Chapter 9
9
Luka did read for a while, actually going through several of the tales recommended. Thinking she might like to speak with Tony’s friend again, she asked the AI where she might be found. Friday explained that Pepper was at work, so she wasn’t in the Tower. SI’s corporate headquarters were in a different building across the city.
An excellent excuse to get free of this place! she mused. So she had Friday load directions into her Stark pad and decided to visit now. She could ask the other woman ‘out to lunch’, as the mortals put it. Finding her way to the ground floor, Luka simply walked out of the building.
She stood at the edge of the street, thinking of how to find a way to cross this busy city when a strangely coloured vehicle stopped right in front of her. The man driving it asked if she needed a ride, lowering one of the glass panels in the side to speak.
Smiling happily, Luka nodded yes, waiting for the man to open a door. “Well, ya gittin’ in or not?” he snapped.
“I do not know how to open your conveyance,” she answered, frowning. So rude, these mortals!
“Jaysus, lady! Just grab th’ handle and pull! Ain’t ya never been in a taxi before?”
“No, I have not,” she replied, while opening the door. The goddess slid into the seat and shut the door behind herself, assuming the mortal would not leave his place.
“So, where to, ma’am?” The driver had just taken a good look at the gorgeous woman in his back seat and decided he should be a bit more polite. She was a stunner and obviously foreign with that accent. Maybe she really hadn’t ever ridden in a taxi.
“I would like to go to this address,” Luka handed him the pad.
“That’s all the way across the city,” he answered. “I gotta take the toll road and the bridge or we’ll be driving all day with th’ traffic. Gonna cost ya. Okay?”
“Just get me there. Price is not a concern,” she reached for the pad as he handed it back.
“Yes, ma’am!” The driver was delighted. Just this one fare was going to cover his costs for the day and he didn’t even care that he might be returning to Manhattan empty. She looked likely to leave a nice tip, too.
Luka watched the city pass as they headed to the highway. Curious as she was, when she asked about several places they passed, the man happily became an impromptu tour guide. By the time they had crossed the river, he even pointed out landmarks before she asked.
Questioned if she had ever been to New York before, She shook her head. “I do not believe so, though your tall buildings do feel familiar. What did you say they are called?”
“Skyscrapers, ma’am. What do you call ‘em back where you’re from?”
“I do not believe there is a generic term for them. Each tower has its own name. Most are called by whatever group makes them their home or business.” She smiled. “The Hall of Learning, the Healers’ Manor, there are several guild halls, and of course, the palace, Gladsheim, home of the king.”
“Wow! You European or something?” The driver sounded shocked. He was curious; he had foreigners in his cab before, but no one like this lady.
“Or something,” she chuckled. “I hail from Asgard, home of the Aesir. You know of Thor, the god of Thunder?”
“Well, yeah! Everybody’s heard of him. He’s one a th’ Avengers.”
“He is also my brother,” she grinned. “Watch the road!”
The taxi had swerved at the last minute to avoid a slower vehicle. The man apologised and concentrated on the road in front of him for the rest of the trip. In little over an hour, they pulled up in front of SI headquarters.
Thanking him for his service, Luka stepped out, careful of her skirts. She gave him the pad again, Friday having informed her, she would take care of the bill. He signed an electronic lading and Luka placed a small gold coin in his hand as he gave the pad back. He looked at it, decided it really was gold and put it in a pocket.
“For your trouble and excellent company, good sir. I enjoyed our conversation and the information you provided. Ha det, og takk for i tag!” Luka turned to the large edifice before her, waving a hand at the driver to dismiss him. Now, it was time to enter this place and find her way to Pepper.
*
To say Pepper was surprised when her secretary announced she had a visitor, was putting it mildly. She had gotten in late and stated she was not to be disturbed as she had a lot of catching up to do. And several meetings that afternoon.
“Who could possibly be here?” she barked at the poor woman. “Sorry, Bambi. I’m just tired this morning. Oh, it’s not morning anymore.”
“Um, she said her name was Luka, Ms. Potts. And she’s dressed in a long gown, cape and all, like for a formal dinner or something.” The secretary shook her head. “She’s beautiful, but not American, I don't think. Has an accent.”
“Oh, my God! How did she get here? Is she alone? Is Thor with her?” Pepper jumped up and hurried across the expanse of carpet to her office door.
“No Thor, or anyone else, just her, Ms. Potts.” Bambi called, now lagging behind Pepper. “I brought her up. Didn’t seem right to leave her in reception.”
“Good, good!” Pepper sighed, wondering why the goddess had decided to take her first trip out of the Tower here. And how had she managed it? Travelling in New York was not easy for strangers to the city.
Luka turned from staring out the window above the Sound and smiled. “This is where you work? A lovely view. Lady Pepper, I do hope you do not mind my interrupting your labour this day. I wished to invite you to dine with me. And I have many questions still.” The goddess reached out and took both of the CEO’s hands.
Bambi, eyes wide as she realised this was a goddess, blurted, “I’ll clear your schedule for the afternoon, Ms. Potts.” She immediately headed for her desk.
“Um, yes. Thank you, Bambi,” Pepper stumbled. She really couldn’t say no; Luka had found her way here all on her own. Pepper had a feeling neither Thor nor Tony knew where she was.
“I don’t want to sound interfering, Lady Luka, but does Thor know you’ve left the Tower?” She hastened to explain when Luka frowned. “He’ll worry, I’m sure. And he’ll ask Tony, and interrupt his work and they’ll check with the rest of the team. If they don’t find you in the Tower, they’ll be searching the city and...”
“I understand.” Luka interrupted. “Either Thor or Tony need only ask Lady Friday. She is aware of my destination. In fact, she kindly assisted me in finding my way here.”
“How did you get here?” Pepper was curious.
“I used one of your common conveyances. A strangely coloured vehicle stopped near me as I stood at the side of the street outside the Tower, an awful shade of green,” she added to clear up any confusion. “The man operating it asked me if I wanted a ride. So I entered and he brought me here. He was very kind and thoughtful, pointing out many interesting landmarks on our way.”
“A boro cab? Wow! And it just stopped without being hailed? You were really lucky. You don’t usually see them in Manhattan.” Pepper walked over to the coat tree in a corner. “Just let me grab my coat and we can go. Are you in the mood for anything specific?”
“You choose. I am certain whatever it will be, I will enjoy. I wished for the company as much as a meal.” Luka stood, politely waiting, her hands folded at her waist. As they passed into the outer office, Pepper asked Bambi to call Happy and have him bring the car around.
“Done, ma’am. He should already be at the door,” Bambi nodded, phone to her ear. She was busy cancelling the meeting and rearranging Pepper’s schedule.
“We’ll try Atlas, then. It’s not too far and has the best, most varied menu. It’s early, but they’ll accommodate us. I take lots of business people there for lunch and dinner.”