No Roads Left

Chapter 2- I'm not the only person with these things in mind

Disclaimer: I do not own Thor, Loki, the Avengers or Transformers. They belong to Marvel/Disney and Hasbro/Takara.

Ratchet waited until Optimus Prime and Fury were gone before shoving Lennox toward the prisoner, the medic pointing at the chains binding their. . .guest.

"Get those off him," Ratchet said.

"He's a prisoner," Lennox said. "A war criminal."

"I. Don't. Care." Ratchet said, clipping off the end of each syllable, hoping Lennox got his point. Ratchet had issues with how the humans treated their prisoners. The Autobots had different ideas about how to treat prisoners. Even Decepticons were treated with dignity and respect.

"If he tries anything, I'll take the blame," Ratchet said, entering the key code to shut off the force field. "Get that muzzle off him and go. Jazz and I can handle it from here."

Lennox stepped forward, hands as gentle as he could manage, getting the muzzle off. The man's gaze met his own. Once it was off, he worked his jaw up and down.

"Thank you," he rasped. "May I please have some water?"

Ratchet's look sent Lennox packing for the requested water.

"What's your name?" the medic asked. "We were told we were getting a prisoner."

"Loki," he said.

"You're not human," Ratchet said, having done a few clandestine scans.

"Obviously not," Loki replied. "What are you?"

"One question at a time," Ratchet said. "My name is Ratchet. I'm the chief medical officer for this installation. You are under my care from this moment on."

Loki frowned. What manner of creature was this?

"Once Lennox comes back, we'll have him get those binders off, and have someone bring you something to eat and some clean clothes," Ratchet said. "The alcove in the corner has a small bathroom. There is no surveillance set up for it, but don't go thinking you can hide in there. Someone will come to check on you. You'll have two guards all the time, unless they're needed elsewhere. Two very large, armed guards."

Ratchet let that sink in.

"How long am I to be a guest here?" Loki asked.

"I don't know," Ratchet said. "Although from what I gather, be glad you're here, and not being turned over to the human authorities. You're much safer here with us."

"Safety is an illusion," Loki said. "It's quaint you think you're safe. That I'm safe here."

"You have reason to believe nowhere is safe for you?"

"You could say that," Loki said, returning his attention to the human called Lennox as he came back.

He handed Loki a bottle of water, which he promptly drained, and then he stood patiently as the human took of his bindings, and then the force field came back up, and the human left without a backward glance.

Jazz, satisfied the prisoner wasn't going to be a problem, clapped Ratchet on the shoulder.

"You got this?" Jazz asked. "I gotta go check on Prowler. He's probably working himself to the point he'll glitch."

"If he does, he'll answer to me," Ratchet said. "He fries those relays again, he's going off active duty."

"I'll find somebody for guard duty," Jazz said. "Think you can babysit until someone can spell you?"

"Not a problem unless an acute case of rampant stupidity crops up," Ratchet said.

Jazz nodded, taking off to check on his errant mate.

Ratchet scanned the prisoner again, wondering just where in the Pit he came from, and what he was. Scans. Didn't add up. Not human, and nothing to compare it to.

"What race are you?" Ratchet asked again.

"Born Jotun, raised Asgardian," Loki said.

A quick scan of the Internet turned up myths about the Jotun and Asgard.

"You're joking, right?" Ratchet asked.

"I'm hardly in a position to jest," Loki said. "I was born in Jotunheim, one of the nine realms, just a little over a thousand years ago. Raised as an Aesir in Asgard. Look up my name in regards to the myths and legends of this realm. Some of them are true, but not the one about the horse."

Ratchet stared. "What about the snake, the wolf, and. . ."

"I have neither given birth nor sired a child, despite what the oh so amusing myths of this realm say," Loki said.

"Someone sewing your lips shut?"

"True, unfortunately," Loki said. "Do you have any relevant questions I can answer?"

"Do you have any special dietary needs we should be aware of? And as the only member of your species I've ever encountered, you can expect more questions as I think of them," Ratchet said.

"Human food will suffice," Loki said. "All I really want right now is something to eat, and a chance to sleep."

"I can arrange that," Ratchet said.

88888

Loki was alone again, with the exception of the two beings serving as guards. He'd already tested the force field holding him in, and had been thrown into the opposite wall for his efforts. No, he was not going anywhere. And the large cell meant plenty of room to move around. The only amenities, if Loki could call them that, were a narrow bunk and the bathroom facilities, which were more than what he had in SHIELD's cage. At least he had something passing for a decent sleeping space, something he hadn't had in months. A little food, water and two of the titans standing outside the cell, Loki sat down on the bunk, leaning against the wall, closing his eyes, letting himself relax for the first time in over a year.

88888

The large cell meant plenty of room to move around. The only amenities, if Loki could call them that, were a narrow bunk and the bathroom facilities, which were more than what he had in SHIELD's cage. At least he had something passing for a decent sleeping space, something he hadn't had in months. A little food, water and two of the titans standing outside the cell, Loki sat down on the bunk, leaning against the wall, closing his eyes, letting himself relax for the first time in over a year.

A different one this time, and he was alone, save the pair guarding him. A green one and the other one a garish shade of red, who kept looking at him, curious, but never spoke.

The human nodded at the green one, who took down the force field, allowing him to enter.

"I'm Graham," he said, handing Loki a covered plate, and set some books down on the bunk beside him. "I'll be your liaison. If you need anything, let me know or tell one of the bots, and they'll pass it along to me."

The human was woefully underarmed, and easy for the taking, if Loki decided to take that route. But he didn't. The humans and their allies were either woefully naive or just didn't if he pulled anything.

"You're not afraid of me?" Loki asked.

"I'm wary," Graham said. "I've faced much worse."

"You have no idea what I can do," Loki said.

"Big talk," Graham said. "Misbehave and it won't be me or any other human you'll answer to."

He nodded back over his shoulder at Springer and Hot Rod. Graham allowed himself a satisfied grin as Loki blanched, becoming paler than normal.

"Now we have an understanding, I hope there won't be any problems," Graham said.

"You have my word," Loki said, suddenly eying the big green being outside his cell. Its presence made him shudder, bringing to mind unpleasant memories from getting the Hel beat out of him by Banner. But it was also the catalyst for coming back to his senses. And with decent food and some rest, he was slowly regaining some clarity and curiosity. What were the titans, and where did they come from? An intriguing puzzle Loki meant to solve.

"Where are you from?" Loki asked, changing the subject.

"Britain," he answered. "Born in Wales. Raised all over the island."

"The people who worshipped us raided in the isles," Loki said. "My father dragged my brother and I across the northern reaches when we were boys."

Loki remembered their tenacity. Part of the reason why his whole "let's take over Midgard" effort was half-hearted. Oh, he enjoyed the chaos. How could he not? But the one called Son of Coul was correct. He had lacked conviction.

"Well, I brought you some books and magazines I thought you might enjoy," Graham said, pointing at the stack. "You need something to occupy your time, and Prime and my commanding officer Col. Lennox decided books are appropriate."

Loki held up one of the the book. "Yours?"

"I read the whole series," Graham said. "Guilty pleasure."

Loki raised an eyebrow at the comment, but he went through the stack. Books by authors named George R.R. Martin and Tolkein, and a handful of magazines entitled "National Geographic."

"When you're finished with them, let me know," Graham said. "I have a briefing to attend, but as I said, if you need anything, just say so."

He nodded at the prisoner, walking away.

88888

Loki read for a while, before dozing off. He didn't know how long he was out before he was awakened by a scuffle outside his cell. A new pair of guards, this pair silver and gold in color and arguing with each other in a language Loki could not understand. He sat up on his bunk, noticing how one of his guards was standing closer than ordered, and facing him.

"So, is it true?" it asked.

"What?" Loki replied.

"The stories," he said. "Did you really give birth to a horse?"

Loki rolled his eyes. "No. It is most certainly not true," he replied. "It was a story started by my oaf of a brother. . ."

The gold one shot the silver one an annoyed glance. "I told you so," he said.

"Stow it. I had to ask," he said, turning his attention back to him. "I'm Sideswipe. This is my not so better half, Sunstreaker."

"Nice to meet you, I think," Loki said. "Haven't you been told to not talk to me?"

"Yeah, but that's never stopped us," Sideswipe said. "Loki, right?"

"Yes."

"Ratchet's slagged over what happened to you," Sideswipe said. "He said the next time Fury shows up, he's gonna be a skidmark, and not even Optimus will be able to stop him."

Optimus, the noble one, who the good Captain would probably get on with.

"Why?"

"Because even we treat our prisoners better than that," Sideswipe said.

"'Sides, you're gonna get us into so much trouble. . ." Sunstreaker said.

"Sunshine, shut up," Sideswipe said as Sunstreaker grabbed him by the arm, yanking him around so he wasn't facing the cell anymore, leaving Loki to his thoughts once more.

8888

Ratchet was having a lovely day. Complaints from the human medical staff followed by an eyewitness account from Sideswipe, of all mechs, regarding the event causing the complaints. And lying commanding officers. Not really lying, but the omission of sensitive information wasn't exactly good protocol, either. Snapping the data pad in his hands in two, Ratchet stormed into Prime's office. Where the Prime sedately set down his own data pad, leaning back in his chair, crossing his arms. All that was missing was his leader putting his feet up on his desk.

"What now?" Optimus asked.

Ratched flared his energy field, gratified when his Prime flinched at the fury there.

"Either it goes, or I go," Ratchet said.

"What?"

"That piece of alien tech you're hiding in the vault," the medic snapped. "Either get it away from here, or destroy it. Preferably obliterate it."

"We're. . ."

"Sideswipe said he watched Epps and Graham turn on each other in its presence," Ratchet said. "It's dangerous. Get. Rid. Of. It."

Withdrawing another data pad from his subspace, Ratchet threw it at Optimus, who caught it.

"Read that," he said. "Or not. I can give you the highlights."

"What is this?"

"Data your SHIELD friends don't want anyone to know," Ratchet said. "All of their information about the prisoner, the aliens that invaded New York and their plans for Loki before he was to stand trial."

"How. . ."

"It took Hot Rod and Kup less than five minutes to break their encryption," Ratchet said.

Prime's look of confusion changed to a scowl.

"I'm a senior officer in the chain of command," Ratchet said. "This was concerning to me. It should concern you as well. And don't give me that look."

"Why not come to me first before breaking protocol?"

"Please," Ratchet said. "You're only concerned now because you're afraid we've stepped on some human toes. We have an artifact in our possession no one understands, and a prisoner who is more than he seems."

"Fury did overrule his own superiors during the New York incident," Optimus offered.

"I know. There may be hope for him yet, but about the prisoner. . ."

"Lennox had made Graham his liaison," Optimus said. "He's your responsibility for now."

"So I can evaluate him?"

"Yes," Optimus said.

"What about letting him out?" Ratchet asked.

"Only with the binders," Optimus said. "We still don't know his full capabilities, and if he's stable enough to be trusted. The myths call him the god of lies."

"Whatever," Ratchet muttered. "Did you know SHIELD has scientists trying to replicate our bridge technology?"

"Again?" Optimus asked, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I'll have Kup take care of it."

"I don't understand how we're never able to fully destroy the research," Ratchet said. "I'll talk with Wheeljack, and see if we can come up with something viable."

"Keep me updated, and I'll expect a report on your findings about the prisoner," Optimus said.

Ratchet snorted, leaving his Prime, heading for the brig, where he had to argue with Red Alert about taking Loki to the med bay, but he won that argument, picking up the man and carrying him to the med bay. He locked down the room before depositing his passenger on a berth.

"What are going to do with me?" Loki asked, looking around. "What is this place?"

"Med bay," Ratchet said. "Well, the med bay for my fellow bots. I hope you understood when I told you I was the chief medical officer for this facility?"

"You're the chief healer," Loki said.

"I'm going to run a few tests," Ratchet said. "All non-invasive. A few scans. They might tickle, but that's about it. Oh, and you'll have to answer questions. Is that satisfactory?"

Loki sat still, watching as Ratchet picked up a device and held it over his head for a few moments, before repeating the process before switching to another piece of equipment.

And Ratchet had to quell the anger he was suddenly feeling, looking at the information provided by the scans. Loki had multiple breaks, healed repeatedly. The thin lines of scars on his back. The least concerning were the cuts and bruises on his face. Those would heal.

"You were tortured."

Loki didn't answer.

"Who did this to you?" Ratchet asked.

"The Chitauri," Loki answered.

"Those things that took apart New York?"
"Yes," Loki said.

"You were tortured," Ratchet repeated, unable to keep the anger out of his voice.

"This angers you?" Loki asked.

"Why wouldn't it?" the medic said.

"I'm a war criminal," Loki said. "I caused thousands of deaths and the destruction of one of this planet's mightiest cities."

"Not all of it, and from the footage I've seen and what I've read, you weren't doing most of the shooting," Ratchet said. "You idiot. Of course it concerns me. What is wrong with you?"
Loki didn't answer.

"Let me guess. They put you in chains and never bothered giving you any medical attention, did they? And how long were you possessed by that. . .thing?" Ratchet spat. "I know about the scepter. Out with it, Loki. If you were tortured, and coerced, it would mean you weren't completely acting of your own volition, it could mean the difference between staying here and rotting, and going home."

"It changes nothing," Loki snapped.

"The Pit it doesn't," Ratchet said. "Tell me the truth."

"I was tortured, and I had the scepter for months. Months that thing was whispering in my head. And they threatened me, my family. . ."

"Don't you think they'll want you back?"

"Doubtful," Loki said, staring at his hands.

"Listen here, youngling," Ratchet said. "By Cybertronian and most Earth laws, you have a good case."

"If I return home, I will face Asgardian justice," Loki said.

"Meaning?"

"I will face the king of Asgard," Loki said. "And he will pass judgment for my actions."

"Surely he would listen to reason, and evidence," Ratchet said.

"The Allfather is wise, but I don't think in this case logic or leniency would apply," Loki said. "I will probably be put to death the instant I arrive back."

"Who or what is the Allfather?" Ratchet asked.

"Odin Borson, Allfather and protector of the nine realms, king of Asgard," Loki said.

"He's doing a great job protecting this realm," Ratchet said.

"I know," Loki said.

"So I take it this Allfather is probably like one of our Primes," Ratchet mused.

"What is a Prime?" Loki asked.

"The title of our leader," Ratchet said, putting some of his equipment away. "You met Optimus. His title is 'Prime.'"

"So he's your king," Loki said.

"In a way," Ratchet said. "But not really. . ."

He trailed off as the med bay doors opened, revealing Sideswipe.

"Hey Ratch," he said, tossing the medic a data pad. "Kup told me to give you that, and you should share it with Kup. There was another attempted data breach. This morning."

"Who was it this time?"

"Came from New Mexico," Sideswipe said. "If that helps. I have to get back to ops or Ironhide will have my head. See you and 'Jack tonight after shift?"

Loki watched with interest as the silver mech bounded over to the medic, hugging him before leaving them alone.

"Sorry about that," Ratchet said.

"New Mexico," Loki said. "Dr. Jane Foster?"

"Jane Foster," Ratchet said, venting air in a sigh. "We know about her. Trying to replicate bridge technology, the last things humans need. I'd like to have a chat with the aft-head who gave her back her work."

Loki snorted, trying to bite back his laughter, but he failed.

"What's so funny?" Ratchet asked.

"I can give you his name," Loki said.

"Who?"

"The ass who have Dr. Foster back her notes," Loki said. "His name is Thor."

"The Avenger? The person the press insists is a god?"

"None other," Loki said. "But believe me, he is no god."

"Brilliant piece of work, giving her back her notes," Ratchet said. "That explains why no matter what we do, she always manages to start over very quickly. Her staff tried using SHIELD's network to hack our mainframe. Childish attempts, but the point is they tried. SHIELD tried, too until we nailed them with a virus. They know there's a treaty in place to keep them from getting access to alien technology. I can't wait until Ultra Magnus gets here. The Tyrest Accord applies in this situation, and the humans are also circumventing the wording of their treaty with us to gain access to technology that does not belong to them. Which is why you're here. Fury did the right thing in this case. Almost."

"What do you mean?" Loki asked.

"The humans experimented on one of us not long after we arrived here," Ratchet explained. "We found out much of their modern technology was derived from another of our race they held captive for many years. Given a chance, they would try and find a way to exploit your unique physiology. Which will not happen as long as you're here."

Oh. Well then. Things could be much worse. Changing the subject seemed like a good idea.

"Sideswipe and Sunstreaker. They were guarding me earlier today," Loki said. "The seem close, bickering like siblings. What are they to each other?"

"Brothers," Ratchet answered. "Twins actually. Split-spark twins."

"Meaning?"

"One spark, split into two," he said. "One spark in two bodies, two distinct personalities, joined at the quantum level."

Loki understood, but he did not believe it.

"You care for them," he said.

"Of course," Ratchet said. "They're my family."

"Your children then?"

"Yes," Ratchet said. "But 'Jack, Wheeljack, my mate, and I aren't their creators. We took them in, raised them as our own. The twins were left to die, or worse."

"Why would you take in someone not of your own blood?" Loki asked.

"Adoption on my homeworld and here on Earth are not a foreign concept," Ratchet said. "Is it an uncommon practice where you're from?"
"I don't know," Loki said. "I recently learned I was adopted."

"Is that so terrible?" Ratchet said. "Finding out someone cared enough to choose you? Make you their own?"

"I don't think they did it out of kindness," Loki said. "The man I considered my father lied to me. I believed they were my family, that I was a son, a brother, but in truth, I am nothing more than a monster."

"We've all done monstrous things. We're fighting a war," Ratchet said. "I still have to get up each morning, as much as I'd sometimes like not to."

"I killed people," Loki said. "I tried to conquer this realm. And if I return to Asgard, I will pay with my life."

"What did your father lie about?" Ratchet asked.

"Everything," Loki said