermiodkona. I owe you very much now, and I won't forget all you've done for me despite the fact that you don't have any reason to help me in the first place. I'm not an ungrateful person, therefore you've earned my loyalty.'
I took his hand in mine carefully. 'It's me who has to thank you.' I reassured him. 'I'm sure we'll all make a fabulous team. Just wait and see.'
'I'm looking forward to it.' He said approvingly, lowering his head in respect.
'They're awaiting you on the Beliskner already.' I informed him, getting back to a business tone again. 'Either Thor or one of his officers.'
When Loki nodded approvingly, I sent a message to Thor right away. It took just seconds until Loki was beamed out of the room.
In the same moment and to my utter surprise, the transporter was activated again and Thor appeared at my side.
'Thor?' I asked, fully aware of the fact that I must have glared at him like a complete idiot, but I really hadn't expected him to drop by. 'What are you doing here?'
'Are you still planning to talk to Dellingur?' He asked a counter-question, raising his brows in a way that showed me clearly how much he still disapproved of the mere idea.
I just nodded, because I wasn't willing to give up my plans. It was more the other way around – since I had talked to Loki, I was even more determined to get the truth out of Dellingur. 'Sure.' I therefore said.
'Did you really think I'd leave you alone with a person like him?' Thor asked a completely rhetorical question. 'I've sworn an oath to take good care of all members of my family. That's what I'm here for.'
I could only wonder, but in the same moment I was proud to be important enough to him that he spared some time to help me interrogate Dellingur.
