Loki walked proudly into the throne room under the escort of Asgardian guards .
His hands were in special handcuffs that blocked his magical abilities.
No one met him, the guards simply handcuffed him and led him to the throne room.
As soon as he entered inside, the eyes of all those gathered turned to him.
Here, all the elite of Asgard had gathered , standing in a semicircle in front of the designated place for the prisoner in the center.
On a small hill stood the One himself, sitting majestically on a throne, and next to him, at each hand, stood Thor and Frigga .
The prisoner's attention was drawn to the state of the All-Father himself . He looked much better, as if he'd aged a hundred or two years, but most notable was his gaze, which had changed, as if he were looking at him with both eyes , though this was hidden behind the gold plate.
Turning his gaze to his mother, he noticed that she was having a hard time containing her emotions, and Thor's hair was trembling slightly from the growing tension.
"Loki," the Allfather began the trial , "we are all gathered today for your trial. Do you know what you are accused of?"
- The thing is... - Loki wanted to make a joke, but seeing Frigga's face he decided not to do it - please enlighten me.
Loki Odinson, you are accused of treason, organizing an invasion by a sabotage squad of enemy forces, undermining Asgard's defenses , colluding with an unknown enemy, and organizing an invasion of Asgardian -controlled territory ...
The hall listened silently as the list of his crimes was read from the list.
- What do you say? - Odin's voice sounded like thunder in the quiet hall.
"Not guilty," there was no remorse in the defendant's voice.
the all-father said sadly.
It was hard to call what was happening a trial, and everyone understood that. Everyone knew about the crimes committed, so this whole show was done more for the benefit of the citizens of Asgard , because even the Allfather couldn't let such crimes go unpunished, even if they were committed by his son. While he could, Odin postponed the trial of his adopted son, but as time passed, the people began to whisper about the king's weakness, and that never ended well for the ruling dynasty.
"Guilty," the judge announced his verdict, "your punishment will be death."
Under other circumstances, the trial could have lasted for weeks, but within just an hour the god of deception was on his knees, unable to believe what was happening.
The king himself volunteered to carry out the sentence. Taking the ritual sword, he walked up and stood behind his son.
"I'm sorry this happened!" Both the judge and the executioner looked sad, because even though Loki wasn't his blood son, that didn't mean he wanted this fate for him. "I hope you'll forgive me."
At the moment when the blade was raised, Loki decided to look at his family one last time.
Thor was ready to rush to save his brother, but he still didn't. Most likely, everything that was happening here had already been discussed, so he restrained himself.
But seeing the only woman he valued, who never allowed herself to show emotion at such gatherings, now barely holding back tears was painful. Not wanting her last memory to be her son executed like a common criminal, he made his decision.
- STOP.
At the last moment, Odin finally managed to stop the sword's movement. Everyone listened attentively to what the prisoner wanted.
- I have valuable information that will be useful, and I am ready to give it all in exchange for my life.
Odin's eyes looked intently at his charge.
- Speak. I'm ready to listen.
"The return of one of the Avenger team to duty after a failed assassination attempt clearly demonstrated that brute force isn't always necessary to solve problems," the news anchor read from his prepared text. "Just recently, a bank robbery escalated into a hostage situation, but fortunately, a waterman quickly appeared on the scene to negotiate and was able to persuade the team to resolve the conflict without resorting to force."
- Jarvis , is there anything more interesting? There's been too much talk about him lately.
- Do you want to hear what they say about you?
- No. Better turn on the music.
The engineer hadn't planned such a ceremonial exit. After returning to earth, there was a quick flight to the tower, where the angry director scolded him and sent him back to work, of course, after a passionate kiss and a health check.
At times like these, he regretted that Pepper was the one in charge. After all, the only one who could seriously pressure him and get him to do something was his girlfriend. Of course, it wasn't all bad; a small gift from Asgard in the form of a dress had practically turned his anger to mercy, but he still had to work on his projects.
There were enough projects and there wasn't always enough time to work on everything.
The alien spaceships hadn't yet been fully studied after the Battle of London. Ultron required constant testing. Improving his armor took time, and then there were the individual projects to increase Stark Industries' profits , all of which took time, and his unexpected vacation had lasted much longer than he'd planned.
- Sir, you have a guest.
- You know not to disturb me - figuring out a small device from an alien ship was much more interesting for the inventor than the aforementioned guests.
- This is Director Fury and he is waiting for you in the living room, Miss Potts asked me to tell you that this is important.
After some thought and a heavy sigh, I had to put aside the sample I hadn't yet studied and head to a larger, more spacious room with a guest area on one of the upper floors where the guest was currently located.
"I see we've become more polite now," Tony said, ignoring the black man in the black cloak sitting on the couch as he headed to the bar to pour himself a drink. "It seems like everyone used to come to my place like it was their own place. What's changed?"
- Hello, Stark. Just to clarify, I'm not here of my own free will. I have plenty to do without needing to visit you.
No longer sitting on the couch, he stood up and walked over to the bar counter, for which he received a transparent glass with a dark liquid in front of him.
- And yet you're here! To what do I owe this visit?
- I'm here because many people are unhappy with your recent actions.
- Someone is always dissatisfied - he waved his hand carelessly - are the old men who sit and pretend to think about the future suddenly worried about something?
"Many are unhappy with how close you've become to a certain Russian," Fury said, watching Stark closely. "While it didn't affect anything before, your friendship is now a nuisance to many."
- So what? I'm a sociable person and I can make new acquaintances, what's wrong with that?
- If you had only communicated with him, there would be no questions, but you provided him with the technology of your reactors.
"And I don't regret it at all," he said with a smile, clearly to annoy his interlocutor.
The hospital where the tour was conducted, like many other buildings built near the Ledov clinic, was connected to generators installed by Stark Industries employees to produce cheap energy.
– Now they definitely won't turn off the lights there for non-payment.
- That's good of course, but why did you provide your technology to them and not to your own country?
Recalling the recent events surrounding his forced move, the tower owner became a little tense.
- This country that almost killed me?
For Fury , this was a sore point; the situation revealed that his intelligence was riddled with holes that weren't providing him with the information he needed. After the kidnapping of the president, a whole slew of impurities began to surface, and all of this only added to the intelligence chief's headaches.
- And yet. You could have shared many of your developments, but you specifically sent your people, who built another huge arc reactor, which now powers all of Ledov's projects.
"I gave him my generators because he told me what he needed them for, so I saw no reason to refuse. But when word got out, the company's shares skyrocketed."
- You could do all this here in the States. If it's a question of money...
"It's not just about money. Yes, I could hand it over to the government and even build new generators, but no one here has ever suggested that. Because no one needs it; all my big energy projects are being stifled by the oilmen , who have bribed half the Senate and who don't benefit from a falling oil price, and by those who profit from the military-industrial complex, who have bribed the other half of the Senate and are doing all this simply to spite me."
The intelligence officer had no worthy argument for this.
"No one here has suggested I improve the social situation or the lives of citizens. But proposals to make more weapons for the Pentagon or other military-industrial complex simply don't fit in the inbox."
Tony took another sip, after which Jarvis warned him about exceeding the alcohol limit, to which Tony only winced, but pushed the glass away.
- I actually thought you were going to come to me about what I posted online.
Many players asked the developers why the battle in New York ended with a bomb exploding if the timer reached zero. The development team monitoring the project didn't answer because they weren't sure how to respond, but Iron Man did. He simply posted the full transcript of the conversations that transpired at that moment, from start to finish. So that if anything happened, it couldn't be claimed that the recording had been edited.
As soon as the recording appeared online, many were unhappy that the city was about to be destroyed and many protests were organized against the government, because ordinary people did not know who exactly was ready to kill millions of people, although there was still a chance of victory.
"Of course, this issue should have been discussed, but I'm actually glad about these actions. I was against sending her to the city from the very beginning . So let them sort it out themselves now," the black director chuckled contentedly. "It's a shame they'll blame some general, and hang all sorts of sins on him to make themselves look cleaner in comparison."
Noticing that Stark hadn't moved his glass closer to him, the director of the shield brazenly and smilingly took a big sip from his glass.
- Unfortunately, they decided to punish you somehow and show that even if they can't get to you now, they can easily get to your friends.
It was Fury who reported the recent news that Colonel Rhodes had been discharged from the service for the loss of military property. Of course, it was a shock to everyone that Stark had decided not to help his friend search for the armor, whose whereabouts were now unknown, while politicians were trying to reassure those who had seen it unauthorized. No one was going to report the loss of such a combat unit to the press, as it would have cast a dark shadow on American power.
"And that doesn't give them any points in my eyes, and there's no need to worry too much about that. For cases like this, my friends have a friend who owns a large company and who can find them good, high-paying jobs. And with full benefits and a wonderful boss like me. Is that bad?"
- Things will get bad when you have nothing to pay your friends with, when your company is taken apart , and then how are you going to help your friends?
-And here, please, in more detail - Stark changed the glass , which now contained orange juice.
"Your behavior is going too far. You're not helping find the suit belonging to the US. You're leaking classified information online. You're befriending the Russians. You're providing them with technology you've never shared with anyone before. That's why many people think you're becoming too much of a problem and it's easier to take everything by force than to continue trying to get anything out of you."
- Pffff . - At one point, taking a sip from his glass, Tony simply choked on what he heard, but if the director of the shield thought this news shocked him, then he was wrong - ahahahaha
A loud laugh echoed through the room. A single menacing eye stared at the man who seemed amused.
- What's funny, Stark?
- I started laughing at all this!
"What's so funny to you? They want to take away your father's legacy because his son decided to do God knows what."
Tony walked over to the large panoramic window and looked out at the city below.
"Just recently, this place was a war zone. The army couldn't do anything. The only hope was a bunch of freaks who were just doing what they thought was right, but even so, they decided to attack us with a lizard, and if it weren't for luck, this place would be in ruins now."
He turned around and looked at the only eye that was looking at him with a serious gaze.
"As soon as the threat of alien invasion faded, everyone returned to their squabbling for power, ready to lie, blackmail, even kill, just to get a little more power, as if the several invasions on the planet had never happened. They all sit in their offices and think they rule the world, but as soon as something goes wrong, they can't do anything themselves, they're constantly looking for someone to clean up the mess for them. You all can't even catch the one suit that's currently flying around the world, but they suddenly decided they can take them all."
The director of the shield did not dare to distract Stark while he was giving his speech, because he did not even need to ask questions, they were already telling him everything.
"No!" Stark delivered his verdict. "They are my creation , and I will decide what to do with them. And tell everyone that I love my country. This is my home! But if they don't want me here, then I will sadly leave."
The serious man in the black cloak frowned at the last sentence, but then smiled. The threat that Iron Man would no longer be one of the symbols of America's greatness would silence many in Washington, while the rest of those willing to take the risk would be silenced by that same majority. Even the thought of Iron Man working for the Russians or any other country would terrify them in their worst nightmares.
- As you say, Stark. Do you have anything else to say?
- Exactly - he snapped his fingers and went to look for a small flash drive; in his small mess he found it in a couple of minutes - thanks for reminding me, the water-player asked me to give it to you.
"Me? Ledov?" He looked at the seemingly ordinary flash drive with disbelief. "What's in there?"
- I have no idea. I was simply asked to hand her over to you if possible.
The intelligence veteran clearly sensed something was wrong, and looking at the billionaire's face, he could see he was blatantly lying. At the moment, it wasn't clear what was going on, but years of experience told him they were hiding something from him. Pocketing the flash drive, he headed for the exit, having found out everything he needed for his report. But just before he left, Stark called out to him.
- Don't call me, I'll be very busy soon.
"What the hell is going on?" Fury thought , touching the flash drive they gave him.
When the spy agency's director left the building and Jarvis checked for any bugs he might have left behind, Tony relaxed slightly.
- Jarvis, stop playing games with little girls.
-What are you talking about, sir? - and the voice is so pretentious.
- Tell the water spirit that someone came to see me.
Alex let out a heavy sigh and stretched. He looked at the time and his eyes widened. He'd started working on his project in the evening, and it was already morning.
Heaving another heavy sigh, realizing he wouldn't be able to sleep, he stood up and did a few quick stretches. A glass of half-drunk, now cold, coffee stood nearby.
Cases piled up like an avalanche. After his triumphant return and the rescue of the hostages, much time had to be devoted to the people waiting in line for his personal treatment. Several celebrities who decided to improve their health, models paid by businessmen to make women in their thirties look like they were in their early twenties—these were the only people who brought him money directly. And then there were the many who were treated through his charitable foundation, which began receiving funds as soon as the first patients left the clinic.
Sometimes, I had to divert my attention from engaging research to less interesting activities. Meetings with subordinates, which also required time, and reports that needed to be read.
Now one of his lab assistants asked him to come to a meeting with someone from the government because Alex himself got carried away and did not answer his calls.
Entering the meeting room, he was met by a slightly overweight man in a business suit with a bald head and glasses. He had a briefcase with him, which was now lying on the table.
- Dymov Vyacheslav Grigorievich - the official extended his hand for a handshake - the first assistant to the president on issues of people with extraordinary abilities.
- Good afternoon, you know me? - a hand was extended in response. - I didn't know such a position existed.
- Yes, I was recently "promoted"; before that, I held the position of Minister of Public Relations.
"I congratulate you, of course, but what do I owe you? As far as I know, I'm fulfilling all the agreements."
They both sat down at the table on two adjacent chairs.
It all started with gratitude for a job well done, and how the reputation of a hero who helps people without running around in a mask and destroying the city gives additional points in the public eye and opens up many opportunities for the country. Then came the typical part about how good and beneficial it is to be a true patriot and how the government values someone who is willing to accommodate them on many issues.
But there's a fly in the ointment. Of course, there will always be those who won't be happy with Alex himself or his work, no matter what he does. These people are silent now because no one will openly criticize the person who organized such charitable assistance. So, they were asked to continue this, so they would remain quiet and have no reason to show up.
Concerns were also raised about getting too close to the Americans, to which a government official received several photographs of fighter jet crash sites after skirmishes with extraterrestrial pirates.
- Vyachislav Grigorievich, I would like to say that I would like to help with this issue, but over the past few years we have had a bunch of problems that no one previously suspected, and the governments so far can't even solve these problems.
The official tensed up, because he had reports on these clashes with space pirates , which were happening more and more frequently and more brazenly every month.
"That's why I'm willing to cooperate with anyone who's willing to help resolve this issue, and Tony Stark wants to resolve it too. Besides that, I'm trying to improve relations with Asgard so that we have an ally who can help resolve the issue if an alien fleet, and not some gang of pirates, suddenly appears in orbit around the planet."
- And we are grateful that you are working in this direction, but why not ask Asgard to resolve the issue, I am sure they have all the capabilities.
- If you want, I can ask Thor to come to a meeting where you can discuss this matter. Should I do that?
The presidential aide couldn't even fathom the idea that if the negotiations were successful, the asking price might be prohibitive. It's one thing for Asagrd not to interfere in the affairs of Earthlings, but quite another for it to start imposing its own rules. Moreover, this is a global problem, not just one country's.
- Thank you, Alexander Dmitrievich, I will pass this question on to the higher management.
clear to Alex that the official part of the conversation was over. Now one of the highest-ranking officials had decided to raise another issue.
- It is obvious to me that you value your freedom, but I would like to offer you the opportunity to work with an organization that is trying to bring order to this world, sometimes using methods that are not the most approved.
After the announcement, Alex's eyes looked closely at his interlocutor and after the examination, a sly smile appeared on his face.
- Isn't this an organization that took the name of a mythical creature with many heads?
Now Alex himself received a close look.
- How much do you know about us?
- Ha ha Ha – Alex stood up and decided to pour himself and his companion some high-proof liquid – so you explain to me how it happened that in a country that has been cursing any mention of fascism for the last seventy years, an organization was able to appear that is its direct follower.
The filled glass was passed to the interlocutor.
- And not only do you exist, but you have also penetrated the highest echelons of power!
- You must understand that not all people like the ideology of equality, and some of our members were already here before the war began, and then simply played their roles.
They both took a sip.
"Nothing personal, but your organization has a very bad reputation. Besides, you still owe me for the fact that the whole world doesn't know about you yet. The last thing I need is for these 'human labs' to be somehow connected to me."
This was a hint at those complexes where mutants were kept in cages and experiments on them failed.
- I agree, it didn't work out very well and those who did this have already been punished.
" I'm sure they were punished. After all, they shouldn't have even known about these facilities, much less lost everything they contained. Now, if you'd come to me and said, 'Let's do the same thing, only more formally and beautifully,' then I'd have thought about it, but this is it."
- This is our shortcoming, I am sure you did everything correctly.
doubt that Ledov himself did not have a laboratory where research was conducted.
-And therefore, if someone comes, I will calmly show and tell everything.
All this time, Alex was smiling contentedly at the attempts to re-recruit him , and realizing that this would not work, the Hydra member decided to get ready.
- Vyachislav Grigorievich - just before leaving, Alex decided to give the last word - the only reason why I haven't yet started to get heavily involved in your organization is so that you could be a counterweight to General Dreykov and his people.
The head of one of the Hydra cells left clearly dissatisfied and will try to voice his displeasure in the future. Fortunately, no unknown missile test launches are expected that will hit his workplace. Otherwise, he'll have to explain himself, which would only draw unnecessary questions for the new presidential aide, especially before the upcoming elections. But there are plenty of other ways to cause trouble.
Standing and looking out the window, Alex wondered how exactly they could attack what he had created.
After thinking for a bit, he took out his phone and sent it via a secure channel.
- They came to me too.
P.S. Don't judge me harshly for how I write about characters like Tony and Loki. They're very difficult to write.