"Questions, they've always asked questions – this race called man, on this planet they call earth. Passionately longing to know how they are connected to the heavens. In ages past, they looked to us as gods, for indeed so many times we saved them from calamity. We tried to show them how their world was but one of the Nine Realms of the Cosmos, linked to all other by the branches of Yggdrasil the Worlds Tree, Nine Realms in a universe of wonder, beauty, and terror that they barely comprehended. But for all their thirst for knowledge, they let our lessons fall into myth and dreams. Where did he come from?" in reference to Thor, "He came from us, the proudest race of warriors the Worlds have ever see. He came from this- the greatest Realm the universe has ever known. He came… from Asgard!"

On the edge of the crater…

Multiple cars had gathered around the crash site. Coolers and barbeques were being unloaded. Tables and umbrellas were unfolded and set up. The smell of cooking meat spread through the dry desert air. Picnic blankets were dotted all over the scorched earth and there was a group of people lining up around the immoveable object at the center of the cavity. Various grunts and groans could be heard at one after the other, men and women, even children failed to lift the hammer embedded into the rock.

A large white pick up truck pulled up to the side of the basin. The man from the truck tossed down a thick chain. Another man secured the end to the hammer, "Ok, let'er rip!" he waved to the driver.

The engine of the truck roared in protest. The wheels squealed, kicking up a high cloud of sand and dust. Then the entire bed of the truck flipped up and landed with a thud on the ground.

"Did it work?" a white haired, mustached man shouted sticking his head out of the driver's window seat. Various whoops and hollers could be heard among the mocking laughter.

On the other side of the commotion, an unmarked black sedan pulled to a stop and two well dressed individuals stepped out to observe the scene. Removing her sunglasses, Lucy took out her binoculars and looked to the center of the depression. Turning back to Coulson she gave him a short nod.

Coulson pulled out his phone, "Sir, we've found it."

-permafrost-

Lucy was walking around the specious lab of Doctor Jane Foster. Scattered along the various tables were discarded parts, screws, nuts, wires, and multiple what looked like hand built probes that were held together with duct tape and glue. Picking up a few of the instruments Lucy grinned as she inspected them, this Jane Foster was impressive. "Be careful." She commanded the other SHIELD agents who were packing up every bit of data they could find. Carts loaded with equipment were being pushed into the waiting vans outside. "We're taking a woman's life away right now." She finished sadly leafing through a few worn notebooks.

"Hey!" a petite woman yelled as she ran into the room, "That's my stuff! What the hell is going on here?" the woman Lucy now identified and Doctor Foster herself demanded.

The rest of the agents carried about their orders as Coulson stepped up to address her, "Ms. Foster, I'm Agent Coulson with SHIELD."

"Is that supposed to mean something to me?" Jane shouted as she watched her work, boxed up and taken away, "You can't do this!"

Doctor Erik Selvig rushed up to her and whispered, "Jane, this is a lot more serious that you realize." He looked around warily at the agents, "Let it go."

"Let it go? This is my life." Jane stormed through the empty tables.

"We're investigating a security threat we need to appropriate your record and all your atmospheric data." Coulson explained following after her furious form.

"By 'appropriate' do you mean steal?" Jane tried to retrieve a case from the back of one of the vans.

Coulson reached into his suit pocket, "Here" He handed her a check, "This should more than compensate you for your trouble."

Jane smacked away the paper, "I can't just replacements at RadioShack. I made most of this equipment myself."

"Then I'm sure you can do it again." Coulson replied.

"And I'm sure I can sue you for violating my constitutional rights." Jane countered.

Coulson sighed, "I'm sorry Ms. Foster. But we're the good guys."

"So are we!" Jane protested, "I'm on the verge of understanding something extraordinary and everything I know about this phenomenon is in this lab or in this book," she waved a worn leather bound notebook in the air, "and you can't just take this away." At that moment a different agent plucked the book out of her hands and she lunged after it enraged, "Hey!" The man blocked her from the trunk where he had placed it.

"Easy!" Selvig commanded as he pulled Jane back to him and Darcy.

"Thank you for your cooperation." Coulson nodded as the cars pulled away.

Lucy had been watching the scene from the front seat of that same car. She didn't want to face the woman who's life they just ruined. Reaching into the back as Coulson started the car she read through the notebook. "I can't believe we just did that." She remarked bitterly.

"I know." Coulson agreed, "If all goes well, she'll have her stuff back in no time." He reached into his pocket, "Someone took this as well." He handed her an iPod, "We didn't know if it would have anything on it."

She scoffed, "On an iPod? I bet it's Darcy's." Unwrapping the headphones she searched through the music library, "She just downloaded thirty songs onto here as well." Lucy shook her head, "There's nothing of importance, but I'll do something to make it up to her." Then she plugged the little device into her laptop and started editing the software.

Coulson glanced over at her work, "What're you doing?"

"I'm giving her more memory space and a couple hundred more songs that I think she'll like." Lucy clarified.

"Don't clutter it with Goodman and Sinatra." Coulson jested, "She's not in her 90's."

Lucy rolled her eyes, "I might be old Phil, but I'm still hip with the kids."

-permafrost-

Coulson and Lucy rolled up to the makeshift base in the center of the crater as the agents were beginning to unpack the equipment. "This is upside-down." Lucy instructed as she lifted one of Jane's inventions and set it back right side up, "And that one goes with this one." She continued adjusting the two parts of the same device.

Coulson mocked as he brought in another weighty box, "When did you become an connoisseur on astrophysics and its state of the art devices?"

"On the ride here." Lucy waved Jane's personal data log book.

A few hours later when the sunset had turned the desert sky to garnet and then to obsidian. Clint had just arrived on base. All of the agents were still sorting through the data from Doctor Foster. The base was illuminated with several bright lights on the tops of cranes, which were placed evenly around the basin. A temporary fence had been erected and a patrol had been organized for security. Lucy was helping a few of the scientists in white lab coats gather readings from the hammer, the handheld sensor she was holding spiked and the hammer started to give off a faint blue glow. Rain started to fall as lightning bolted across the sky.

Stepping inside to escape the incoming downpour Lucy heard one of the techs tell Agent Sitwell, "Feed from the keyhole can barely penetrate the cloud cover." He gestured to the monitor which was glitching, "Tech's barely working as it is with all the interference that this thing's giving off." Typing a few commands into the computer he continued, "Hey, we've got a commercial aircraft coming in right over us, Southwest Airlines flight 5434."

"Reroute it, like all the others." Sitwell replied bored, still trying to get his own device to work.

"Hold on a sec… we got something outside the fence, west side…" the young man pointed to the screen.

Sitwell picked up his radio, "Delancy, Jackson…check it out."

A few moments later Jackson's voice cracked up from the communicator "Looks like we're good here. Must have been another coyote…"

"That wasn't the right shape for a coyote." Lucy furrowed her eyebrows walking closer to the monitors.

Sitwell again picked up the radio this time speaking more apprehensively, "Delancy, Jackson, report."

Instead of Delancy or Jackson, a different voice reported to all radios, "Agents down! We've got a perimeter breach!"

"Get Coulson." Lucy instructed the techie as Sitwell sounded the alarm. The lightning was frequent now, intermixed with the flashing of the artificial lights and the blaring of alarms. Agents gathered their weapons and rushed about to try and find the intruder. Rain fell almost in a continuous stream now, the ground quickly becoming muddy and difficult to maneuver. Clint and Lucy ran outside trying to identify where the scuffling was coming from.

"I need eyes up high with a gun!" Coulson's voice spoke from Lucy's radio.

"I got it." Clint yelled grabbing his bow, arrow, and night vision equipment. Sprinting back outside he vaulted into a crane bucket and hit the control to lift it into the air. The machine moved to put him right over the square center structure and Clint took aim following the fight with his arrow.

Back on the ground Lucy rushed to the center of the crater, stopping in one of the tunnels near by the alien object, "Coulson do you want me to engage?" she monitored the unidentified man's progress as he easily outmatched each agent sent to hinder him.

"No, wait" Coulson walked into the command center, "What have we got?" he asked Sitwell.

"We've got a massive electromagnetic surge coming from the object." Sitwell answered, "Our systems are barely coping."

"Barton." Coulson clicked his radio, "Talk to me."

"You want me to slow him down, sir?" Clint queried, "Or are you sending in more guys for him to beat up?"

"I'll let you know." Coulson replied.

Lucy climbed to the top of the cube structure watching as the intruder and the biggest agent SHIELD had on hand at the moment burst out of the side of the text and wrestled in the mud. After a few punches, the large agent went down.

"You better call it, Coulson." Clint called as the unknown man stood up, wiping his mouth, "Cause I'm staring to root for this guy."

"I'm going in." Lucy shook her head and launching herself down from the roof of the structure as the intruder ripped open the side of the plastic-enclosed box.

Clint pulled his bow taunt, "Last chance."

"Wait!" Coulson ordered, "I want to see this."

Lucy followed the man until he reached the hammer. She hesitated, crouched and at the ready in case something was to happen. The man stopped in front of the hammer, covered in mud and breathing heavily, a victorious smile broke out across his face. His fingers wrapped themselves around the handle and the tugged with every fiber of his being. But the object was still embedded inside the rock. He strained a few more times before letting go and emitting an all-consuming cry of anguish. Every muscle in his body was tensed in suffering; his face contorted with sorrow until he closed his eyes, fell to his knees, and gave up.

"Alright show's over." Coulson called into his communicator. SHIELD agents started to swarm the man taking him away in handcuffs.

Lucy straightened up and walked toward the mysterious object. It wasn't shining anymore; it just looked like a hammer stuck in a stone. Moving closer her fingers stretched out to touch the alien device. The leather felt slick with the rainwater, but soft from many hours of use. Just as she was about to grasp the handle her radio sounded.

"Marie." Coulson called from the other side of the tent, her hand slid away from the cylindrical rod connected to the large metal block, "I need you."

Picking up her communicator she responded, "I'm on my way." Taking one last look at the enigmatic mallet she spun on her heel and marched away to find her colleagues.

Unbeknownst to her, the handle gave off the subtlest hint of a glow as she walked away.

-permafrost-

As she entered the building she could see Coulson interrogating the intruder. Stopping next to Clint she handed him a towel, "How's it going?"

"Not well." He thanked her and began to dry off.

Coulson exited the room. "He's not talking is he?" Clint asked.

"Not, yet." Coulson still held out hope.

Clint continued, "Guy like that could probably take months of torture before he starts to crack. It's too bad you're not the torturing type."

"You have an idea?" Lucy piped up still trying to dry her soaked hair with a towel.

"Yeah," Clint nodded, "cut him loose."

"Let him walk?" Coulson looked at him incredulously, "Just like that?"

"After you shacked him, I saw some chick scrambling back to her car, all frantic." Clint shrugged, "Logic suggests that she gave him a ride out here and she was about as subtle in getting away as he was in getting in. I'm just saying, he maybe a pro, but the people he's mixed up with don't have a clue what they're doing. You want intel on this guy? Cut him loose and give him a tail."

"That could work." Lucy considered.

"Not a bad idea." Coulson agreed still looking through the one way mirror, "Either of you want a go?"

"I'll take a shot." Lucy was already walking toward the sliding door, "Even though it's been awhile."

"Goodbye." The blonde man said as she entered.

"Goodbye?" Lucy questioned, "We've only just met." She took a seat on the floor in front of him, crossing her legs and resting her head on her hand. "You remind me of something." She said eyeing his defeated form, "I just can't put my finger on it."

The man just stared at her, curiosity flicked across his expression. She wasn't threatening him; instead she didn't look scared at all, even lowering herself before him.

"We haven't met." Lucy thought out loud, "I never forget a face. And you're not a super soldier; I know one when I see one. I also don't believe you're working for anybody. A spy would be in and out leaving no trace, discreet and subtle. So who are you?" he didn't reply so she tried a different tactic. "Crazy weather we've been having today." She remarked, "That storm came out of nowhere. Thunder, lightening, rain the whole shebang. Coincidentally, it started the moment you came for that hammer out there, like a mother for her child. It must mean a great deal to you." she waved in the direction of said hammer. "So, that leaves only one explanation for who you are." He looked up at her, "You are somehow related to that immovable object. I'm guessing owner? If so, that would make you an alien. How am I doing?" She studied his face. A small smirk passed over his lips. Bingo. "So I'm not wrong, yet you cannot wield it. The facts aren't adding up. Care to shed some light on the subject?"

"You are a clever woman." The man nodded impressed.

"So I've been told." She waited to see if he was going to say anything else. When he didn't speak she continued, "Alright don't tell me. I always figure it out in the end."

A knock came from the door.

"That's my cue." Lucy sighed, standing up. Giving him one last glance she added, "We're trying to help, I hope you know that. Our job is to protect this world, but it isn't so easy when you don't know what you're dealing with."

Clint waited for her outside the door, "What did he say?"

"Nothing." Lucy shrugged, "We just talked about the weather. Why'd you call me out?"

"He's got a visitor." Clint replied leading her over to the entrance where Coulson was speaking to Doctor Selvig.

"His name is Donald Blake?" Coulson asked skeptically.

"Doctor Donald Blake." Selvig corrected, "He's part of our team."

"You have dangerous coworkers, Doctor Selvig." Coulson countered.

"He was distraught when he found out that you'd taken all of our research." Selvig explained, "That was years of his life, gone! You can understand how a man could go off like that. A big faceless organization like yours, coming in with their jack booted thugs and…" he backtracked, "That's how he put it."

Coulson eyed the Doctor, "That still doesn't explain how he managed to tear through our security."

Selvig raised his arms in a shrug, "Steroids! He's a bit of a fitness nut."

One of the computers beeped and a young agent called, "Sir."

Coulson looked at the screen, there was an alert, 'Falsified Data' it read across information about 'Doctor Donald J. Blake's' New York driver's license. "It says here he's an M.D." he queried.

"Well he is. Or he was." Selvig defended, "Before he became a physicist. A…A brilliant physicist. He's a wonderful man, he's a man in pain."

The door to the interrogation room opened and Selvig walked in, "Oh Donny, Donny, Donny!" Thor looked up confused. "There you are. It's going to be all right, my friend. I'm taking you home."

"Doctor Blake!" a voice cried behind the quickly retreating Selvig and Thor. They cautiously turned around to see Lucy running up to them, "I believe this is yours." She handed Thor what was obviously a SHIELD raincoat, the one he used as a disguise to break into the base. It was wrapped around Jane's notebook and Darcy's iPod. Thor took the jacket confused and peeked inside, realizing what was in it he gave her a grateful smile. She grinned in response, "Just keep him away from the bars." She reminded Doctor Selvig and the two men hurried away.

Back in the base Coulson turned to two other agents, "Follow them."

-permafrost-

The readings on the monitors were going crazy. They matched the data from a few days ago when the crater appeared.

"What the hell was that?" Coulson asked rushing into the room as Lucy and the other techs scrambled to understand what just happened.

"I don't know, sir." One of the young agents replied.

Lucy added tying furiously into one of the computers, "We got massive energy readings out of nowhere and then they just disappeared. About 15 miles due northwest."

"Let's go take a look." Coulson replied gathering his agents into the cars.

"Clint and I will stay back." Lucy called, "I'll watch for any other strange signs."

Coulson nodded driving off with his support.

-permafrost-

Over SHIELD radio:

"Base to team two." Lucy commed, "We've got activity outside the town. Stay on your target."

From the top of the building where Agents Garrett and Cale were monitoring Thor, Selvig, Jane, and Darcy have breakfast they spotted a strange sight.

"Is there a renaissance fair in town?" Agent Garrett questioned.

Agent Cale shrugged, "Call it in." he suggested.

"Uh base." Agent Garret radioed, "We've got uh Xena, Jackie Chan, and Robin Hood…"

Lucy wasn't listening anymore, all of the computers rang at once as an even larger energy signature flashed across the screens. It originated in the same location Coulson and the rest of the agents just went to inspect.

A moment later her radio rang, "Medical! We need medical and backup at the energy site."

"Alright people!" Lucy stood up, "Let's go! We've got bigger problems than an immovable hammer. Clinton, with me." and the two of them grabbed their weapons and ran to the cars.

-permafrost-

"What the hell happened here?" Clint asked as he and Lucy pulled up to the remains of several SHIELD vehicles. Large scorch marks were seared into the ground. Cars and people were scattered everywhere.

"I'd be happy to show you." Coulson pointed toward the town, "It's about twenty minutes that way."

"That's not normal." Clint observed as he and Lucy drove into town. Before them was a huge column of lighting. Grey winds wove themselves into a colossal pillar flashing every now and then with thunder and lightning. Then, Thor could be seen battling the Destroyer with the restored power of Mjolnir.

"The God of Thunder." Lucy murmured the facts clicking into place.

The agents jumped out of their cars and helped usher the civilians away from the battle. People were screaming and children were crying but there was nothing they could do but wait.

-permafrost-

When the fight was over and the storm was calm, the agents went over to where Thor and his friends were gathered.

"Excuse me!" Coulson greeted, "Donald. I don't think you've been completely honest with me."

"Know this, Son of Coul." Thor to Lucy who grinned in acknowledgement and to Coulson, "You and I we fight for the same cause, the protection of this world." He repeated her words back from earlier, "From this day forward you can count me as your ally, if you return the items you have Jane."

"Stolen." Jane remarked bitterly.

"Borrowed." Coulson corrected, "Of course you can have your equipment back."

"You're going to need it to continue your research." Lucy added.

-permafrost-

After the fight the agents slowly approached the inert form of the Destroyer, "Hey Coulson!" Clint called over, "I've just 'encountered an extraterrestrial object.'"

"You want to try to lift this one too?" Lucy finished sarcastically and the two high fived for their cleverness. From her pocket came the sound of AC/DC's Back in Black. Not even looking at the caller ID she answered, "Yes, Eddie? I'm a little busy right now."

"I'll make this quick." Tony responded, "Fury just asked me to consult for SHIELD."

"Congratulations!" She replied, "I'll be home soon. Now what did you actually want to tell me?"

You could almost hear Tony rolling his eyes and ruffling his hair, "I…uh… I finally told Pepper that…uh thing."

She smiled, "And this was last night I assume?"

"Yeah…"

"Does Rupert know?"

"He was kinda…there."

"Great." Lucy smirked, "Cause he owes me $100. Anyway…"

"Wait, wait. What?" Tony stopped her, "Did you two bet about my love life?"

"That's not important." She replied flippantly, "I'll probably be back tomorrow, see you then. Love you." And she hung up before he could say anything else.