Chapter 6: Camouflage
Frigga arrived at the Bifrost chamber accompanied by the three children where Heimdall greeted them. "So, it begins?" he asked solemnly. He tracked their rapid movement across the platform with resigned eyes as they exited the small skiff and entered the chamber. He had hoped it would never come to this.
Frigga nodded, doubt flickered for an instant across her face as she glanced down at the children. "Loki believes it will start soon, thus he sent us out here."
Heimdall noted her expression, wondering if she doubted the abilities of the children, the choice of the plan, or something else entirely? He did not question her, though. She was the mother of their King and if she chose to keep her doubts to herself, that was her choice. He simply nodded and stated quietly. "I am prepared."
"What? What's beginning?" Natasha asked, curious as to what was going on. "I thought we just came here to collect some things."
"Yes, that is one reason for the return prior to going on to Knowhere. Kiri had a feeling one or more of them would be compelled to go with the gems. That was expected. And that they chose Kiri is really not surprising as she can control them," Frigga replied.
"But, they don't have the real gems. She could have refused to go," Steve pointed out, recalling that one minor detail they had learned. "Is she not in grave danger being there without the gems?"
"Yes, and they might still kill her... or attempt to. That one or more might die in this ordeal was something they each accepted. Thor, Loki, and Katirya chose to create a plan they felt might work knowing that they might not survive to see the results. That she is still alive says that either Tivan is unaware that the gems she brought with were not the real ones, or if they do know, they have some other use for her… bait? Ransom? Demands for the real gems?" Frigga shrugged. "So many possibilities."
"Then, what is this grand plan they have concocted?" Clint asked.
"Even I do not know the full extent of it. They felt it very important to keep the details to just the three of them as they suspected a traitor in our midst. As we know now, they were correct as Micarian has been shown to be how at least some of information was leaking from Asgard. There may even still be more involved we have yet to discover, but he clearly was a major player," Frigga answered.
"Okaaaayyy…" Natasha drew the word out, indicating she was feeling irritated at the way they were not telling much of anything to anyone. Drawing on her past experiences, she determined to figure out what to expect. Knowing nothing wasn't going to help. "They've discovered at least one spy, what's the plan now? What did we stop here for? Are you and the children going with us to Knowhere? When are we leaving?" Natasha fired her questions at Frigga rapidly, hoping it would break down the reserve and provide some concrete answers.
"No, I shall remain on Asgard, along with these three," Frigga gestured towards the children. "My guess is that they came to retrieve the real Infinity Gems before continuing to Knowhere."
"But why the hell would they take them to Knowhere? Isn't that the last place we want them? In the hands of the dude who is trying to get them? Barton snapped, frustration evident in his questions.
"If Kiri is still alive, she has the potential to use them to defeat Tivan-"
Natasha cut her off. "But he's captured her. How the hell can she use them? I do not see how that can help."
Frigga sighed heavily. The questions were the same she had, but her children had chosen to exclude even her from their plan. "I honestly do not know. And I could be wrong as to what they came back for. Kai knows as his mother sent him specific instructions before she was swept off to Knowhere."
"What do you know of this plan?" Steve asked, not really expecting a straight answer as so far, they had gotten none that made much sense to him.
"All that was revealed to me, before they went to Earth to exchange the gems for Sif, was that they anticipated a possible attack once the gems were handed over. It didn't matter who it was that wanted the gems, it simply made sense that this individual would desire to destroy Asgard for harboring the gems and refusing to just hand them over. Thor, Loki, and Kiri devised several strategies for us to prepare. My role is here, at the Bifrost. Beyond that, I cannot tell you any more for that is all I know," Frigga explained, indicating that was all she would tell them.
"And if you are wrong? What if they don't attack? And what is your role?" Barton asked, keeping his eyes on the twins, ensuring that they stayed far away from him. "You plan on siccing those two on them?"
Frigga ignored his comment about the twins, knowing where it came from. "If we are incorrect, and they do not attack, then we have lost nothing but the time it took to prepare. And now that we know that it is Tivan, it makes things a bit simpler. He's mad and his actions are erratic. It is difficult to second guess a being such as him, for all we can anticipate, he may not even deign to attack. But if he does, one thing we do know is that he does not have a well-organized army," Frigga replied.
"Then why are you out here and especially the children? This would seem to be one of the most vulnerable places on Asgard," Steve pointed out. "We are separated from the main city, there is only that tiny bridge connecting us to the city, and it's not exactly a well-defended location." He had noted the lack of any other protection save Heimdall. And he had no clue how one man could defend this place against any attack. "If you get attacked by an army, even a bad one, I doubt the skills of Heimdall, you, three small kids, and the three of us will be of much effect."
"For precisely that reason. Our skills are needed here in the event of an attack," Frigga replied, not explaining anything else. At his mention of their abilities to assist, she noticed that none of the humans had added any additional weapons to what they already were carrying, she frowned. "I thought Thor instructed you to provide them with weapons," she commented to Heimdall.
"They have refused," Heimdall stated calmly. He turned his head slightly, looking outwards toward the Universe.
"You still haven't explained why are you and these three children here? Wouldn't you be better protected in the palace?" Steve asked, concerned for the safety and welfare of them. "Or are we all to return and you came to escort us?"
Frigga smiled. "Oh, we are safe here. It is you who shall need the protection. We shall remain here at the Bifrost until either an attack happens, or it is determined that none will, and Loki leads you to Knowhere."
"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but I swore to protect women and children, they don't protect me. I respect your abilities," Steve countered, not really sure what her skills actually were, "But I can help."
"Your help may be required, but I suggest you avail yourself to some of the Asgardian weapons…"
Heimdall interrupted. "Something is approaching. Prepare yourselves." He moved to stand by the control to the portal, preparing to defend it if he needed to.
Frigga nodded. "Gentlemen, and my lady," she nodded at the human party. "If you will be so kind as to step over there." She pointed towards the storage area for the weapons. "That way, if you do need to fight, you will be closer to the weapons should you decide to add to what you currently carry. Although…" she stared out at Asgard. "I have a feeling this will work. Even better knowing we are fighting Tivan's excuse for an army."
"Ma'am, like I said, I shall protect you with my life. I think…"
Frigga cut him off. "Not in this battle. You are out of your element. Please, just wait over there. If things do not go as planned, then you may step in." She turned to focus on the children. "Sverre and Aud, do what you can and make sure they do not interfere." She indicated the three humans. "Runa, you know what you are to do?"
Runa grinned enthusiastically, her eyes aglow with excitement, feeling the importance of being trusted to help in this endeavor. "Indeed!"
"Yes, grandmother. We shall make sure they do not help unless they are needed," Sverre stated confidently as he nodded towards the humans.
"Thank you," Frigga eyed Clint Barton, recalling how the twins had delighted in harassing him. "But remember to be respectful, they are our guests. Now, children, take your places as planned." Sverre and Aud started to move away from her.
"What the hell are you doing?" Barton shouted. Sounds of approaching ships could now be heard. "You are putting these children in harm's way!" He started to move towards the children attempting to herd them into some area of protection.
Aud lifted her arms. "Stand down!"
Barton refused and kept walking towards her.
Aud's eyes flashed briefly and Barton found himself on his backside over by the weapons storage. "How the hell?"
"My grandmother said you are to stay over there," Aud said, clearly pleased with herself. "Do not even attempt to move from that area." She glanced over at Natasha and Steve. "I think you need to join him."
The two humans exchanged a glance. "I'm sorry, but my job is to defend…"
"Women and children," Frigga cut him off. "Yes, I know. You have stated that. But you are on Asgard now and your place is to wait for the battle to come to you. But if it does, it means Asgard is failing, so pray to your gods that it does not come to that. Until then, please join your friend over there."
Steve looked like he was about to argue until Sverre turned his full attention upon him. "Do you require help like he did?" Sverre asked.
Steve refused to move.
Sverre cocked his head. "If you insist…"
Steve found his body sliding across the room towards Barton. "What the hell!" His arms flailed as he tried to stop the forward movement.
"Sorry, but as my grandmother stated, you need to wait there," Sverre focused on Natasha.
"All right, I'll go," she moved reluctantly over to join her companions.
"This is insanity. We're all going to die," Clint muttered.
"Agreed. And I don't want to die sitting on the sidelines," Steve replied. Now that they were closer to the weapons storage, he decided to investigate what options were available to them. Picking up some guns, he tossed one to Clint and Natasha. "Not sure what they do, but I think we can handle these."
"Don't join in unless asked," Aud warned them. "But, yes, you should be able to handle those. Just… wait. Please?"
Clint stared at her. Was she really asking him nicely? Before he had time to even reply, the` first ships came into sight. Some broke off and headed directly for the Bifrost chamber while the majority targeted the city.
Weapons began firing on the Bifrost and smoke filled the room as debris began to rain down upon them. Frigga stepped to one side of the entrance, Runa by her side as Sverre and Aud ran towards the opening Heimdall had recently vacated but made sure they still could maintain watch on the three humans. Heimdall stood diligently at his place, his sword drawn should any of the attackers actually enter the chamber. All of the Asgardians stood calmly and just watched the chaos and destruction as blast after blast penetrated the Bifrost chamber.
Natasha gasped. "Oh my god! We are going to be killed!"
Steve risked a look outside, seeing that not only was the Bifrost being attacked, but the entire city of Asgard. "We have to help them!" He started to rise up only to find himself flung back to the wall.
Sverre gave him a look such as one would to a disobedient child. "You were told to stay put. Seriously, I cannot keep an eye on you and the attackers at the same time."
Steve looked at him in confusion. The young boy seemed to be dismissing the fact that his city was under attack and that they could all die. "Are you crazy?" he shouted at the boy. "It's not just us they are attacking. Look at the city! The casualties are going to be enormous."
Sverre ignored him and looked back to the ships attacking. He lifted one arm as a ship flew towards the Bifrost. Steve watched in amazement as the ship suddenly disintegrated. Was the boy doing this he wondered? And if so, how?
Parts of the ceiling collapsed on the floor in front of Heimdall as another blast hit the chamber. Two walls were reduced to rubble as dust added to the smoke filling up the room. Natasha was coughing, trying to clear her lungs. "We've got to get out of here before the entire building collapses!" she shouted above the din. Trying to stand, she found herself pinned to the floor. She shot a look at the twins.
Aud was standing facing them, her arm extended with her palm outward. "Stay!" she commanded, rolling her eyes. "I do wish they would listen," she said to her brother.
"Check for survivors after this attack run!" a shout from an attacker outside what was left of the Bifrost chamber was heard. Runa and Frigga stood silently near the entrance, simply staring out at the battle. The walls supporting the entrance were still intact, as well as a small portion of the ceiling. As the attackers entered the Bifrost, another blast hit the chambers causing the archway over the doorway to collapse on two of the attackers, killing them instantly. Runa sidestepped as the archway came down, moving out of its way, but doing little else. More sections of the ceiling began falling. By now, only one wall remained intact, miraculously supporting what little was left of the ceiling.
Natasha watched as debris continued to rain down upon the floor of the chamber as the ceiling continued to crumble, but none seemed to hit them. "What is going on?" she softly asked her companions.
"I don't get it either," Clint replied. He gazed up and could see through the now non-existent roof that three ships above were not concentrating their fire on the Bifrost bridge, clearly having decided that the chamber was basically a ruin. The only remnants were the wall behind them and a small portion of the ceiling above them.
Runa had moved to the center of what had once been the entrance. The young girl raised her hands above her heads and clasped them together. A thunderous blast hit the Bifrost bridge just as one of the ships fired on it, and it shattered completely. Clint noticed that Runa had fallen to her knees. "The child!" he shouted but couldn't move or do anything about it. Frustrated, he pounded his fists into the wall. "Damn this!" He glared across at Aud. "Let us go!"
Aud shook her head. "She will be fine," she said calmly.
"How can they be so calm?" Clint uttered. "Their entire city is being destroyed and they are acting like they are going to a picnic. One is down, and the other two won't last a second against that force."
The sounds of the battle began to subside after the rainbow bridge was destroyed. A small ship landed on the only ledge still remaining where the outside walls of the Bifrost chamber had once stood. Natasha noted the skiff Frigga had arrived in was still sitting there. One attacker raised his gun and fired at the ship repeatedly until is exploded. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Ah, I love a good ambush." He was the first to enter the area. Seeing Heimdall still standing, he smirked. "Till the end? I appreciate the loyalty of a dutiful soldier." He lifted his weapon and shot Heimdall and the guardian of the Bifrost fell heavily to the ground dead. The attacker walked over and kicked him, just to be sure.
Natasha wanted to scream, move, anything… but couldn't. Aud held them not only in place now, but under some strange spell as she couldn't speak. She glared at the girl. Then she saw Sverre moving towards Heimdall's killer, his arms outstretched, but carrying no weapons. "Stop!" she tried to scream, but no sound came from her mouth.
The attacker appeared not seeming to see Sverre approaching, looked around the rubble, noticed his dead comrades. He walked over to them and saluted "Sorry, boys, time to go. Noting left here." He swept his gaze around the room, pausing for just a second longer on Heimdall, then left the area and headed to his ship. Natasha watched as he climbed aboard and flew off.
Natasha discovered she could now move. She stood up. "Come on boys. Maybe there is still something we can do to help." She noticed Runa had gotten up and was once again standing at the entry area. The two, grandmother and granddaughter stood like silent sentinels, oblivious of the destruction around them.
"How did we survive? I don't get it," Natasha asked, but received no reply.
"Oh my god," Steve was staring at the city. Flames were rising up from the entire city, many buildings had fallen. "Can anyone have survived? We need to get there…"
"Wait!" Aud commanded.
Steve rounded on her. "For what?" he shouted. "They have just destroyed all you know, and you just stand there like nothing happened! Look around you. Heimdall is dead, the Bifrost is destroyed…"