Disclaimer: I have no creative rights over the characters and places you can identify in this story and have no way profited from this work.
Chapter 2 – Moving Objects
A Red-tailed Hawk soared over the New Mexico desert, its sharp cry piercing the clear morning air. The Hawk's cry gained the attention of an assorted group of men and women standing on the desert plains it flew over. More than a dozen individuals, several carrying heavy assault weapons stood some fifty yards from an alien circle on the desert floor. Inside the twenty foot circle was a complex pattern of intricate black markings seemingly burnt into the surface.
The phenomena known as crop circles were well known around the world. For decades, wheat fields were sometimes found marked by strange patterns, varied in design but all possessing a circular nature. A great many of these circles were nothing more than man made either as form of art or an elaborate hoax. But some in the world believed that the circles were the outlines of extra-terrestrial space craft that had 'landed' in the field during a visit to Earth. The group of men and women currently standing next to the desert circle would not have dismissed such a theory.
Their Acura MDX vehicles were stamped with the eagle motif of the Strategic Homeland Intervention Enforcement Logistics Division, better known as SHIELD. SHIELD agents were the first people to find out the awesome and humbling truth that human beings were not the only intelligent life in the cosmos. The circle in front of them was not the markings of an alien ship but the pattern left from the Bifrost, the inter-dimensional gate that could allow visitors from the realm of Asgard to visit Earth. Asgard was long thought a place of myth. Over a year ago, the arrival of the Asgardian Destroyer at this very spot and the destructive power it unleased made SHIELD aware of the terrifying reality.
The fact that even the best of Earth's military were hopelessly mismatched by more advanced civilisations was why one of the men present commenced a secret project that came to be known as the 'Avengers Initiative'. SHIELD Director Nick Fury stood to the front of the group dressed in his customary dark trench coat and looked skywards over Bifrost made circle. Fury adjusted his black eye-patch before pondering the events of the last few months and the role the Initiative had played in them.
The concept behind the Initiative was to bring together a group of extraordinary individuals to fight the battles that SHIELD or perhaps more importantly Earth, could not. The Chitauri invasion led by the Asgardian war criminal Loki four months ago on New York City was the event that bought the Initiative out in the open for the whole world to see. Only the Initiative members that the whole world knew as 'The Avengers' stopped the invasion. And it was this morning that Fury was fated to share with two Avengers, one of whom seemed to delight in pushing Fury's buttons as often as he could.
"You're sure you still want to do this, Nick?" quizzically asked a man of average height next to the right of him.
The man sported a two-day growth with his normal goatee beard and wore jeans and a black AC/DC t-shirt.
"I am," Fury calmly confirmed calmly, trying to overlook that the man had asked him six times already today.
The man was Tony Stark. Self-proclaimed genius, billionaire, playboy and philanthropist but better known over the world as the marvel called 'Iron Man' after his revolutionary suit of high-tech body armour. The reason for Stark being here was few yards behind him in the form of a cigar-shaped object. The object contained a dim blue light encased in a dark glassy material. Despite it being alien in origin, Stark thought the object could only be one thing from the data that had been collected.
"It's an alien bomb, Nick," Stark reiterated his earlier arguments. "It didn't exactly come with an instruction manual."
One of SHIELD's main roles following the Chitauri was salvaging and researching the technology used in their invasion fleet. Many of Earth's best scientists were analysing the technology under SHIELD supervision to better prepare for possible future attacks. But sometimes SHIELD resources were not enough. As head of Stark Industries, Tony Stark was one of the finest engineering and scientific minds in the world. Fury handed over the bomb to Stark and another Avenger to research.
"You've had it for just over two months now, Stark," Fury patiently reminded him. "And you're still no closer to unravelling its secrets."
To Fury's left was the other Avenger who'd been working on the bomb.
"That's unfair, Director," Bruce Banner politely protested. "The technology's beyond a lot of what we have seen, but we've made some inroads. And we've a kill switch in place in case it looks like blowing up."
When creating the Avengers, Fury felt apprehensive about sending his agents to secure the support of Dr Bruce Banner. Like Stark, Banner was gifted across a number of scientific, medical and engineering fields. Banner's intellect would be of great help for the Initiative. No, the reason for Fury's apprehension was that as the result terrible accident from an experiment on gamma radiation. The slightest provocation could see Banner transform into an indestructible power. That power was known as the 'Hulk', a nine-foot tall green skinned behemoth of unnatural strength fuelled by an unquenchable rage. Fury's fears had been justified when Loki provoked the Hulk into almost destroying the SHIELD Super Carrier. But those same fears were overcome when Hulk acted as one with the other Avengers in turning back the Chitauri. Since the invasion, Banner had been based at Stark Industries working with its owner. Neither had reported that Hulk had re-emerged in that time.
"No offence intended, Dr Banner," Fury sincerely replied. "I've read your reports." The reports had been a big reason for Fury's decision. "Including your last one that said cutting the proverbial red wire could release enough energy to blow up half a continent".
Stark wasn't going to relent on trying to keep the bomb. As far as he was concerned, it had the potential to be the scientific discovery of a lifetime.
"We could also find a new source of limitless cheap energy if we connect the green wires," the billionaire argued.
"Well as a genius, Stark," Fury replied with traceable sarcasm, "you'll remember what happened with the last bit of alien technology that had similar promise."
Fury was enjoying this conversation with Stark as for once; he was able to fully frustrate him. After seeing Stark grimace after realising he was not going to change his mind; Fury became becoming deadly serious.
"The Tesseract showed that some powers are too great for us to understand let alone control". Fury turned his gaze skyward again. "However, we do have allies that can."
"So that's why we are here," Banner concluded. "You're handing it over to Thor's people for safekeeping like the Tesseract."
"Asgard's technologically advanced and much better defended than we are," Fury reasoned. "Thor said for us to wait here for him to collect it."
"Why here?" Banner queried.
From what Thor had said, the Bifrost was supposedly capable of transporting people and objects from any point on Earth.
"While the Bifrost's being repaired, it's still able to transport visitors to places it's touched before," Fury explained.
"Wait a minute," Stark scoffed. "How do you know that let alone that Thor's coming here?"
Fury internally grinned at the much-vaunted Iron Man being unable to figure out his secret.
"The Cuban Missile Crisis showed that even the fiercest enemies need to have clear lines of communication," Fury replied. "So our government and the Russians developed the Hotline to communicate in times of crisis in order to prevent disaster. Since the invasion, SHIELD and Asgard have developed our own hotline to call on in times of crisis."
Stark's eyes lit up as the businessman in him had a flash of inspiration. Part of that inspiration was from one of the greatest satirical films ever produced.
"I still think you shouldn't worry and learn to love the bomb," he flippantly began. "But I'll stop raising it if JARVIS's allowed to link in to the hotline."
All the satisfaction that Fury had been feeling vanished in an instant. JARVIS was the artificial intelligence system that Stark designed to manage his personal technology needs including his Iron Man suit. JARVIS was arguably Earth's most advanced computer system. Given how quickly JARVIS deciphered Phase Two, Fury didn't want Stark having even the slightest opportunity to uncover any more of SHIELD's secrets.
"The hotline is not like Skype, Stark," Fury berated in exasperation. "It's for emergency purposes only!"
"Okay, okay I get it," Stark casually apologised.
I wonder how Coulson always kept cool when dealing with this egomaniac? Fury thought.
As if to test this observation, Stark asked a question. "So when you tested the hotline, what did you guys talk about? It's the first official communication between Earth and another world. Did you and Thor's Dad compare eye patches?"
The glare that Stark received from Fury in reply well and truly matched the Director's surname. To their left, both men heard Banner was having a slight chuckle.
Fury's and Stark's standoff that reminded Banner of a Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis routine. Since the invasion, Banner felt he was finally able to live a 'normal' life for the first time in many years. A Presidential Pardon for the Hulk's initial rampage in the US and working with Stark, meant Banner no longer had to spend each day looking over his shoulder. He could now openly laugh without worrying if it would tip off General Ross of his whereabouts. To be sure, the inner demons that reminded him of the presence of the 'Other Guy' were still there. However, Banner now felt he was their master.
All three's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of another MDX pulling up next to the other SHIELD vehicles. Out of the new MDX stepped out a red haired woman and two men who began walking to the trio. Agents Natasha Romanoff and Clint Barton but better known as 'Black Widow' and 'Hawkeye' respectively wore shades and their customary dark SHIELD uniforms. The other man with them had become known as the world's 'First Avenger'
Steve Rogers or Captain America wore his signature blue, white and red uniform and carried his legendary shield. Fury observed that the pride and patriotism that Rogers felt about wearing his country's colours appeared to radiate out of his uniform. To Stark, it was like showing a red rag to a bull.
"Hey, Cap," Stark began before giving his uniform a once over. "Still spangly as ever."
"Very funny, Stark," Rogers replied. "The three of us had a meeting with the Governor of New Mexico." Ever the soldier, Rogers decided to launch a counterattack. "Besides, Thor's an Avenger and a good friend. Why shouldn't I meet him in my uniform?" Rogers then looked up and down at Stark's apparel. "Dressing for the occasion is something you seem to have a handle on."
Fury and the other Avengers was a bit taken back by Roger's reply. Was Captain America not just tolerating Stark's teasing but also trying to one up him as well? The chirp that came from the mobile phone clip that hanged on Stark's right ear broke their thoughts.
"Yeah, Jarvis," Stark said to the caller.
"Sir, I'm detecting a rapid ionising of the atmosphere above us," was the reply in a clipped British accent.
Fury admitted JARVIS would be able to monitor and record data from Thor's arrival much better than any system SHIELD had. The only catch was that he had given Stark something else to gratify his genius with.
"I do believe Point Break's shooting the curl," Stark remarked to the group around him.
A burst of amber light shot down from the sky to the ground in the manner of a waterfall before disappearing in an instant. Standing in the Bifrost circle was the sixth and final member of the Avengers.
Thor Odinson wore his customary battle armour and red cloak. Casually holding his legendary hammer Mjolnir, Thor began walking to his fellow Avengers. With his otherworldly powers, it was easy understanding why the ancient Norse peoples had mythologised him as the 'God of Thunder'. For Thor though, this was a gathering of equals.
"My friends!" he warmly greeted then. "It's been too long."
"You too, Thor," Rogers replied first.
"You know," Romanoff mused to the group, "I think it's the first time we've all been together since the Chitauri."
"You would be correct, Lady Romanoff," Thor agreed. "As our services are not needed in battle, we should drink to celebrate."
"I wouldn't trust SHIELD's chlorophyll," Stark quipped.
Fury sighed before firmly stating, "If we could all please focus on why Thor's here."
"Of course," Thor quickly replied. "Is the Chitauri weapon in your possession now?"
Fury moved aside so Thor could see the bomb that was behind him.
"Good," the Asgardian said. "Just place it in the Bifrost circle and I can take it back to Asgard."
Fury signalled to a group of heavily built SHIELD agents to carry the Cigar into the Bifrost circle. The agents carried the object in a stretcher like bag. Even though the object was some four feet long, it was surprisingly much lighter than human ordnance of similar size. The group's conversation continued as the agents went about their work.
"What have you learnt about it?" Thor asked.
"It's energy's off the chart," Banner replied. "As much as I hate to admit it, Tony and I are still in the dark about how much of it works."
Stark grumbled something under his breath, an action that Thor found amusing.
"Do not be too hard on yourself, Stark," Thor friendlily consoled him. "We in Asgard shall unravel its workings. All the realms can then be kept safe from the threat it poses".
Stark heard JARVIS speaking again. "Sir, I am detecting some unusual energy readings".
"Is the Bifrost opening again?" Stark asked.
"No, sir,' JARVIS answered. "This energy pattern's quite different, as it seems to be around the bomb." JARVIS suddenly warned, "It's powering up!"
"Oh, hell!" Stark audible gasped.
Fury frowned and asked, "Is there a problem, Stark?"
A rising hum, similarly that of a beating heart, began emanating from the bomb. Its dark blue light began getting brighter by the second. Stark was about to order JARVIS to flick the kill switch. His and everyone else's attention was quickly grabbed by something else.
Above the bomb appeared a white circular light several feet in diameter. The light took the shape of a hurricane, with a dark coloured eye and a number of spiral arms forming along its edge. All the Avengers and SHIELD personnel stopped in amazement at the sight before them. In a second, 'hurricane' spun clockwise at tremendous speed creating a powerful vacuum in the form of a howling gale, dragging all into its vortex.
Avengers and SHIELD personnel were violently dumped by the gale as sand was blown into their ears, eyes and mouths. They desperately dug their fingers into the desert soil, trying to get some sort of grip to prevent them from being dragged into the vortex. All looked in horror as Banner lost his grip and was pulled towards the vortex.
"Banner!" Thor cried.
With all his might, Thor stood up as best he could and with a twirl of Mjolnir took flight to catch his friend. Thor's noble gesture was in vain as both he and Banner were sucked into the vortex and disappeared as soon as they made contact with it. Stark looked about to share their fate as he was rapidly dragged along the ground. A blue uniformed arm snapped out and grabbed his hand.
"I've got you, Stark," Rogers gasped to him.
Stark used his free hand to grasp a rock as a means to hold on. Although Captain America possessed superhuman strength and resolve, it was not enough to hold both Stark and himself against the gale unleashed by the vortex. Rogers lost his grip on both before hurtling into the air towards the vortex
"Kill it, Jarvis!" Stark screamed into his earpiece as he began to be pulled again.
In an instant the bomb's humming ceased and its light began to dim. The vortex quickly collapsed on itself but not quick enough to stop Rogers from being claimed by it. The gale ceased and all was back to being the clear day in the New Mexico desert. The bomb remained in the Bifrost circle eerily silent. If it wasn't for the desert sand that covered them and the loss of the three Avengers, there was nothing proving the vortex's existence only moments ago.
After getting up from the ground, survivors began dusting themselves off while trying to make sense of what happened.
"What the hell was that?!" exclaimed Barton as he tossed away his now broken Bloc sunglasses
"Talk to me, Jarvis," Stark commanded.
"Unknown what has happened to Masters Banner, Thor and Rogers," JARVIS reported. "But their life signs were active just before they disappeared. My initial data seems to indicate that the energy residue from the Bifrost opening must have triggered the weapon's arming mechanism. But I stress that this is just a hypothesis as I've never monitored technology this advanced before".
Stark spoke so all the others could hear.
"The Bifrost's energy may've triggered the bomb to create the sucking, swirling thing." He then looked squarely into Fury's uncovered eye. "Now do you think it's a big enough emergency for me to use the hotline?"
Stark had wanted to talk to Asgard but not like this when the lives of his friends could be in the balance.
Fury nodded his consent. "Just get our friends back".
"God, I hope they're ok," Romanoff said as she looked at where the vortex appeared.
Fury couldn't tell whether Romanoff said this as a statement or a prayer.
If we can't figure out the vortex, Fury grimly thought, divine intervention might be the only thing that can restore the Avengers.
[RD: I really couldn't think of a way of bringing the trio to Middle-earth than by the stock 'McGuffin'. Given what happened with the Tesseract, I also think Fury would be much more reluctant about playing around with alien technology.
Given Stark's nickname for Thor, I thought 'shooting the curl' an appropriate description of using the Bifrost.
The film the chapter refers to is Dr Strangelove. I speculate its dark humor appealing to Stark given the subject matter.]