Green Tinted Glass

Lucia fought her way to consciousness, her eyelids heavier than they had been last night. She had tossed and turned, and when sleep had finally come to claim her it was fitful and irregular, ever haunted by the voice of that ugly purple giant. She yawned, massaging her head as she ambled towards her bathroom, hoping a cold shower might wake her up and cure her of her ever-present headache. 

It did not. 

She dressed, and then collected the papers from her desk, attempting to arrange them into some semblance of order before she went upstairs. Her room was on the 75th floor, the highest of the 6 floors of private rooms and bathrooms reserved for Tony’s houseguests, mostly people who were crashing there after one of his massive parties. Lucia had been the only permanent tenant on those floors for a while, but for the last year there had been two others: Steve and Natasha, who Tony had graciously allowed to stay in the Tower after their respective S.H.I.E.L.D assigned apartments had been destroyed in the battle of New York. After all, it was the Avenger’s base now.

Lucia knew it took a lot for Tony to let Steve stay. All he could see when he looked at Steve was their father bragging about having known him, and talking up his greatness. Tony had never gotten along with their father, and Steve’s face served as a constant reminder of Tony’s failure to live up to Steve’s greatness in Howard’s eyes. It was an open wound, doubled by the fact that Tony had been on bad terms with Howard when he died. 

Sometimes, Lucia was glad she was only six when they died; she had never had to endure her father’s expectations. Her only memories of him were of a smart and kind man, even if he was distant at times, consumed by his work.

Lucia wandered upstairs, taking a scenic route through the empty floors. It was awfully lonely and dark. 

She reached her destination (the kitchen) and put some bread in the toaster. She waited sleepily by it, and jumped when it popped, shocking her back awake. She shook her head. She would need to get some sleeping pills or something- she couldn't work like this. 

Just then, her phone buzzed. It was Fury. 

Floor 76 in 5. Don't be late. 

Lucia groaned. What now? Another lecture? She spread some peanut butter on her toast, gathered her papers, and headed up the stairs. 

The 76th floor was the one with the deck, and Fury was out on it, leaning against the railing and looking at the view. Lucia set her papers down on the bar and joined him outside. 

“Nice day, it's usually pretty windy up here.” She said, not bothering to greet him. 

“Yes it is.” he agreed, turning from the view to face her. “Do you have my report?” 

Lucia gestured with her head. “Ifs infide.” She mumbled, her mouth full of toast. 

Fury nodded. “I got a message this morning praising your contributions to Greenwich college. Well done on getting them off our ass.” 

“Money softens everyone.” Lucia hummed. 

“Unfortunately it doesn’t soften people who already have more of it than they know what to do with.” 

Lucia raised an eyebrow in question. 

“Tomorrow, you’re going to be S.H.I.E.L.D’s representative in the General assembly of the United Nations. Please tell me you’ve got a plan of attack?”

“Uh, sweet talk them till they let us keep him?” 

Fury huffed, turning back towards the view. Lucia realized he was looking out towards the UN headquarters. “You realize what happens if this meeting doesn’t go our way, don’t you?” 

Lucia nodded, growing serious. “I know. The best place Loki can be is in the Avengers' hands.” 

“Damn right. I can trust you with this?” 

“Always.” 

— 

Lucia stood outside Loki’s room, a tray of breakfast in her hand. She chuckled to herself, thinking how weird it felt to be making a prisoner’s food. That had never been in her job description before. 

The tray held a cup of tea, a croissant, and some ham, cheese, and jam to go with it. It was the closest Lucia could find in the kitchen to the stuff they had fed her on Asgard. For a moment, she debated whether or not she should knock, before deciding against it and barging through the door. 

In the light of day, she could see Loki’s room more clearly. It was a simple room. An unadorned bed, a chair and desk, and a laughably tiny shelf with nothing on it. Loki was sitting at the desk, a miniature display of fireworks floating above his hand. Magic. 

Lucia coughed, and he turned round. 

“Breakfast.” She announced, pressing a button on the wall. A section of the glass opened up, and she slid the tray through. Lucia gestured to the barren room. “You should really decorate.” 

“Do not mock me.” Loki snapped. 

“I was being genuine. If you want some, like, books, or something, I can get some for you.” 

He ignored her, and the food. Lucia sighed. “Fine then.” She turned and left. 

—

Lucia lay sprawled on her bed, staring at the ceiling. She had been mulling over what she would say at the general assembly to convince the representatives that Loki should stay with S.H.I.E.L.D, and so far, she had nothing she thought would sway them. Her mind had been distracted, plagued with thoughts of that hideous purple giant from her dream. 

She could have sworn she saw recognition in Loki’s eyes when she mentioned it last night, and it was making her mind spin in circles trying to figure it out. She wandered down her stairs, her eyes roaming her bookshelves as she continued to think it over. Clearly, he was a player in a bigger game, but if her dream was true, it meant he was protecting someone. The purple giant? Possibly. Loki hadn’t looked in the best shape in his dream; possibly the giant had saved him from something, and Loki felt he owed him a debt. That would explain the constant escape attempts, he could be trying to get back to his protection. 

Lucia shook her head. That theory made logical sense, but something told her it just wasn't quite right. Anyway, all in due time. She thought to herself. Now that she had made her deal with Loki, she would see her end through to the best of her abilities, and then he would answer her questions. 

Even if he didn’t tell the truth, his pulse would tell her if he was lying. 

—

Lucia sat at a small table, a mic close to her mouth. In front of her sat a representative of every UN country, as well as various ministers, observers, NGO members, leaders in respective academic fields, and various media outlets speaking almost every language you can. 

And she was bored. 

She had already sat through six hours of debriefing and debate, a painfully short lunch during which she was hounded by various journalists and news reporters, and then another three hours of trying to plead her case, and getting essentially nowhere. At this rate, Loki would die of starvation in his room before any of these idiots- I mean, respected world leaders- decided what to do with him. 

“So we have come to a stalemate.” Declared the US representative, a balding man whose suit was probably the nicest looking thing about him. “Everyone wants control over this prisoner, and no one wants to defer control to anyone else.” 

“Perhaps we should revisit the possibility of him being returned to this- ‘Asgard.’ Surely no earthly country, or organization, has the means to control such a power?” suggested the France representative, a sharp- and mean- looking woman. 

“Perhaps not a smaller country like yourself.” said the Russian federation representative, “Though my country would have no problem handling it.”

“We can’t give him to Russia, it would tip the scales of global balance too far-” said the US representative, before he was cut off by England’s.

“Oh, and I suppose you’d like the prisoner to go to the US instead?” 

“We’ve handled our fair share of extraterrestrials so far-” 

“The scales are already unbalanced with the Avengers being based in America-” started the Australian representative.

“The United Nations is based in America. It's only logical that control of this prisoner should remain with us as well!” 

“Excuse me.” Lucia interrupted, having finally had enough of going round in circles. All eyes turned to her expectantly, and for a second she regretted having said anything. “Might I remind you that S.H.I.E.L.D currently has custody of ‘the prisoner’ and S.H.I.E.L.D is not affiliated with the government of America. We answer only to the World defense council, which I do not have to remind you is part of the UN.” 

“Is that supposed to make us happy?” The Russian representative huffed, “Your loyalty-”

“My loyalty is to the people of earth.” Lucia said, cutting him off. “Do I really have to remind you why we’re all here? There are good people out there who can’t protect themselves. I have made it my life's goal to protect those innocent people. And sure, the worlds a shit place, mind my french,” Lucia said, and then shot an apologetic glance to France’s representative,  “And I could mope about it, but I have the resources, the skills, the knowledge that others don't. It was never an option to- to stand idly and watch the world fall apart. As someone with power, with privilege, it is my duty to help and protect those who can't help themselves, just as it is each of your duties to protect your nations interests.”

She paused for a second, making sure she had everyone’s full attention before continuing. “I'm not saying Loki isn’t a threat. He is. But so is Thor. Hell, so am I and the rest of the Avengers. But our only goal is to protect the innocent people on this planet, people from every nation. Thor said himself that our use of the tesseract has sent a beacon into the universe declaring that we are ready for a higher form of war. We’re a new player in this game, but them?” She pointed to the picture of Loki projected on the screen at the back of the room. 

“They aren't. They have intimate knowledge of the realms of the universe, of the dangers out there. They are a resource that we would be stupid not to use! Why let Loki rot when we could use him? His skills, his knowledge, his magic… it's a form above our own. I implore you, don’t let this opportunity go to waste.” 

For a long moment, There was silence in the room. Then the questions started, a cacophony of voices vying for attention. 

“How do we know he can be controlled?” Questioned Mr. England. “Why should the US get to have him?” Prodded Russia. “He's too dangerous!” insisted France. “He’ll doom us all!” said China. 

Lucia held up her hands in a calming gesture, quieting the room. “I'm not trying to say this won't be difficult, or a perfect solution, but it's surely a better option.”

“Again, you think we will just hand over such a power to the US? You nearly killed us all with that invasion.” Germany’s representative Objected.

“I'm not speaking on behalf of my country, I am here on behalf of the Avengers.” Lucia repeated herself. “Since we fall under S.H.I.E.L.D, which answers to the World Defense Council, control over Loki would fall under every nation represented here. No one nation will have the scales tipped in their favor. It’s the best possible outcome.” 

“What about the rumors that you forged an official document with a presidential signature to get the prisoner off-world?” China’s representative questioned. Lucia bit the inside of her cheek. She knew that would come out eventually. 

“If I hadn’t, Asgard may have been moved towards war against Earth to retrieve him, and we don’t have the resources for an interstellar war. It was a calculated decision, one I do not regret but will apologize and take responsibility for. Whatever actions the American government decides to take against me for that grievance, I will accept willingly.”

“What exactly do you plan to do with the prisoner?” Japan’s representative questioned. 

“Yeah, you’ll, what, make him an Avenger?” Australia added. 

“Certainly we will use him for information, all of which will be shared with this council. Anything more than that will be dependent on his… receptiveness to rehabilitation.” Lucia answered begrudgingly. 

“You think rehabilitation is possible?” Saudi Arabia’s representative asked. 

“Speaking as a former psychologist, I believe practically everyone can be rehabilitated, yes. But I will leave that decision to more advanced academics in the field.”

Finally, the room was quiet. 

“Are we in agreement then? The prisoner will remain in S.H.I.E.L.D’s custody and all information pertaining to him will be shared openly with the United Nations.” 

There were murmurs of agreement throughout the room. 

Lucia let out a small sigh of relief. It was over. 

And she had won. 

—

The vote had been unanimous, although some had been slightly reluctant. Loki would remain with S.H.I.E.L.D. Her end of the bargain was complete. 

Now it was time for Loki to fulfill his. 

She stepped into his room, another tray in her hand. 

“Dinner.” She said simply as she entered. Loki didn’t hear; he was asleep. 

Lucia pushed the button and slid the tray into his room. After a moment, she went back into her room, got a small piece of paper, and returned, sliding that through as well. 

“It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.” She said, to no answer. She was struck by how peaceful he looked while sleeping. 

Do not underestimate him. She warned herself. He was still a dangerous killer. 

Just a dangerous killer who looked sweet while he slept. 

—

Fire and heat. Fire and heat. Fire and heat.

Loki burned in a hell of his own making.

Why, oh why, did he have to fall? 

Fire and heat. Fire and heat.

“Are you ready?” They asked him. “Surrender.” They commanded him.

He would not bow to them.

“He does not comply.” They told Him. 

Burn.

Loki screamed.

Burn. 

—

Loki awoke, his sheets drenched with sweat, his skin hot. He fought the urge to vomit as he padded through the dark to his bathroom. They had provided him with a dingy shower, and he turned it as cold as possible, letting the freezing water ground him. 

Loki was not there. He had escaped. He would not find him. 

Loki looked down at his hands. They were turning blue in the dim light. Jotun. Monster. The words echoed in his head. He blinked, and they were back to his usual pale shade. 

Loki toweled himself off and stumbled back over to his bed, but a glint in the corner of the room caught his eye. He tensed, expecting trouble, before realizing that it was a metal tray with food on it. The agent must have brought it while he slept. 

He shivered at the thought of her watching him as he slept. Vulnerable. Weak. He picked the tray up. There was a note. 

We won. 

Ah. His fate was secure. He would find a way out of this yet. 

There was one other item on the tray: a book. 

In golden embossing on the cover it read:

Hamlet

Shakespeare

He chuckled to himself. The mortal must have caught him reading it back in the dungeon. He flipped open the cover. There was a message scribbled in the corner of the title page:

To Lucia,

You absolute nerd. Tell me again how you find this stuff interesting? 

Happy 14th birthday, 

xx Tony

Had this come from her personal collection? Loki didn’t know how to feel about such a gift. Perhaps it was an incentive for him to be cooperative in the weeks to come. 

Loki finished his meal, pondering her intentions. Whatever they were, she wasn’t capable of outsmarting him. He would play along, and be gone as soon as the opportunity presented itself. 

Assured in his plan, Loki slept free of nightmares for the first time in a long while. 

—

Lucia had slept like a baby. That is to say, in spans of no more than two hours, and waking up screaming half the time. If there was one thing in this life she was grateful for, it was soundproof walls. 

Whenever she closed her eyes, all she could see was that purple demon-giant. He chased her, she ran. Lucia didn’t know what would happen if he caught her, but she knew it wouldn't be good. 

However, one good thing had come out of her restless sleep. A name. In her latest dream, that creature- the chitauri-looking thing- had addressed the giant by name. 

Thanos. 

It didn’t ring any bells for her, and Lucia knew it was probably crazy- seriously, crazy- to base any legitimate theories on a dream. She would need to wait and question Loki about it.

She had given up trying to get back to bed somewhere around 5:30, wandering upstairs to the kitchen and making herself breakfast. To her surprise, she wasn't alone. 

“Steve! You’re up early, how’ve you been?” 

“You call six early these days?” 

Lucia chuckled, fishing through the cabinets for something to eat. She settled on some cereal. 

“It's early when you’ve been sleeping in at a golden palace for two months.” 

“So I hear. How was Asgard?” He asked. He had an untouched breakfast in front of him, and a cup of coffee which, given the lack of steam rising off it, had gone cold. 

“Very shiny. How was New York?” 

Steve paused, pushing his breakfast of eggs and toast around his plate with his fork. “Different. But then again, same as always.” 

“You’ve kept yourself busy this year?” Lucia asked as she poured her cereal. 

“Yeah, I’ve been doing some work for S.H.I.E.L.D, you know.”

“Any updates on…” Lucia trailed off. She had given Steve Peggy’s number before the battle of New York, but never found out if something had come of it.

“She’s alive and well.” Steve said. “ I haven’t talked to her.” 

“You’ll get there buddy.” Lucia assured him, giving him an amicable pat on the shoulder as she sat down beside him. 

“Is it weird coming back a year later?” Steve asked. 

Lucia laughed, “You tell me. Now both our timelines are wonky.” 

Steve smiled. “Yeah. Nice to have someone to relate to for a change.” 

“Hey, I’m always here if you need me.” 

Just then, Lucia’s phone made an angry buzz, and she groaned when she saw it was Fury calling her. “The man doesn’t leave me alone.” she muttered to herself, before hitting Answer. 

“Yeah?” 

“Agent Stark. I assume I haven’t woken you?” 

“Not that you’d care if you had.” 

“I’ve sent you a file containing my plan for the management of Loki and his training program.”

“Training program?” Lucia questioned. 

“You gave a hell of a speech yesterday. It got me thinking. Thor’s an Avenger, why not make Loki one too?”

“Are you insane?” Lucia exclaimed. Steve gave her a quizzical look, but Lucia ignored it. “Jumping the gun a bit there, aren’t you?” 

“You said it yourself: he’s got potential.” 

“Yeah, as a source of information, not an Avenger!” Lucia snapped, shocked at Fury’s suggestion. “Are you forgetting this is the guy who tried to take control of Earth with an alien army? And why’re you sending me all this, I thought you would send someone-” 

“You’ve done a great job handling him so far, I’m just asking you to keep up the good work. I’ve assigned you as his handler.” 

“His- What?” 

“Good luck.” 

There was a click, and the call ended. 

“Un-fucking-believable.” Lucia huffed. 

“That doesn’t sound good.” Steve said. 

“Fury’s trying to make Loki an Avenger.” Lucia explained, staring in disbelief at her phone. It brightened for a moment, a banner at the top displaying the words File: Management Plan - Loki before it went dark once again. 

“Loki? An Avenger? But he’s-”

“A manipulative psycho? Yeah. and now Fury wants me to babysit him.” Lucia finished, opening up the file on her phone. 

Prisoner must be monitored at all times when not in cell.

“I mean, look at this.” Lucia said, showing Steve the document. “Who do you think’s going to be stuck ‘monitoring’ him? I just got back, and Fury already wants me out of the way.” 

“Well, maybe it’s not such a bad idea.” Steve said. Lucia raised an eyebrow. 

“Are you joking? ‘Cause your face is serious and I really don’t want you to be serious.” 

“I’m just saying, he’s powerful. That’s a guy you’d rather have on your side than off it.” Steve pointed out. 

Lucia considered this. “Yeah, I guess so. I’m just not sure if it’s even possible to reform him.” 

“Only one way to find out.”

—

Lucia sat at her desk, looking over the document Fury had sent her on her laptop. She had to give Fury credit, it was a solid program. He had broken it down into three stages:

Stage 1. Training and interrogation

Duration: 2-5 months, dependent on the willingness of the subject.

Covers: 

• Accelerated S.H.I.E.L.D advanced training program. Subject has already demonstrated reasonable skills in melee weapons and fighting ability. Assigned handler will instruct the subject on firearms, secure data collection, and procedures when in enemy territory.

• Interrogation and collection of information pertaining to other worlds, subject’s origin and intent, and profiling of subject's mental and behavioral patterns. 

Objective: beginning with easier work will create a safe atmosphere wherein the subjects' defenses can be removed. 

Stage 2. Beginner level field work and integration. 

Duration: 1-4 years, dependent on the willingness of the subject. 

Covers:

• Beginner friendly field work (E.G recon, mapping, data retrieval) only in inessential settings. Subject’s abilities will be assessed by handler in the field.

• Subject will, at this stage, begin to have privileges awarded for good behavior, including integration into the Avengers unit. 

Objective: by this stage subject should be receptive to bonds within the Avengers unit, and ill intent should cease.

Stage 3. Completion.

Duration: Unknown.

Covers: 

• Work typical of an advanced S.H.I.E.L.D operative. (E.G A level missions, critical data retrieval, inhospitable settings, Attack-based operations, etc.)

• Trust has been gained between the subject and team and will continue to develop as work continues. 

Objective: The subject is a working member of the Avengers.

Lucia sighed. It was good, and it could work. She was just worried it wouldn’t be enough, that the schedule was too tight, that should there be a situation where they would need to have faith in Loki, he would backstab them and be in the wind. But she knew, as an agent, that she had no choice. She would have to give Loki- A scheming, dangerous, cunning killer- the benefit of the doubt, because if she didn’t believe it would work, it wouldn’t. 

Lucia groaned. No point putting it off any longer. Before she could stop herself, she strode across the hallway to Loki’s cell.