Chapter 19: Doctor Pryor's Office - New York City
"Now the Avengers know we are coming," Morris stood and straightened out his suit jacket, "I should see to my roster."
Doctor Pryor walked him out to the front lobby, "What would you like me to do?"
"Keep them in the city, if possible, but don't risk your cover. I would like this to be a divided battle. Continue your good work on Inessa. The Ragers have eased their attack on Barnes and Rogers, but they'll be at each others throats soon enough. By the time that happens the girl must be ready to turn on them."
"Easy enough," Doctor Pryor already had her next move all planned out.
King Odin's Throne Room - Asgard
"Guards, empty the room, I would have privacy," Odin sat upon his great golden throne and surveyed the main hall. He waited until all guards and Asgardian citizens had been removed, then lifted his staff and slammed it down twice, sealing the space in a protective shield that would keep away any curious eyes or ears.
"Thank you for seeing me, King Odin," Morris emphasized the last word and grinned savagely.
Odin regarded him as he emerged from behind a damaged column as one would a particularly offensive odor, "Does Thanos really believe you are enough to put me down? I'm insulted."
Morris chuckled, "My master is happy to have you right where you are. He sends his congratulations, in fact, and looks forward to the opportunities your new position affords."
"You are not here only to say that. Speak plainly."
"I've been asked to retrieve a new Avenger for my master's collection- a girl with unusual abilities that may prove useful in future enterprises. Claiming her will mean distracting the others at least, if not outright extermination."
"Easier said than done," Odin sneered.
Morris half-nodded, "Not if you're wise in the planning," the King's expression turned sour, "I'm gathering one enemy per Avenger. They will strike simultaneously- and most Avengers will die, if not all of them. In the confusion of the battle I will personally retrieve Thanos' prize."
"I'll not expose myself to Thor," Odin replied immediately, "the key to my power here is that none know I made it off the Dark World alive."
Morris waved his words away and tisked, "I've been forbidden from even asking. Instead, I want your uncle, and you're the only person in a position to give him to me."
Odin immediately paled, "The Serpent? You know how dangerous he is. Even Thanos never challenged him. He cannot be controlled."
"He's a bit of a loose cannon, yes, but if any of my other recruits fail, he is most likely to clean up the mess. Odin himself could not control his- pardon me- your brother. He barely managed to seal him away as it was."
"So why risk it? I could recommend any one of a dozen other warriors more than capable of distracting Thor."
"Thanos has given me leave to recruit Cul Borson to my cabal. Will you or won't you comply with my request?"
"Can you guarantee his slaughter will be contained on Midgard?"
Morris nodded, "You have my word. Thanos' guards will close the passages out of that realm. Cul may serve Thanos or rule Midgard in his own right, whatever he chooses- and after the millennia he has spent locked away in Odin's prison, I'm sure it is a deal he will happily accept."
King Odin considered the proposal and every possible ramification- but he knew already what his answer had to be, he couldn't turn down Thanos. At last, he nodded, "Make it look real- no guards, no servants survive. If this goes wrong, Thanos will do worse to you than I could ever conceive." he pulled an amulet from under his breastplate and tossed it to Morris- the key to the secret prison.
"Thank you for your cooperation, King," Morris bowed and quickly left the room. Odin lowered the barriers a few minutes later- just in time to hear the first alarms echo across the land.
Little bastard works fast.
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