No Roads Left

Chapter 7- Weighted against the consequences

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

Lennox skipped the morning briefing. Instead, he sat at his desk, wanting to rip to shreds the damning paperwork in front of him.

He knew enough. Enough in the beginning to not want Loki on the island. Lennox had enough responsibilities with the everyday operations of the base and missions, and what the hell was he supposed to do? The orders simply stated to contain Loki. They'd done that so far, and Loki hadn't shown many signs of crazy. Well, beyond cozying up to Sideswipe and Sunstreaker and showing exemplary behavior around Ratchet. Nothing really suggesting he was, as he'd read in the words of one Tony Stark, "bug fuck crazy."

Loki had shown some snark, but only glimpses of anything else—mainly curiosity and boredom. There was the incident regarding his opinion of Hot Rod's intelligence when he'd nearly stepped on him, but it was justified. Now the tirade was a source of amusement, but the creative way the Asgardian put together words showed them all why SHIELD thought the muzzle was necessary. Springer had nearly drawn weapons on Loki for the slight against Hot Rod, and only Ironhide's intervention kept things from getting uglier.

And God. Magic? What the hell? Perceptor kept going on about how there was no such thing, and it was just something science hadn't figured out yet. Sure. Explain Loki teleporting himself across the island, or how Optimus Prime was alive. They had tried explaining how the Matrix revived Optimus but failing any real scientific evidence as to how it actually worked, they had only theories. Some things Lennox was willing to take on faith and move on.

Except the can of worms Fury dumped on him was almost more than he was willing to take. Lennox read the report, and he did not like what he was seeing. Torture. Coercion. Special circumstances, but what the hell?

Prowl and Ratchet had outlined the details. Made him want to puke, what was planned for Loki. The people responsible for making decisions regarding the safety of everyone on the planet? The same people who didn't have a problem keeping Megatron and the Allspark on ice all those years, who had Bumblebee tortured to see how worked. Lennox wondered where he needed to send his letter of complaint. But that was an aside to the matter at hand. The bots included every gory detail they thought pertinent regarding Loki's circumstances past, and future.

Fury's recommendation Loki's own brother be the one to get information out of him, by use of torture if necessary. Thank God it never came down to that. Then the order from the World Security Council Loki be remanded to the custody of their special operations division for "interrogation and analysis."

Fury was scary as fuck, but damn. The people on the council sounded even more terrifying. Made facing the Decepticons look like a walk in the park. It was getting harder and harder to figure out who the monsters really were.

But back to Loki. The man was not a victim. Not completely. Loki was responsible for his own actions up to a point. Now Lennox could see why Fury chose to dump Loki with them. Easier just to lock him up and throw away the key. Except it wasn't that simple. Then again, it never was. And now, he and Optimus were going to have to make some hard decisions regarding the fate of someone they shouldn't even have to be dealing with.

Lennox sighed, scrubbing at his face. He stood, draining his coffee cup. It was time.

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Waiting for someone to come for him. Loki hadn't seen anyone all morning except for the mortal who brought him his breakfast. No bots. Just him sitting in his cell, waiting for judgment to pass. A terrifying thought if he let himself consider it. Loki didn't want to think about it.

Pacing didn't settle his nerves, nor did reading. He wasn't worried. Of course not? What could the mortals do to him? What would they allow? The Autobots had a grip on morality. Damned sentiment, but so far, staying in their good graces kept him alive and somewhat healthy. Pushing the humans too far was folly, and he succeeded by trying to help them.

And thinking about Optimus' words left him hollow. Loki didn't want Thor dead. He wanted him humbled. His brother's Midgardian exile had taught him a lesson, but Loki didn't think it was enough. Thor needed to change for the right reasons, not his own pride.

A lesson Loki was learning the hard way. No pride and no agenda past staying alive, figuring out somewhere to go if afforded the chance. Considering that option now, instead of when he had time.

Amazing how a rash act, born out of selflessness could cause so much trouble. He wasn't the rash one. Oh, he could be rash, but he was a planner. Mischief didn't just happen. Loki could cause chaos on whim if he desired, but the best results came from careful planning. He could lay the groundwork, but nothing ever ended the way he planned.

Like his extended stay with current company. Loki had counted on getting dragged back to Asgard. So far, nothing was going the way he figured it would. A foolish idea tempted still.

He thought about breaking free, but what would happen then? A fate worse than his current circumstances? He was left alone, but not like he would've been had he been hauled back and thrown into Asgard's dungeon. He had interaction with others, even though it wasn't what he was used to. They were respectful, and considerate. Sentiment at its worst, but he put up with it.

Another disturbing notion was the uniqueness of his situation. He wasn't Thor's brother, in his shadow. Oh no, all the attention was on him because of his actions. Dealing with the consequences on his own was a sobering experience. No brother, no Allfather or his mother to help, and no way he could talk our bargain his way out. A part of him half-expected Thor to come barging in, dragging him back to Asgard. So far, no Thor.

The Allfather could have sent someone for him if he so desired. One did not need the Bifrost for traveling the realms. Other paths across the realms existed. Loki knew of them, had sought out that knowledge himself. It was one of the few times he managed getting Thor interested in his studies. They used the alternate routes themselves, sneaking out of Asgard while seeking adventure in other realms. It usually ended with them getting dragged back by their father or a few unfortunate members of the Einherjar after Heimdall figured out where they were.

Heimdall, Frigga and the Allfather knew some of the paths. Not all, like Loki, but enough they could've dragged him back. Why hadn't they?

A good question, but one Loki did not want answered soon. Every day spent away from Asgard was one more day alive.

Another good reason, possibly the best, was slowly learning about the mechanical beings. His curiosity could not be sated fast enough. If the Aesir saw themselves as gods, well, they had a wake up call coming in the form of these beings.

Loki wondered what Thor would make of them. Just for a moment. Giants of a completely different kind. Oh, Odin would be incensed he'd found something new, unknown if he wasn't already aware of their existence. He allowed himself a small smile at that. Except it quickly faded when the humans came for him.

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The command contingent gathered in the med bay. Its privacy was ideal for the discussion they were about to have. Loki tried not to fidget with so much attention turned on him once again. Graham wasn't present, and the only humans in attendance were Lennox and Epps.

Loki glanced over at Prime, Ratchet and Prowl, who were conversing amongst themselves in their own language. Ratchet nodded at him before going back to the conversation.

"Well, I thought you were going to decide my fate," Loki said.

"We're working on it," Lennox said, gazing over at the trio of mechs.

"I think that's up to him," Optimus said, joining their conversation.

"You're really willing to make that decision? Accept that responsibility?" Lennox asked. "I thought we all decided that was a bad idea."

"It's inhumane, keeping him locked up," Ratchet said. "Loki gave his word. Apparently, in Norse culture, oaths are not something to be taken lightly. Nor are they in our culture."

"I can't believe I'm even considering this," Lennox said. "You're all nuts."

"Considering what?" Loki asked, eyes darting around, looking at them all, confused.

Before Lennox could answer, Prowl doubled over in pain, and Ratchet moved to his side, leading him to a berth.

"Primus," Prowl muttered. "That's worse than it's been all night."

"You've been having pain all night?" Ratchet asked.

"I don't think I'm going to keep my spark chamber closed," Prowl said.

"The emergence cycle started hours ago, you aft-head," the medic snapped, smacking the other mech on the back of the head.

"I didn't think it was a big deal," Prowl said.

"Everyone out," Ratchet growled, daring them all to stay.

Lennox made for the door, looking back over his shoulder, watching as Epps took Loki by the elbow pulling him away.

And moments later, Loki once again found himself in Lennox's office, this time not shackled to a chair, and it was just him and the mortal.

"Will Prowl be all right?" Loki asked.

"Probably," Lennox said. "Ratchet's a damn fine medic, and Prowl and his kid are in good hands. God, I don't get paid enough to deal with this crap."

"Myself included," Loki said, offering Lennox a smile.

"No kidding," Lennox answered. "You have no idea the problems you've caused around here, do you?"

"It's not like I intended to be a problem for you, Colonel," Loki said. "I would leave if I could."

"You know you can," Lennox said. "So why don't you? What was your plan last night? Really?"

Loki rolled his eyes, gratified at the glare Lennox was giving him. "I told you the truth," Loki said. "I have no interest in the scepter beyond its destruction. It's dangerous, and does not need to be in the hands of mortals. And I mean no offense."

"None taken," Lennox said. "I don't want that thing here any longer than it has to be. The bots are talking about better ways of containment. If you have any ideas, don't keep them to yourself."

"You want my input?" Loki asked, frowning.

"Don't sound so surprised," Lennox said. "I'm not gonna lie. I don't like the situation Fury's put us in. I don't like having you here. We were unprepared for last night. This is one of the most secure military installations on the planet, and we faced an enemy incursion. I'm grateful you stepped up to help. Which has become a point of contention between myself and the Autobots. We have a saying here on Earth—'the enemy of my enemy is my friend.' They're ready to buy into that lock, stock and barrel."

"Which means what?" Loki said.

"I've seen the list of charges SHIELD compiled," Lennox said. "You could only be tried for what you've done here, on our soil. Dr. Blaney and Dr. Reese have talked with Ratchet, and I've talked it over with Optimus. I am willing to give you one chance, Loki. One.

Damn it, Ratchet trusts you. He and Graham put in a good word for you. So did Optimus, but I get to be the one to lay down the law. You will do as you are told. You will follow orders. You will not question them. This is not a democracy. I don't care that you were a prince in line to a throne. I care that you're an enemy combatant placed in the custody of my outfit and you have the potential to be a very useful asset. You will toe the line."

"You make no sense," Loki said.

"Loki, against my better judgment, I've agreed to release you from your cell contingent upon the conditions I've already mentioned," Lennox said. "We're moving you from the brig to the barracks. You'll have your own quarters. The shackles aren't negotiable. Wheeljack is going to split them, so you'll have one on at all times so you're not at full power."

"Why are you doing this?" Loki asked.

"I don't know," Lennox said. "This is all on you now. Screw up and there are no second chances. You will be on your way back to SHIELD faster than you will believe possible if you give me a reason."

"So my freedom, if you can call it that, is contingent upon my good behavior," Loki said.

"Yup," Lennox said.