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 5 – Many Conversations
The Fellowship, now twelve in number, continued its journey southwards. Its latest members were grateful for the bread, dry meat and fruit they offered them to slake their hunger. The Fellowship passed close by the location that that the Avengers had originally arrived in Middle-earth. Aragorn accompanied Rogers to quickly investigate if there had been any new arrivals from New Mexico. Rogers was impressed by the wilderness skills displayed by the Ranger, as the pair found no fresh tracks.
It was now afternoon. As Gandalf observed, the original Fellowship and its new members had many questions to ask each other. Thor, Rogers and Banner spread themselves among the other members of the Fellowship to assist this. Gandalf and Thor conversed at the head of the Fellowship's column.
"So your family is the ruling house of this Asgard?" Gandalf asked Thor.
"Yes," Thor proudly replied. "I am the eldest of the All-Father Odin who's been King of Asgard for many an age."
At the mention of his father's name, Thor noticed a spark of recognition in Gandalf's eyes. Gandalf peered into the distance as he tried to recollect the name.
"Odin," Gandalf murmured. "I have heard that name somewhere before." After a brief moment, the Wizard shook his head in regret. "My apologies, Prince of Asgard. At my age, my memory's not as good as what it used to be. But if I understand you correctly, Asgard is a separate world to the one your two friends come from."
Thor nodded before explaining further. "There's is bridge called the Bifrost that allows us to travel almost instantaneously to Midgard or 'Earth' as its people prefer to call it. We in Asgard prefer not to interfere in the affairs of Midgard's people. Though as protectors of the Nine Realms, we're still pledged to aid them against threats they are unable to handle. My last visit to Earth was just over a few months ago to stop an invasion led by my brother Loki."
Gandalf was disturbed by the last part of Thor's answer. Gandalf was acquainted with the results of political strife and wars in Middle-earth caused by familial rivalry within ruling houses. If Thor had found a way to Middle-earth could this 'Loki' do likewise? He needed to know what sort of a threat their sibling rivalry could pose to the Free-Peoples.
"Why did your brother take up arms against you and Earth's people?" the Wizard sensitively asked.
Gandalf noted the Asgardian's initial reaction to the question. Thor's expression and tone of voice indicated the incident greatly pained him.
"I'm not sure when it started," Thor began. "But at some point, Loki began to believe, unjustly, that our father loved him less than he loved me. He resolved that he should be the ruler of Asgard. Through his intrigues, he was almost successful. My father, friends and I only prevented him at the very last moment.
"We thought he'd slipped our grasp and was presumed dead. A year hence, Loki re-emerged. He decided if he could not be ruler of Asgard, he'd be ruler of Midgard instead. He led an invasion force that its people had no chance of stopping. Fortunately, I was able to aid Rogers, Banner and others in stopping the invasion at its early stages.
"As of now, my brother is held in Asgard's most secure cell, stripped of all his power and titles. I still live in the hope – our mother's the only other one – he will see the error of his ways and come back to us. My father though believes all Loki has left is a burning hatred of all who oppose his ambitions. Regrettably, my father's judgement is rarely wrong about such matters."
Gandalf let out an audible sigh in both sympathy and understanding. "Betrayal cuts deep in our world as well, Thor. The route we are travelling is in part so as to avoid the attentions of Saruman who resides in Isengard to the south of us".
"Who is this 'Saruman'?" Thor asked
"The former White Wizard." Gandalf explained. "He was the head of our order. He was wise, powerful and I thought him a good friend. At some point, without the rest of us knowing, he strayed from his true purpose. Like your brother, he has ended up believing that the great power in his possession should be used to rule over others rather than to serve them. I myself walked into a trap of his and Saruman held me prisoner atop his tower. I only escaped after the greatest stroke of luck.
"I'm not at liberty to discuss the full nature of the quest my companions and I have embarked on. All I can say is that our quest is of great importance to the future of Middle-earth and Saruman would very much like to prevent us from succeeding.
"I think the reason that betrayal hurts deeply, Thor, is not so much that it is an act done by those we trust. Its hurt comes from us still caring about the betrayer even though their actions merit we shouldn't."
Gandalf's appearance and wisdom reminded Thor of some one else.
"Grey Wizard," Thor began, "should you ever come to Asgard I shall introduce you to my father. I feel you two will get along well."
The pair shared a smile at Thor's kind remark until they were interrupted by a polite cough to their right. Gimli had walked up beside both of them.
"Begging both your pardons," Gimli excused himself before giving a nod to Mjolnir that now hung on Thor's belt. "I must say, that's a mighty fine hammer you have in your possession, Master Thor."
"Thank you, Master Dwarf," Thor acknowledged Gimli's compliment. "Its name is Mjolnir. My father presented it to me when I first came of age. He said it was an appropriate companion to a king, being a tool to build or a weapon to destroy."
"The greatest our craftsmen would be proud to create a hammer of its like," Gimli said with clear admiration.
"It may please to you know, Son of Gloin," Thor informed him. "Mjolnir was crafted by the Dwarves whose realm borders Asgard. They were able to exact quite a high price from my father for its possession. They believed it just as they had forged Mjolnir within the heart of a dying star."
Gimli's voice didn't hide his scepticism. "Forged in the heart of a dying star?!" Quickly changing tone, Gimli continued, "Oh I don't doubt your word, Odinson. But the stars at night have been the same for generations. A Dwarf claiming to have used a dying one as a forge is probably speaking from consuming too much ale."
"Dwarves," Gandalf commented with a twinkle in his eye. "Both master artisans and proudly stubborn. Thor, it would appear that betrayal isn't the only thing our worlds have in common."
Following a few steps behind the head of the column were Boromir and Rogers. Boromir was glad that this 'Steve Rogers' appeared to be a polite, plain speaking military man like himself. Walking left of him, Boromir noted the straps that allowed Rogers to carry his shield like a backpack.
"Are all the soldiers of your country dressed and armed such as yourself?" Boromir asked gesturing to Roger's shield.
"No, sir," Rogers responded respectfully.
"Captain Rogers, we're all equals in this Fellowship," Boromir friendlily informed him. "If I allow you to call me Boromir, will you let me call you Steve"?
Rogers smiled and nodded his agreement. "You see, Boromir. My shield's made from a very rare metal called 'Vibranium'. When they developed it, I think my government used just about all of the vibranium in the world. The uniform's pretty much a one-off as well. To raise the morale of the folks during the War, they dressed me in a uniform that had all our national colours. They called me 'Captain America' – America being the name of my country. It took some getting used to considering I couldn't even enlist when war broke out."
Rogers grinned at the incredulous look on Boromir's face.
"I know it's hard to believe," Rogers commented. "But I used to be about a foot shorter and weigh a hundred pounds lighter. I couldn't even pass the basic physical due to a number of ailments I had."
Boromir's shock was evident in his tone as he asked, "Then how did you –".
"Get to how I am now?" Rogers finished for him. "In the end, the only way I could join the army was if I volunteered to be part of a secret program called 'Project Rebirth'. I was the first to be given a treatment that increased your strength, agility and stamina to its outer limits. It was developed by a guy called Abraham Erskine."
"Were there any others who received his treatment?" Boromir wanted to know.
The Gondorian noticed a genuine sorrow on Rogers's face as the American shook his head.
"Unfortunately, Erskine was killed by a traitor in our ranks just after I'd received it," Rogers recalled sad memories. "With Erskine's death, the knowledge of the treatment died with him. So apart from being the first Super Soldier, I was also the last."
Boromir was greatly intrigued by Roger's story. He had participated in many of Gondor's military training and programs ever since adolescence. Indeed, as its current Captain-General, he'd improved the quality of these programs to such an extent they were considered among the finest in Middle-earth. But he had never heard of a program that could change a man's physique to the extent that Rogers had described and demonstrated. They may have lost the program's knowledge, but the military of this 'America' must be a lot more advanced than Gondor's to even sponsor it. He wondered if America was located in Middle-earth in parts unheard. From Roger's description, it appeared to be a great and powerful nation of Men. As its nation's champion, maybe Captain America could persuade it to be Gondor's ally. If Rogers's prowess was a reflection of it, America's army may not bring victory against the growing darkness. However, American aid would certainly help stem the tide that Gondor was currently swimming against. Boromir's musings were stopped by a question from Rogers.
"So these 'Orcs' are enemies of yours?" he asked.
"They are the foot soldiers of Sauron, the Dark Lord of Mordor," Boromir confirmed. "They are savage, merciless and live only to indulge their violent passions. I think your friend Bruce got a good taste of their ways."
"Is this 'Mordor' close by?"
Boromir shook his head. "No, it's hundreds of leagues away. But Sauron's reach has grown very long in recent years. All the lands of the Free Peoples find themselves under attack by orcs and other foul creatures at his command." Boromir used this to segue in explaining his own country's predicament. "But Sauron's threat is greatest to my own country, Gondor, as we are right on the border of Mordor. As its Captain-General, I am charged with leading her defence."
Now it was Rogers turn to be surprised in the conversation. Boromir had just revealed he was his country's Commander in Chief. Rogers proudly remembered the times he had met with General Eisenhower and greatly respected him as a superior. For good reason, it was very rare for the General to enter the frontline of battle. Yet Boromir, with a seemingly similar position, entered into battle personally to help him and his friends.
"I know you wouldn't be here if there wasn't a good reason." Rogers prefaced before inquiring, "But why are you here and not leading Gondor's defence?
Boromir took no offence. "In normal circumstances you would be right, Steve. My being here is a measure of just how desperate Gondor's plight grows. My father sent me to Rivendell to meet with the representatives of the other Free Peoples to try and secure their aid in our struggle." Remembering Aragorn's warning Boromir did not mention what his father had also asked him to secure.
Trying to see if he understood the implication of what Boromir said, Rogers asked, "Is your father the King of Gondor?"
Boromir momentarily looked over his shoulder to the rear of the Fellowship's column where Aragorn and Legolas were. Rogers assumed that Boromir was just checking on their welfare. When he had finished looking, Boromir turned to Rogers before replying.
"No, my father holds the office of Steward," Boromir answered. "The last King of Gondor vacated the throne more than a thousand years ago. In the King's absence, the Stewards have ruled Gondor in their stead. The Stewards will continue their rule until the heir to Gondor's crown returns to claim it."
"Are any descendants of the King still alive?" Rogers asked.
"Even if there are, they seem to have no interest in returning to Gondor," Boromir concluded. "Maybe it's not surprising. Many believe Gondor's doomed in the face of Mordor's advance."
Rogers could hear in his words the great burden that Boromir felt. Rogers believed that a nation's people losing faith during times of war posed a greater threat than any forces an enemy could deploy.
"In the war I fought in," he recalled to Boromir his own experience. "America and our allies struggled against a dictator that wanted all to kneel before him. Although we won, we faced some pretty desperate times before we did. I believe that as long as one person's willing to make a stand, evil will never triumph."
Jaded by the struggle against Mordor, Boromir's mind would normally have cynically dismissed Roger's words. But the way he spoke made Roger's words spark something in Boromir. In his experience, Boromir found that veteran warriors (including him) developed pronounced feelings of world-weariness. Despite all the fighting he seemed to have experienced, Rogers though retained a strong sense of idealism as well as a genuine patriotism. Despite having just met him, Boromir found himself quickly warming to Rogers.
"Captain America," Boromir declared as he placed a friendly hand on the taller man's shoulder, "Gondor could use some soldiers like you."
As they shared his lack of military experience as such, Banner found that he could relate best to the Hobbits in the Fellowship. The scientist in Banner liked the innocent curiosity they displayed towards him and by the friendly manner they answered his own questions about them.
"If you don't mind me saying so," said Pippin to his right who seemed to be the most talkative of them. "You don't look much like a soldier like your friends, Master Banner".
"Bruce, please," Banner insisted. "No offence taken either as you're right. I'm a Doctor".
From what the Hobbits had told him about the Shire, Banner concluded that the concept of researching gamma radiation would be lost on them. Banner chose to mention a career of his he thought they would have an understanding of.
"I'm sorry, Bruce, but what's a 'Doctor'?" Merry asked who was walking to his left.
So much for that idea, Banner thought before he replied, "It's a profession that identifies people's illnesses and injuries and heals them."
"You're a bit like Strider then!" Sam commented who was just behind Merry leading Bill by the pony's reins.
"Strider?" Bruce said confused. "Who's 'Strider'?"
"That's a name that Aragorn goes by sometimes," Merry explained. "I guess it must seem strange to you a person going by a different name".
"Not really," Banner said as he remembered the numerous false names and identities he had used during his years on the run. He still had another identity that he could not so easily shed. "I have this…condition that when I get angry a whole different side of me comes out. My condition has been called 'The Hulk'."
"Oh," Merry, Pippin and Sam simply replied.
To his thinking, Pippin thought Banner's reply rather odd. As far as Pippin knew, no Hobbit had suffered an illness called 'Hulk' after getting angry. Perhaps it was something that only affected Men? Having just met him, Pippin did not want to appear rude by asking Banner about it. As Aragorn seemed to know a lot about ills and cures, maybe he could quietly ask him what Hulk was.
"We all show a different side of ourselves when we get angry, Bruce," Merry tried to cheer Banner. "But its not who you really are as a person."
"He's right, Bruce," Sam agreed before nodding in Gandalf's direction. "Even Mister Gandalf got angry at me when he caught me eavesdropping on him and Frodo. I was that scared, I found myself begging him not to turn me into anything unnatural!"
Banner shared Merry and Pippin's laughter at Sam's remark.
Sam, if you only knew the irony in talking to me about turning into something unnatural, Banner thought.
Sam's story made Banner realise that Frodo had not said a word for quite some time. Banner looked over his right shoulder to where Frodo was walking. As he walked, Frodo's eyes were focused on the ground seemingly lost in thought. He also seemed to be rubbing his chest intently. Banner's instincts as a doctor kicked.
"Frodo, are you alright?" Banner asked. "Are you feeling tight in the chest?"
Banner's question immediately woke Frodo from his thoughts. Frodo looked at him seemingly concerned that Banner had seen his actions.
"I'm fine thanks, Bruce," Frodo politely informed him. "It's just that I 've a few things on my mind."
Taking Frodo at his word, Banner turned his gaze forwards again. A disembodied voice spoke in Banner's mind.
The Halfling is lying to you, Bruce Banner. He carries something that could be of great aid to you.
Banner gasped at what he'd just heard. From the stirrings he felt inside him, he knew the Other Guy had heard it as well. In fact, he seemed to be pretty annoyed by it. The Other Guy was also convinced Frodo to be the voice's source. Before he knew it, Banner glared at Frodo in anger.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!" Banner growled at Frodo in the Hulk's guttural voice.
Frodo yelped in fright before stumbling back a couple of paces at the rage directed towards him. The rest of the Fellowship immediately stopped, startled by Banner's outburst. Recognising the tone of voice, Thor and Rogers had both expected to see the Other Guy revealed for all to see. Both were relieved to see Banner was still there. From the rear of the Fellowship, Aragorn rushed up and gently grabbed Frodo's shoulders in support of him.
"Frodo, is all well?" Aragorn asked concerned.
Frodo shot a frightened look to Aragorn as a child looking to its father for reassurance. Seeing Frodo was not (at least physically) harmed, Aragorn then stared at Banner with a mixture of concern, astonishment and anger.
Rogers slowly moved up to Banner and asked him in a cautious but knowing voice, "Bruce?"
The Other Guy's anger receded at Rogers's question. Banner was appalled by what had just transpired. He had thought he had better control than ever over his emotions. The way he'd snapped at Frodo, though, was just like how he was after his accident when he struggled to prevent the Hulk from totally consuming his person.
Banner then remembered the voice he had just heard. Releasing the Other Guy was not like flicking a light switch. For Banner, the Hulk was part of his consciousness, always reminding him of his presence. Sometimes this presence was manifested in the form of inner voices of anger, self-loathing and despair. The voice he'd just heard though was nothing like that. Its tone was more of a seductive malice. Even having just gotten acquainted with them, Hobbits seemed incapable of saying anything like he just heard.
"Sorry, Frodo," a shaken Banner apologised. "I had no right to speak to you like that." Banner looked around at the rest of the Fellowship. "Sorry for scaring everyone. It's no excuse, but it's been a very long day."
After his initial fright had left him, Frodo guessed it wasn't the first such outburst from Banner given Rogers's question. Combined with his ordeal with the orcs, did the Ring trigger Banner's anger? Frodo remembered before departing Rivendell, the effect it had on his Uncle Bilbo who desired it just for a moment.
Seeing the genuine remorse in Banner's eyes, Frodo graciously accepted his apology. "It's alright, Bruce. I know you didn't mean it. Given what you have been through today, we understand."
"Indeed we do, Frodo," Gandalf agreed who had walked up to him unnoticed.
Rogers sensed Gandalf and Frodo shared some sort of private understanding given how the Wizard raised his eyebrows when speaking. Gandalf then looked to the western horizon where the sun was slinking towards the horizon.
"Master Banner is right though," Gandalf commented. "It's been a long day for all of us. I suggest we travel a bit further before setting camp for the night".
Agreeing to Gandalf's suggestion, the Fellowship completed their day's travel in silence.
Some of this chapter's conversations are from what I consider to be natural pairings. Gandalf would be best capable of understanding, at least in part, Thor's world and the extraordinary powers that are part of it. Likewise, I thought Cap and Boromir would get on well given they're their respective nation's champions.
While not being able to control minds, the One Ring had a pervasive influence in terms of temptation. I've little doubt it would play on the delicate balance between Banner and Hulk as a means of dramatically destroying the Fellowship.
[RD: I amended Cap's last line in his pep talk to Boromir. It's derived from Infinity Gauntlet #4. Can't imagine why I was inspired to use it.]