Phase 17 Part 4
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SHIELD facility X
a former Canadian military research site
Northern Canada
In whatever afterlife, Obi-Wan was, he would be laughing his ass off right now. Satine, too, for that matter. Did they feel this way when dealing with my antics all the time?
I looked at General Tyr's projection, trying to find the best words to respond with. It was proving quite tricky, given the sheer insanity of the situation.
"You want me to advise Prince Thor and, when she arrives, his long-exiled sister on how to be proper heirs to the throne?" I couldn't quite keep the incredulity out of my voice.
"For some odd reason, Prince Thor is listening to you, Lord Stark, when he failed to do so with many on Asgard who tried to impart on him similar lessons. It doesn't really matter if it is you or the timing of your meeting. The Prince is willing to listen and better himself; that is all that matters. Regarding General Hela, let us just say there is too much bad blood between her and those she should or would listen to. Besides, you should find her presence and ideas potentially very useful because, before her exile, the Princess did plan to uplift many of Asgard's protectorates," Tyr calmly explained.
"I am honored, General Tyr. However, as you might have noticed, we are a bit busy here on Earth. And we can not guarantee the security of either Prince Thor or any other Asgard Royals who decide to visit for the time being. We are preoccupied fighting a technologically advanced opponent, who might have off-world backing," I noted, in no small part, playing for time to figure out how to best play this.
I could sense through the Force more security gathering out of sight just outside the cafeteria, while my bodyguards were quietly and not so gently ushering everyone else inside out of the room. This wasn't the time or place for this kind of negotiation. I was sure the very idea would drive people in the State Department into apoplexy.
Tyr didn't seem to care one bit. After briefly looking around, he dismissed the room as inconsequential and kept his attention focused on me.
"We know that the situation on Midgard is not ideal now. Thus, we do not expect you will aid us in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela of the goodness of your heart, Lord Stark. We are also aware that accepting such a request will reflect not only on you, but your people. We are prepared to offer reasonable concessions to you in person and to Midgard in exchange," Tyr noted.
Wasn't this interesting? What was the catch here?
"I must consult both with my government and likely with many others on Earth before I can accept your gracious offer, General Tyr. That said, right now, I can negotiate for myself. Negotiating for the rest of Earth will have to happen on another occasion."
"That is acceptable. Due to the sheer distance involved, we can't maintain this type of communication for long. I will contact you tomorrow at the same time for further discussion about when you will continue representing Midgard, like during your first meeting with Prince Thor. Let's discuss what we can offer you, Lord Stark. First, let me assure you that because of your deeds in facing the Destroyer and protecting Prince Thor when the ship arrives to bring him home, we will offer you medical care for the issue with your chest. This offer is due to what you've done for Asgard so far and is not conditional on the negotiations we will now hold," Tyr explained.
"I appreciate the gesture, General Tyr," I slowly nodded at him and tapped my chest, trying to buy myself as much time as possible to think things through. The healing offer was excellent, though not something I would necessarily accept when the time came. Who knew what "accidental" additions I might end up with?
"While keeping you an eye on Prince Thor as of late, we couldn't fail but notice that you tend to find yourself in dangerous situations without adequate protection," Tyr continued. "As a craftsman and a warrior, I don't believe that a custom-made armor as a gift would be the best way to approach you, Lord Stark. However, giving you the tools and items needed to build yourself one? Would that be something you would appreciate?"
He got me there, the bastard.
"You do have my attention, General Tyr," I nodded slowly.
I must admit, it took me a damn long time to notice how the bastard took charge of the conversation from the moment his projection appeared and effortlessly kept me off-balance.
"Nevertheless," I continued, "it would be a dereliction of my duties as a part of SWORD not to ask a few necessary questions before I even think about negotiation personally with you, General."
"Is that so?" Tyr's spectacular graying beard twitched, perhaps hiding a smile.
"First, the attack by the autonomous weapon designated the Destroyer. We, Midgard as a whole, would like an official explanation," I stated.
"Loki Odinson, our King's adopted son, wasn't content with his place on Asgard and executed a coup that came too close for comfort to being successful. Prince Thor's antics contributed to the issue, so we want him to learn under your wise guidance, Lord Stark. Asgard is reasonably safe. I ensured that the Jotun wouldn't be attacking anyone anytime soon. Sadly, Loki, the Liesmith, managed to escape and is now Asgard's most wanted creature. If that is your concern, Midgardian, your realm is safe from invasion from a suborned Asgard. You are and remain a protectorate of ours," Tyr patiently explained.
"That is indeed good to know. Can we expect any reparation over the death and destruction caused by your suborned weapon?" I pressed.
"That is something to discuss when you negotiate for the rest of Midgard, Lord Stark. Some payback for the caused destruction and death is indeed in order, for Asgardian oversights and failures caused them," Tyr grimly nodded. "I officially apologize over the strife and pain caused by Loki the Liesmith's actions on Midgard," He offered me a respectful bow.
"Finally, do you have any indications that our ongoing war with Wakanda has alien involvement?" I pressed.
"Not to the best of our understanding. Are you wondering if one of the major galactic powers orchestrated the war you fought to keep Midgard weak? We have no indications to back such a conclusion, yet we can't be certain. Midgard is a long way from Asgard in real space, and your realm is the only place that interests us in your corner of the galaxy, Lord Stark. Your status as our Protectorate should keep you safe from such overt actions. When our ship carrying Princess Hela arrives, it will impress the local Skrull and Kree naval elements that you are and remain under Asgard's aegis."
"Thank you, General Tyr," I matched his respectful bow. "With these pressing questions out of the way, we can indeed begin negotiating for my assistance in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela to be better rulers…." I trailed off. Now, what did I need, at a minimum, to build myself a functional and practical power armor? Ideally, I would want a few operational suits and have my bodyguards wear most of them, with a personal one left for emergencies. "If I am, to be honest, a modern fabricator and feedstock of advanced materials and alloys would be nice to have."
"Not without heavy restrictions. Resources for proper personal armor, and perhaps that of your security detail, are of no consequence. What we consider modern industrial equipment, on the other hand…." Tyr trailed off; finally, it was his turn to be thoughtful. "I will have to check what we have that it might be appropriate to offer you as payment that you can safely use."
Breaking news! Second peaceful contact with Asgard! The United States State Department just offered a statement that Asgard contacted Tony Stark, confirming many of the suppositions over the incursion in New Mexico. We have an official confirmation that the events in New Mexico were the direct consequences of a coup attempt on Asgard led by a now-disgraced Prince Loki of Asgard. The coup failed, and we have official assurance from General Tyr, the commander of Asgard's fleets, that no further hostile incursions will follow as a fallout from the coup attempt. Further negotiations will continue tomorrow, when an Asgardian representative will again contact Tony Stark, as SWORD and Earth's representative, for further talks over the events in New Mexico.
This is the first piece of good news for the whole world since the Wakanda War began.
CNN
Phase 17:Unintended consequences
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Part 4
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Part 4
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SHIELD facility X
a former Canadian military research site
Northern Canada
In whatever afterlife, Obi-Wan was, he would be laughing his ass off right now. Satine, too, for that matter. Did they feel this way when dealing with my antics all the time?
I looked at General Tyr's projection, trying to find the best words to respond with. It was proving quite tricky, given the sheer insanity of the situation.
"You want me to advise Prince Thor and, when she arrives, his long-exiled sister on how to be proper heirs to the throne?" I couldn't quite keep the incredulity out of my voice.
"For some odd reason, Prince Thor is listening to you, Lord Stark, when he failed to do so with many on Asgard who tried to impart on him similar lessons. It doesn't really matter if it is you or the timing of your meeting. The Prince is willing to listen and better himself; that is all that matters. Regarding General Hela, let us just say there is too much bad blood between her and those she should or would listen to. Besides, you should find her presence and ideas potentially very useful because, before her exile, the Princess did plan to uplift many of Asgard's protectorates," Tyr calmly explained.
"I am honored, General Tyr. However, as you might have noticed, we are a bit busy here on Earth. And we can not guarantee the security of either Prince Thor or any other Asgard Royals who decide to visit for the time being. We are preoccupied fighting a technologically advanced opponent, who might have off-world backing," I noted, in no small part, playing for time to figure out how to best play this.
I could sense through the Force more security gathering out of sight just outside the cafeteria, while my bodyguards were quietly and not so gently ushering everyone else inside out of the room. This wasn't the time or place for this kind of negotiation. I was sure the very idea would drive people in the State Department into apoplexy.
Tyr didn't seem to care one bit. After briefly looking around, he dismissed the room as inconsequential and kept his attention focused on me.
"We know that the situation on Midgard is not ideal now. Thus, we do not expect you will aid us in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela of the goodness of your heart, Lord Stark. We are also aware that accepting such a request will reflect not only on you, but your people. We are prepared to offer reasonable concessions to you in person and to Midgard in exchange," Tyr noted.
Wasn't this interesting? What was the catch here?
"I must consult both with my government and likely with many others on Earth before I can accept your gracious offer, General Tyr. That said, right now, I can negotiate for myself. Negotiating for the rest of Earth will have to happen on another occasion."
"That is acceptable. Due to the sheer distance involved, we can't maintain this type of communication for long. I will contact you tomorrow at the same time for further discussion about when you will continue representing Midgard, like during your first meeting with Prince Thor. Let's discuss what we can offer you, Lord Stark. First, let me assure you that because of your deeds in facing the Destroyer and protecting Prince Thor when the ship arrives to bring him home, we will offer you medical care for the issue with your chest. This offer is due to what you've done for Asgard so far and is not conditional on the negotiations we will now hold," Tyr explained.
"I appreciate the gesture, General Tyr," I slowly nodded at him and tapped my chest, trying to buy myself as much time as possible to think things through. The healing offer was excellent, though not something I would necessarily accept when the time came. Who knew what "accidental" additions I might end up with?
"While keeping you an eye on Prince Thor as of late, we couldn't fail but notice that you tend to find yourself in dangerous situations without adequate protection," Tyr continued. "As a craftsman and a warrior, I don't believe that a custom-made armor as a gift would be the best way to approach you, Lord Stark. However, giving you the tools and items needed to build yourself one? Would that be something you would appreciate?"
He got me there, the bastard.
"You do have my attention, General Tyr," I nodded slowly.
I must admit, it took me a damn long time to notice how the bastard took charge of the conversation from the moment his projection appeared and effortlessly kept me off-balance.
"Nevertheless," I continued, "it would be a dereliction of my duties as a part of SWORD not to ask a few necessary questions before I even think about negotiation personally with you, General."
"Is that so?" Tyr's spectacular graying beard twitched, perhaps hiding a smile.
"First, the attack by the autonomous weapon designated the Destroyer. We, Midgard as a whole, would like an official explanation," I stated.
"Loki Odinson, our King's adopted son, wasn't content with his place on Asgard and executed a coup that came too close for comfort to being successful. Prince Thor's antics contributed to the issue, so we want him to learn under your wise guidance, Lord Stark. Asgard is reasonably safe. I ensured that the Jotun wouldn't be attacking anyone anytime soon. Sadly, Loki, the Liesmith, managed to escape and is now Asgard's most wanted creature. If that is your concern, Midgardian, your realm is safe from invasion from a suborned Asgard. You are and remain a protectorate of ours," Tyr patiently explained.
"That is indeed good to know. Can we expect any reparation over the death and destruction caused by your suborned weapon?" I pressed.
"That is something to discuss when you negotiate for the rest of Midgard, Lord Stark. Some payback for the caused destruction and death is indeed in order, for Asgardian oversights and failures caused them," Tyr grimly nodded. "I officially apologize over the strife and pain caused by Loki the Liesmith's actions on Midgard," He offered me a respectful bow.
"Finally, do you have any indications that our ongoing war with Wakanda has alien involvement?" I pressed.
"Not to the best of our understanding. Are you wondering if one of the major galactic powers orchestrated the war you fought to keep Midgard weak? We have no indications to back such a conclusion, yet we can't be certain. Midgard is a long way from Asgard in real space, and your realm is the only place that interests us in your corner of the galaxy, Lord Stark. Your status as our Protectorate should keep you safe from such overt actions. When our ship carrying Princess Hela arrives, it will impress the local Skrull and Kree naval elements that you are and remain under Asgard's aegis."
"Thank you, General Tyr," I matched his respectful bow. "With these pressing questions out of the way, we can indeed begin negotiating for my assistance in training Prince Thor and Princess Hela to be better rulers…." I trailed off. Now, what did I need, at a minimum, to build myself a functional and practical power armor? Ideally, I would want a few operational suits and have my bodyguards wear most of them, with a personal one left for emergencies. "If I am, to be honest, a modern fabricator and feedstock of advanced materials and alloys would be nice to have."
"Not without heavy restrictions. Resources for proper personal armor, and perhaps that of your security detail, are of no consequence. What we consider modern industrial equipment, on the other hand…." Tyr trailed off; finally, it was his turn to be thoughtful. "I will have to check what we have that it might be appropriate to offer you as payment that you can safely use."
=SI=
Breaking news! Second peaceful contact with Asgard! The United States State Department just offered a statement that Asgard contacted Tony Stark, confirming many of the suppositions over the incursion in New Mexico. We have an official confirmation that the events in New Mexico were the direct consequences of a coup attempt on Asgard led by a now-disgraced Prince Loki of Asgard. The coup failed, and we have official assurance from General Tyr, the commander of Asgard's fleets, that no further hostile incursions will follow as a fallout from the coup attempt. Further negotiations will continue tomorrow, when an Asgardian representative will again contact Tony Stark, as SWORD and Earth's representative, for further talks over the events in New Mexico.
This is the first piece of good news for the whole world since the Wakanda War began.
CNN
