An incredibly bright but familiar beam of rosy and white light and energy focused itself on the exterior landing pad on the top floor of the tower. The energy beam caused the floor and the Tower itself to shake from the impact before the energy wave disappeared just as abruptly as it initially appeared. A small cloud of smoke billowed away from the landing site.

The Midgardian occupants of the tower; Tony, Pepper and Jane watched as the energy dissipated while Loki, the lone Asgardian, was all too familiar with the energy transfer of the Bi-Frost and remained unimpressed by its arrival. The light faded away revealing a lone figure kneeling in the center of the landing pad and Loki recognized the messenger without any doubt in his mind.

"Sif." Loki said with gruff indifference as he turned his attention back toward the expansive city skyline through the giant window.

Rising to her feet, the courageous warrior, Lady Sif scanned the room and focused her gaze directly onto Loki before noticing Jane sitting on the couch. Sif's jealously of Thor choosing Jane over herself still shined in her angry, hurt eyes. Jane carrying Thor's child only intensified her jealous rage toward the mortal woman..

Sensing the building tension, Tony broke the awkward silence that filled the room. "J.A.R.V.I.S., make a note: We have got to get a better doorbell."

'Yes, sir. I shall make a note of it.' The A.I. was quite familiar with Tony's sarcasm and responded accordingly.

"Now..." Tony addressed Sif somewhat defensively on both Jane and Loki's behalf. "What brings you back to the Tower? Wait, don't tell me, You just happened to be in the neighborhood, right?"

Sif stared at Tony unamused. "I was sent to Midgard to deliver a summons to Loki." She paused a moment before finishing. "And to escort Loki back to Asgard, as per summoned."

Loki didn't flinch as Sif spoke. He seemingly continued to stare silently through the large window though in actuality he was watching Sif's reflection on the glass. He stood like a solider preparing for war; his arms folded together behind his back and his posture flawless.

Jane looked at Loki and tried to understand what was going through his mind before finally speaking up. "Loki?"

Bowing his head and shutting his eyes at the sound of Jane's voice, Loki begrudgingly answered the question that everyone had been wanting to ask. "I heard the request, but I must decline."

Sif walked into the room carrying massive authority and misplaced anger which she was now directing onto Loki. "You 'decline'?! You do not even know to what the summons regards."

"This is true, but I do know that I gave my word to you Lady Sif that I would not return to Asgard. I will not break my word and suffer at the hands on your anger merely to justify a rogue assignment."

"This is not about your word or my anger Loki, this is about your honor."

"My honor?" Loki almost laughed at the notion as he lifted his head and stared at Sif's reflection on the window again. "What concern is my 'honor' to you?"

Sif glared with intensifying hatred at Loki. "It is not my concern that has brought me to Midgard. I am here to deliver the summons and to act as escort. I will not fail to accomplish this request, even if I am required to carry you back to Asgard over my shoulder."

Finally turning around, growing irritated at Sif's persistence, Loki looked at Jane then Pepper and Tony before looking at Sif and locked onto her intense brown eyes. "Escort? Am I such an unruly fiend that I cannot be free upon my own homeland?"

Sif had no sympathy for Loki's plight and wasn't afraid to show it. "Do not act innocent Loki. You know as well as I that it was your own actions that resulted in your exhile."

"My actions were the result of the 'AllFather's' lies. The lies that I had believed as truth through my childhood. The lies to which you and those who remain loyal to Thor still cling." His eyes were burning with unresolved pain but he wouldn't back down or admit defeat. "If you wish for my cooperation then I require the truth. I caution you; do not lie to me. I am not in a mood to deal with more lies."

"You accuse me of lies?" Sif was growing more impatient with each passing second and her offense reflected her impatience.

"No." Loki answered casually. "I accuse you of deception."

The insult was enough sting Sif's pride and everyone knew it. "Deception? It was not I that betrayed Thor's emotions and led him to his death."

Jane felt as though Sif's accusation was focused more on her than Loki. She awkwardly adjusted her position on the couch and wrapped her arm around her middle as the comment made her feel as though her presence was an intrusion.

Loki sensed that Jane was feeling uncomfortable and intervened as he had become very protective of her over the past eight months. He moved from the window and stood between Jane and Sif, his posture now defensive and voice filled with the desire to hurt Sif.

"Of course not. You could never emotionally betray anyone Sif, you have such control over your emotions that one would believe you to be truly heartless wench. Which in turn explains much about your past relationship with my late Brother; Thor could never connect with one so cold."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Timeout!" Hearing enough Tony stood between Sif and Loki before deciding that he didn't want to be in their crosshairs and took a large step back. "You've both made some valid points and cruel remarks, but I think we're ALL entitled to some answers. What the hell is going on?"

Sif glared at Tony with disgust at the notion that anyone of Midgard was worthy of dealing with an Asgardian affair or request. "Asgardian matters are of no concern to Midgard."

Tony didn't appreciate her candor. "I hate to break is to you 'Xenia', but as soon as your homeboy landed on 'Midgardian' turf and destroyed a small town because of sibling rivalry," He turned to Loki briefly. "no offense," He then continued his argument and returned his attention to Sif. "any and all 'Asgardian business' that takes place on Midgard, or revolves around anyone living on Midgard, is undeniably a Midgardian concern. Spill it sister!"

Pepper wanted to say something but decided against it. She had little sway over Tony let alone two confrontation Asgardian warriors.

Never before had Sif been spoken to in such a bold manner. Feeling both indignant and annoyed by Tony's comments she resumed speaking to Loki. "Loki, shall we continue this matter elsewhere?" She walked back toward the landing pad from whence she arrived assuming that Loki would follow.

"After you oblige Stark's request." Tony and Pepper exchanged impressed glances as Loki stood his ground against Sif. He crossed his arms and stood firmly next to Jane as she sat quietly on the couch, trying to become invisible. "What task is of such importance to send an escort to Midgard to summon my return? No lies."

Sif looked back at the occupants of the room and realized that she was outnumbered. Loki had managed to earn the unbreakable support of Thor's friends, teammates of Midgard and the trust of Jane. Sif knew she could not win this confrontation.

"Loki," Sif sighed finally understanding his initial offended and guarded nature. She chose to continue speaking to Loki in a civil tongue. "I was tasked with escorting you back to Asgard by The Chronicler himself."

"The Chronicler?" Loki repeated in respectful awe. It was evident by his reaction that the name alone garnered utmost respect.

"Wait..." Tony interrupted. "Who's 'the Chronicler'? Sounds like a Bond villain."

...to be continued...

Author's Note: What do you think so far? Good, bad or so-so? Any reviews, negative or positive are always welcome! And if you're confused, reading 'An Unlikely Recruit' will help ALOT. Not self-promoting, just trying to help fill in the blanks. :)