Meme-shenanigans and Continuations.

[whose_son_am_i]

This post will be for Meme-continuations for drpalmer

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[whose_son_am_i]

I imagine you did. And you should be.

The maid nodded and bobbed a curtsy. While on the one hand she'd been told to clean up and organize--if a witch was coming directly into Loki's rooms, it was probably a good idea to not offend her. "Follow me please."

Fortunately, the Oak Conference room was not far from the Great room (as it had come to be called). It was also not convenient for people to mill about near, as they were doing while on the recess. They did pass some people, but Christine was easily overlooked.

When she arrived though, in what they called the Oak Conference room (it had been so designated because a bronze oak-tree had been put on the wall near the door), she found Thor and Loki both. Once more in light-armor as well, as it was a ceremonial thing of sorts. Thor had a red cape attached to his, and looked surprised to see her, turning to Loki for a moment in confusion.

[drpalmer]

She doesn't get noticed as she follows the maid to the conference room. She is let in and can't help the way her face lights up when she sees Loki. It takes a second to register his brother.

"Hi, Thor. I'm a witch now." She answers the inevitable question that the thunder god must be thinking.

[whose_son_am_i]

Loki's expression remained neutral, but there was a brush of her mind in greeting.

"Well, that answers one question Dr. Palmer. But what are you doing here?" Thor was smiling at least while he said it.

"Thank you, Ylfa. She is my guest." Loki said to the maid, being sure she left before addressing his brother and Christine. "Apparently she makes portals now." He answered, and Thor looked like he was going to say something. "No, I have a plan--hear me out. She's been through the aftermath of many attacks by beings who are stronger than normal humans. She can tell people exactly the toll it takes and why it's not a good idea. Furthermore, and you'll have to trust me on this, she can keep people calm so we can find a solution that doesn't involve starting a war."

I'd rather he didn't know about the strength of your Empathy or that you can project it, Sweetling. All you'll need to do is passively project a sense of calm.

"To fill you in, Dr. Palmer. There are those among my people who feel we should fight back, that we are being unjustly persecuted. They are not alone, as there are many who are not my people who feel that we should do just that--in a show of strength so that people will respect us. I'm certain you can see why, though I'll not shy from a battle, this is not a favored idea however. It would give fuel to claims that we are an uprising and invading force, when that is not what we are."

[drpalmer]

That little brush gets one in reply and she moves into the room to be closer to the pair.

I can do that.

She's been working on projecting calm, Stephen had suggested it would be the most useful emotion in a crisis and while it could be questionable morally, it was better to keep things calm and safe.

"A show of strength could look far too threatening to the rest of the world as well." She nods.

[whose_son_am_i]

"Exactly." Thor agreed. "Unfortunately, it may take a show of internal strength to quell my people, which will also likely not be interpreted well by the rest of the world." Thor crossed his arms. "I could wish it were so simple a battle, however."

"So long as we can issue an official word and assure our allies, I can handle the internal trouble." Loki's smile was only slightly reassuring. "And assuring our allies will start with Christine's help, if she's willing to give it."

Thor narrowed his eye at his brother. "I don't want to know what you're going to do, do I? It's better that way?" With some wry amusement, before he sighed as Loki nodded. "Very well. Dr. Palmer, Christine...I am not sure what he's planning, but your help would be welcome. Whatever help that is?"

Loki smiled again. "Character witness, for the Asgardian people and our liege. That we come with peaceful intentions, and are simply trying to adapt to a new home." Now Loki moved over to circle around Christine, before snapping his fingers. A shimmer of greenish-gold over her, as the illusion took hold. A formal black pantsuit with white blouse, and a necklace with a golden disc hanging from it for accent. "Now you certainly look as if this was all planned, rather than simply being sprung on people."

[drpalmer]

"I am always happy to help in whatever way I can. Your people have been nothing but wonderful to me."

She watches Loki as he circles her and changes her outfit.

"He's like a movie fairy godmother." She says to Thor with a smile.

[whose_son_am_i]

Thor blinked. "I understand the words but not the reference. Loki?" To which the Trickster shook his head too.

"Christine, so you know. We have an exchange of diplomats between us and the Norwegian government. The group they sent are neutral to us and our presence, aside from being in general awed by 'aliens'. One of the sticking points that may work in our favor here is that we will not and have not as of yet decided to train warriors." Loki filled her in.

"That does not mean our people are not training. We are protectors of the realms still. Only that we do not wish to be involved or have Midgard blame us for wars." Thor added. "It is...a difficult line."

[drpalmer]

"You don't know Cinderella? She has a magic godmother who makes her a dress for a ball? No?"

Well, remind her to not use pop culture references with the alien gods.

"Okay. General training, not raising an army."

She's really doing her best to keep everything straight. She had run here because she was worried about Loki, not to use magic to help with peace deals.

[whose_son_am_i]

"If we can quell the immediate urges for violence, preferably non-violently, I can handle the rest in a few days." Loki said confidently.

Thor reached up and rubbed his brow. "So long as we can keep cooler heads, we can hammer out a formal statement. Some of this is because the lockdown is so brand new." And Asgardians, especially when young, did have a tendency to enjoy battle.

[drpalmer]

"I'm sure you can quell some of the uproar."

Or I can, whatever.

"You'll be fine, this will surely all be sorted soon."

She is giving a little taste of her new emotional control by protecting a bit of calm now for the brothers. Loki will likely notice, but Thor probably won't.

[whose_son_am_i]

I see what you're doing Sweetling. Remember what I said about applied chaos? That's *my* plan, assuming we can keep our people out of things. Loki noticed alright, but sent her a subtle nod of approval.

"I will make it clear that I won't allow disobedience of my orders in this. Provided you can handle this, Loki?" Thor said, starting to feel like this might work.

"It'll work, Brother. I promise you. I also promise you do not want to know more."

Thor sighed. "We're about out of time anyway for more discussion. Loki, this is your plan, you will escort Dr. Palmer. I need to go re-open the assembly." A nod and bow to Christine, before he headed out.

Loki offered Christine a genuine smile. "I'm sorry I worried you."

[drpalmer]

At least let me play a bit, I did come all this way.

She has her own spark of mischief now with some new things she's learned that she wants to show off.

She smiles at Thor when he is leaving and finally takes Loki's hand for a moment.

"I'm sorry I showed up unannounced."

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm touched, Christine." Said quietly, and he raises her hand up to nuzzle it. We can discuss it after the meeting. But I'm not opposed, provided I can keep you safe.

[drpalmer]

The little stolen moment of touch is all it takes to be right back in orbit with him.

"I saw the lockdown on the news and needed to see you."

And it meant she finally got her portal to work properly.

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm rather amazed you were able to memorize the layout of my rooms so accurately." Letting his other hand reach up to brush her cheek.

[drpalmer]

"I had a solid image, but the emotion helped to strengthen it." She steps closer, so she's easier to touch.

missed you it comes over their link with a tender swell of emotion.

[whose_son_am_i]

I've missed you, my Sweetling. Sending that emotion back, and twining with her own. "I am sorry to be springing this on you, Christine. But you will help. Part of what is fueling this is fatigue, in many ways."

[drpalmer]

"I'm glad I came when I did."

She brings his hand up to her lips and kisses it.

"We should probably be less obvious."

[whose_son_am_i]

"Probably. So business now, and then when private, we can talk more." Loki leaned in to kiss her forehead. Squeezing their joined hands, holding the moment. Then taking a breath, and his expression is all business again.

"This will be much like when I escorted you at the dinner before. I believe in you, Christine."

And so it was, as she was brought into the negotiations. Her name was recognized by the Norwegian diplomats, as they'd been briefed properly. With a combination of more talking and her projective Empathy (of which only Loki was aware), an official decree and proclamation was made. It was an exhausting process, in some ways. For now, the violence was held off. In the coming days, it would need to be dealt with--but they had a plan.


Loki arranged for dinner to be sent to his rooms, before he told Christine to go on a head. "I'll be there shortly, I just have something to set up."

[drpalmer]

It's incredibly satisfying to get to try her projection in a real world setting and not just at Wong. She didn't do much in the way of talking, but being able to keep everyone calm meant the talks were more rational.

"Okay, see you shortly." She remembers well enough the hallways to make it back to his rooms.

[whose_son_am_i]

Ylfa had clearly done her job, as the clothing was all packed away neatly now. His rooms were otherwise in order, if clearly he was working. But as before, she was welcome to make herself at home. It wasn't long before a servant brought dinner--something roasted with vegetables, hearty rolls, and mead and water.

It's not long after the servant brings food, that Loki finally came back to his rooms. Closing the door, and locking it. "How long are you planning to stay this time, Sweetling?"

[drpalmer]

Christine is comfortable in his rooms. But she is excited when he arrives.

"A day or two. But now that I can portal I can make one for you anytime."

[whose_son_am_i]

"I'm impressed and proud of you Sweetling." Loki murmured, moving over to her and simply wrapping her up in a hug. "And while I hate to have to depend on you for travel, I look forward to it."

[drpalmer]

She sinks happily into that embrace.

"It draws far less attention then you bringing the Commodore to the city." She nuzzles against him, taking in his familar scent.

"Check my shields."

[whose_son_am_i]

Holding her tighter for a moment more, before pulling back to arm's length to properly study her. She can probably tell that he's sending a testing probe or two against her mind. Loki slowly smiles, then reaches up to brush her cheek. "Much better, my Sweetling. You have been busy."