whose_son_am_i | Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

"Phil Coulson, with SHIELD, Dr. Palmer. I'm sorry to interrupt your plans, but it's better this way." His manner never changed from affable, but there was still an edge to it. "Walk with me?" It was phrased as a question, but it wasn't.

Loki remained tense, eyes narrowed and studying the agent. Likely there were others around--possibly a sniper or two. Very likely the archer was among them, if it was known Loki was involved. He could simply veil his and Christine's appearance--and while that would make more trouble later, it wouldn't protect her.

And Loki was very protective of her.

Fortunately Christine's call for help also got an immediate response. A familiar portal opened, and Strange (in street clothes) stepped out. "If you were going to be late, I'd have preferred more notice." Strange said with only a hint of annoyance.

Ah, there were the red dots Loki had been expecting; some trained on himself, some on Strange. Neither looked particularly perturbed. If Coulson was surprised, he also didn't show it. "I'm sorry, Sir, this is a private matter."

"And that's my friend and student." Strange said with an edge to his voice. "I'm not letting her be hassled in front of me."

Coulson was quiet for a moment, listening to his earpiece. Then he nodded. "Alright sir, if you insist, then we need you to come with us too. If you'll all follow me?"

"Ah charming. I was hoping to finish off my day being escorted to a secret government location."

She's not scared, though she probably should be. Christine is the unexpected wildcard in this equation and she would be sure those she cared about stayed safe.

"Sorry, we had a visitor." Though she is very pleased to see that portal cut into the air. At least now someone else is aware, if she and Loki end up dead in some cell.

Coulson insisting they all come along makes her wonder if he realizes exactly who he's dealing with. He obviously knows Loki, but now he's bringing along the Sorcerer Supreme.

They all walked to the end of the block, where there were black SUVs waiting. SO very subtle. Strange and Christine were ushered into one, while Loki was sent to another. Once in the SUV, he dropped his disguise since there was no point anymore.

I'm alright Sweetling. I know exactly what game they're playing. By ambushing me, they're hoping to take some of the control of the situation away from me. I doubt they meant to catch you up in this. Overtones of protectiveness sent along with his assurance.

It would be a long car ride out of the city.

In the other SUV, Strange remained calm. "Sorry, I didn't get a name...Agent?" Prompting, to which Phil smiled. "Phil Coulson. Dr. Stephen Strange. Nice trick with the sudden appearance. Despite appearances, we have no quarrel with you or Dr. Palmer. We're invested in making sure you're both safe--it's just the wrong place at the wrong time."

I'm right here with you.

Christine is calm although a bit annoyed at the whole thing.

"Sorry to wrap you up in this Stephen." Though she is very glad to have him with them.

"Were the snipers pointed at Stephen there to insure his safety?" There hasn't been any red dots on her. They don't suspect she can do anything.

"Those were because of my sudden appearance. At least until Coulson confirmed with whoever he's working with about who I am." Stephen replied, sounding faintly amused.

"SHIELD has...had to revamp many things in recent years, and our security has been quite a bit more on the ball. Hopefully you understand, Dr. Strange." Coulson replied, keeping calm.

I know, Sweetling. It is both reassuring, and yet I wish you nowhere near this.

"You didn't seemed bothered by them." She says to Stephen.

What do I need to know about them?

"Are you the ones who have been working with Lady Sif? Or is that the other shadowy agency?"

She's being nice enough, but it's fairly obvious she's not pleased about being kidnapped. Which really seems fair.

"We are. Likewise we've informed Thor Odinson of what is transpiring." Coulson responded. "I've been assured you're under royal protection, Dr. Palmer--and we've no wish to make an enemy of Thor or his people."

"It's fine, Christine. This is all just a formality, most likely." Stephen slanted his gaze at Coulson. "An elaborate one."

"You understand my hands are somewhat tied, Doctors. Be glad it's us and not the Federal agents."

My intelligence on them is a few years old, but from some poking around--I understand they had a rather nasty infestation themselves, including their records being published a few years back. They seem to have tightened things up since then, and are doing what they can to be proactive and prevent similar infiltrations of nasty elements.

"Do I get a 'confiscated by a government agency' note to get out of work at least?"

She may as well enjoy the car ride as best as possible.

And how do you know them in particular?

"I'm sure we're really just overspray in picking up Loki."

"All appropriate authorities will be notified, Dr. Palmer." Coulson reassured. "There is some interest, given you were in his company. We want to ensure your safety too." Stephen snorted, but said nothing. If anything he seemed to find this situation funny.

I've been their prisoner before. Not to mention they were the ones experimenting with the tesseract, when I invaded 5 years ago. I think they're not pleased to see me again, but this is actually friendly as a way to intercept me goes.

Christine and Stephen have the same reaction to that, both giving a snort. Sometimes it's obvious that they've been friends for years.

"I am perfectly safe, thank you. I keep a wizard as a friend."

How many of them did you kill? Not judging, just asking.

I didn't exactly keep track...I did kill the man who intercepted us. Apparently he's as good at dying as I am

"Considering the way the world has changed in the last few years, you'll understand if we don't find that entirely comforting Dr. Palmer."

So he really did take you kindly.

"That's very wizard-phobic of you agent Coulson."

She does hope Stephen is as amused by that as she is, or at all.

"Oh personally I find it amazing, Dr. Palmer. But you can understand how it makes people nervous." Coulson said amiably enough. Stephen just shot Christine an amused smile.

As I theorized, this is all just a way for them to try and gain some control over the situation. Sif already likely informed them I am willing to....talk. I do have valuable intelligence for them, which is also why I was meeting with your Sorcerer.

"People are apt to be frightened of what they don't understand. How far is this ride going to be?"

And how do they not have a more efficient way of getting there.

So hopefully you'll be fine and I won't have to test out playing with people's emotions. They don't seem to suspect that I'm capable of more than medicine.

You should be fine, Sweetling. I'm not worried.

"Not much further, Dr. Palmer. Just outside the city. You weren't exactly in a good area for transport via jet or helicopter." Coulson looked amused. "I am curious as to how you know our target. You were previously coworkers with Dr. Strange, but aside from about a month ago in New Asgard, you've shown no previous contact with any of them."

I'm not worried about me.

"Oh you know, just doctor stuff. I gave him some stitches, found him funny, we became friends."

Coulson is uncomfortably nice, I understand why you would kill him

It was probably not reassuring, that Loki smiled and chuckled to himself, when his own ride in the SUV had been quiet so far. He'd been enjoying the ride, and taking advantage of his link to Christine.

"Uh huh." Coulson said carefully, clearly knowing there was more to this story. It wasn't too much longer before they arrived at what looked like non-descript office-buildings. Perhaps a research campus. Of course there were more agents, better armed, ready to meet them. Including putting handcuffs on Loki with a short leash. Once more he was also given an elaborate guard, which just made him smile. "Honestly, Agent Coulson, if this is what a nice interception looks like, then I'd hate to see a rude one."

Inside was all steel and plexiglass, with Loki being lead to a reinforced room and locked in. Separate from Christine and Stephen, who were lead to a much nicer room. With cameras on the room Loki was locked in.

"You do know he's only behaving because he wants to, right?" Stephen pointed out, with his arms crossed." Coulson had his hands behind his back, and only raised an eyebrow. "We know. It's all about the long game with him."

"At least roll out a menacing carpet to go with all the weapons."

There's a flash of anger at Loki being put into cuffs but she quickly pushes it down, now is not the time to react in anger.

Loki does seem very calm about all this which is helpful.

"And what is his long game this time?"

"Well, that's what we're hoping to determine, Dr. Palmer. Reports seem to say he be willing to talk about the invasion 5 years ago. Why now is the relevant question." Coulson seemed incredibly calm about all of this.

"Right, I'd be curious to know just how SHIELD knows that?" Stephen chimed in.

"That's for us to know, Dr. Strange. Actually we'd like to talk to all three of you, if that's alright?" Whether it was or not, it was clear they were being split up further. Although Stephen and Christine weren't taken to cells...

Guess all 3 were getting a form of questioned after all.

"Is it a group quiz?" Christine knows the answer soon enough as she's taken into a room by herself.

You okay? I'm about to be questioned.

Are *you* going to be alright...

In the cell, Loki's eyes narrowed as he looked towards the room where he knew Coulson and the other had been.

Cooperate, Christine--but only as much as you feel you need to. I would not see you hurt.

A lot of it was probably expected and standard questioning. How did she know Loki? Why was she meeting with Dr. Strange? Why was Loki with her? Why hadn't she told authorities? And so on. There was some questioning about her new relationship with Strange, given she'd started contacting him again as well. It was clear she wasn't the primary target however, and equally clear that SHIELD was also slightly worried for her. Or at least that Agent Coulson was, considering Sif was with him when they talked to Christine after the first round of questioning. Sif also made it very clear that she was a friend to Thor and his people. How that had come about, the Lady could not say but she didn't question it--having seen Christine's work herself.

Dr. Strange was questioned a little more thoroughly, as it was clear SHIELD was....skeptical when it came to Sorcery and what masters of the mystic arts did. He also only cooperated as much as necessary, and no more. Clear enough on his relationship to Christine, and that yes--he'd been contacted by Loki--whom he was monitoring given the other's status as a threat.

Of Nick Fury, there was no sign--and Loki answered only the questions asked of him and ONLY what was asked. Volunteering nothing, as one of the higher up agents did the initial round before leaving him again.

I'll be fine. I think everyone assumes I've been charmed by you for nefarious purposes.

Really, Christine has the upper hand in all of this, no one suspects her of anything besides being reckless.

She answers the questions with mostly honesty, it's always best to add truth in as much as possible.

Christine greets Sif eagerly, mentioning what a pleasant surprise it is to see her here.

Christine can play the fool a little, at least until she figures out if Loki is in danger.

"I am sorry, Christine. SHIELD has protocol that must be followed. Thor has been made aware, and SHIELD knows of our displeasure in all of this." Sif reached up and rubbed at her brow. "I do not like this, Agent Coulson. She is my friend."

"Yes, and that's why we want to make sure she's safe." Coulson agreed. Eventually, while Christine was deemed interesting, she wasn't being held on anything so they couldn't really arrest her or do much other than start a file on her. The same was true for Dr. Stephen Strange.

Loki was back to being silent however, so it was time to play a new game. Coulson had them brought back to that room that had surveillance of Loki's cell. This time, he went himself to question the other.

Loki looked up when Coulson entered the room, and had a soft smile with a hint of menace behind it. "Phil, son of Coul--it would appear reports of your death are as over-exaggerated as claims of my own." Coulson had his own softly menacing smile. "Yes, we did hear something about that--and yet here we are."

No response, so Coulson went on. "I would apologize for our treatment, but honestly? This is lenient considering you're a wanted war criminal. You have allies who are willing to vouch for you, and you implied you'd cooperate."

"Have I not cooperated so far, Agent?"

"You have, but we still have a few questions." Coulson paced a bit. "I admit, not all of them relevant to the larger matter--personally, I'm curious. Why Dr. Palmer?"

"She did me a kindness before."

"I see, and so now you're...what, involved with her because she was nice to you?"

Loki laughed, looking entirely unconcerned. "You'll forgive me if I find it absurd that you worry over a personal relationship." Again that soft but menacing smile. "She amuses me, and I enjoy banter with her. I was not expecting to find a midgardian I could actually enjoy conversation with--it's a rarity."

"Right...sure. So she's just a convenience to you? Is that it?" Coulson asked, head tilting and with an affable smile. "You didn't seem the type to respond to someone being 'nice' to you."

"It's not as if any of you actually tried before, now is it?" Blue-green eyes were cold. "But if you must be reassured, then yes. She's a convenience. She is far too kind for her own good, and I am taking advantage of that." Loki didn't reach out to Christine mentally--just played the 'part' they were obviously expecting.

She can tell it's a game, that Loki is trying to not give away too much. But all she can do is stand and watch.

It still feels horrible and while she appears fine on the inside, the welling of emotion in her threatens to overflow. Given what she's discovered she's able to do, that could prove disastrous.

She briefly wonders if Stephen can sense the danger.

Stephen reaches out to her shoulder. He can't tell exactly, but as her friend, he knows this can't be easy to here. Even if Loki is playing the part, perfectly.

Sif looks ready to hit something--preferably Loki.

"You surprise me, Son of Coul." Loki's tone was sharp, grabbing the agent's attention. "I didn't imagine you being cruel." The other tilted his head in silent question. "All you are doing right now, is hurting one of the people you're seeking to protect from me. By making her listen to all of this, where I tell you just how little I care. I'm impressed by the deviousness there." But Loki's eyes were cold, even if his smile was mocking.

Sif cursed softly, and reached out for Christine's arm. "Oh I will make him pay for that, but damn if he's not right. Christine I didn't know Phil would do this...come on." Ready to make them both leave.

Stephen squeezed Chrstine's shoulder, but looked thoughtful.

Easy Sweetling, I can feel you projecting. Logical and calm, projecting calm across the link. The same ease he'd felt at the dinner conversation. I'm playing the part they expect.

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