Chapter 2
Loki sits in the conference room watching everyone settle themselves down, knowing that he will have to explain who and what Thanos can do. He watches as various people on the screens sit down and clear their throats and finally Tony stands.
“Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen. Thor and his adviser have come to warn us about a new threat to Earth,” Tony says and Loki looks to Thor for permission to speak, he has to at least try to make himself act like an advisor. Thor nods his head and Loki stands.
“The threat gentlemen is called Thanos. He was the one that was backing the Invasion of your planet two years ago,” Loki says.
“So, Loki wasn’t working alone? Thanos was behind it?” Tony asks and Loki nods.
“In addition to using the mind stone, which is now in your possession, to mind control those he deems useful, he also uses torture as a way to break them so the control will be stronger. I believe the Midgardian colloquialism is...an all around dick,” Loki says.
“Why is he coming here?” One of the generals says.
“There is one thing that Thanos cares more about than his own desires and that is Lady Death. The over of his life,” Loki says and Tony holds up a hand.
“Wait, so he’s murdering entire planets as some sort of pre-date gift?”Tony asks and Loki nods.
“Yes. The lives he takes are his idea of a bouquet of flowers,” Loki says happy that Tony is understanding so quickly.
“Does Thanos want anything else?” Someone else asks.
“Yes. He wants the infinity gems. They are items of intense power. The scepter that was taken during the invasion contained one and your Dr. Strange had one last I knew,” Loki says.
“Okay, so what you’re saying is that he is the big bad of big bads,” Tony says and Loki nods.
“Tony, when we were escaping space I got a look at Thanos’ ship. He is planning a blood bath. We are going to need as much help as we can get,” Bruce says.
“Any suggestions?” Tony asks.
“We will have to get in contact with the Rogue Avengers and have them come back,” one of the nameless generals that Loki has been ignoring for a while says.
“With all due respect, from what I’ve been told of the events of the ‘Civil War’ I do not feel comfortable taking orders from Captain Rogers,” Bruce says.
“The Rogues won’t agree to take direction from Rhodey or anyone that sided with me during the fighting,” Tony says.
“Then we have someone who was not part of those events lead the team,” Bruce says.
“Like who Dr. Banner? The only options are yourself or King Thor,” Loki says.
“I’d be no good leading a fight, especially if we have to code green,” Bruce says and everyone looks at Thor.
“I do not believe that I alone could be a fair mediator on and off the field of battle, however my Advisor Freyer is very skilled at diplomacy. Perhaps he and I could co-lead,” Thor says and Loki’s stomach knots.
“We could make it three leaders. You two and me, that way we make sure that there won’t be ties,” Bruce says and they nod.
“So, the Avengers will be led by a unit of three,” on of the men on screen says and Tony nods.
“Now the question is, who is going to contact the split group and make sure that the Scarlet Witch isn’t using her magic for things she’s not supposed to?” Tony asks.
“I am an adept magic user. I can place wards around the compound and the people inside it. Also should she overstep her bounds I can lock her magic away,” Loki says worrying about being around another magic user who could be able to sense who he is. No doubt he will have to bargain with Dr. Strange so he will not reveal his identity.
“Perfect, the rest of you can call the others and get them to come back,” Tony says and the screens shut off. Loki smiles and then looks at the gathered Avengers and hopes that they will be able to recruit more. At this rate they’ll never be able to defeat Thanos, but...there are people that Loki can ask to help, it’s only a matter of whether or not he’s willing to pay their prices. Deep down he knows he will not.
“I don’t think I should be here when they arrive. The way I’m feeling I might just punch something or someone,” Bruce says.
“Thanks Bruce but that won’t help us. We need them to be in top fighting condition if we are going to be able to fight Thanos,” Tony says.
“Could you really fight with someone you don’t trust?” Loki’s asks wondering if there might be hope for him should his ploy be discovered.
“I trust them to get the job done. I trust Hawkeye to shoot, I trust Nat to take people out with her widow bites, I trust Barnes to shoot, I trust Wanda to listen to Steve and Hawkeye on the battlefield and I trust Steve to fight. Wilson I don’t know all that well so there isn’t much betrayal there so I think I can forgive him same with Lang,” Tony says and Loki wonders if he should reveal who he is but then thinks better of it. If Tony knows he will definitely get in trouble for knowing. Thor will already be in trouble for this deceit however he’s always been good at claiming to be ignorant of his tricks. The only one Loki wants held responsible is himself. Of the people in this room he is the most vulnerable to Thanos and therefore a weakness they can’t afford.
“Okay, I’m going to call some people and have them come over here. We’ll need everyone we can get,” Tony says.
“Perhaps you should call in some of your less crazy villains as well,” Loki says.
“Like who? Loki?” Tony says with a chuckle.
“No. But Thanos intends to destroy the whole world, including small countries called Latveria. I believe the King Doom has a deep love for his people. He will fight to protect them. Thanos intends to kill all the living things on earth human and mutant alike. Magneto may rightfully dislike humans but he does champion the protection and survival of mutants. He’ll fight to protect them from Thanos, and I am sure that there are likely others out there who can be persuaded,” Loki says ignoring the racing of his heart when Tony said his name.
“I like that argument, and I like the idea, but the problem is that Steve and the others will never go for it and the little help we can get from the villains is not worth ticking Steve off anymore than we’re already going to be doing,” Tony says.
“Then don’t tell him. You placed Dr. Banner, King Thor, and myself in charge of the team. If we give you a job to do then you are simply following orders and cannot be faulted,” Loki says.
“I guess...wait, how do you know about Earth’s villains?” Tony asks.
“After King Thor’s banishment to Midgard and the stories he brought back with him I decided to do a little research of my own,” Loki says.
“Okay, why don’t you guys go get settled and I’ll make some calls,” Tony says leading them to a row of rooms. Loki steps into his and locks the door and leans against it eyes closed and takes a deep breath.
“You know I’ve only met you once and I am already tired of you,” a voice says and Loki’s eyes fly open and sees Dr. Strange standing by his bed. Looks like it’s time for Loki to put his skills of persuasion to use.