Green Beret | MCU (On Hold)

CHAPTER 2

S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier — 2012

Troyton Kemp sat at a round table aboard the Helicarrier, surrounded by bustling S.H.I.E.L.D. agents who seemed unfazed by the fact that an actual god was walking among them. He, on the other hand, was still wrapping his head around it.

And not just any god. Thor was a towering figure with a physique that could humble most pro athletes and an aura of mythic power. Even if you weren't into that sort of thing, you'd still stare.

Curiosity finally got the better of him.

"So, let me get this straight," Troy said, leaning forward, eyes fixed on Thor. "Loki's a Frost Giant? And your brother?"

Thor nodded solemnly. "Aye. Though he was adopted, he is still my brother. He has deceived me many times, but I still hold onto hope—for the hero he might yet become."

Troy whistled softly. "So he's, what, a giant alien with magic and ice powers?"

Thor chuckled, a deep, almost musical sound. "He is certainly large—though he doesn't show it in his Asgardian form. Frost Giants hail from Jotunheim, where they can freeze with a touch, but they do not control ice like a sorcerer manipulates energy. Loki's true strength lies in illusion, manipulation... and mischief."

"Makes sense." Troy scratched his chin. "So we've got an emotionally volatile sorcerer with inferiority issues and abandonment trauma. Fun combo."

Thor gave a grave nod. "Loki's thirst for recognition has long blinded him. He craves our father's approval—often in the most destructive ways."

"Yeah..." Troy leaned back in his chair, processing. "It's like he's performing—trying to get Odin's attention. Proving he's more than the 'other son.' Even if it means tearing the world apart to do it."

Thor's expression darkened. "He does not understand... Odin has always loved him. As have I. My mother, too. We treated him as a prince of Asgard."

Troy's brow lifted. "Sure. But he's not the heir, right? You are. And he didn't even know he was adopted until later. That messes with a person's head. Maybe deep down, he thinks Odin never meant for him to rule because he's a Frost Giant."

Thor looked down, silent.

Just then, the doors opened with a hiss, and Agent Phil Coulson entered, followed closely by a man Troy recognized instantly.

Captain America.

Troy stood, snapping instinctively to attention. "Captain Rogers," he said, extending his hand.

Steve took it with a firm grip and a respectful nod. "Good to meet you, Captain. And thank you for your service."

"Likewise," Troy replied.

Steve glanced around and took a seat beside Thor. His demeanor sharpened, military instincts still second nature. "How's the situation developing?"

Troy stayed standing, arms crossed. "Loki's got a powerful inferiority complex. He wants validation, but instead of earning it, he manipulates, postures, lashes out. He's dangerous because he believes his cause is justified—even if he's the only one who thinks so."

He glanced at Thor. "My guess? He's trying to impress Odin. Or at least get his attention. But I don't think this is just about that."

"What do you mean?" Steve asked.

Troy turned back to him. "Loki knows Odin wouldn't condone this. Invading Earth? Declaring war on Midgard? That's not going to win him a pat on the back. If anything, it gets him chained up."

Thor frowned, catching the implication. "Then what is his endgame?"

Troy shrugged. "I don't think he's acting alone. If this is a performance... then someone else wrote the script."

Steve's eyes narrowed. "You think he's working for someone?"

"Or trying to impress someone else," Troy said. "Either way, he's a pawn in something bigger."

Steve nodded slowly. "Alright. What's the plan, Troy?"

Troy smirked. "First off, you don't need to call me Captain. I'm not into the whole formality thing. Troy, Kemp—hell, make up a nickname if you want."

Steve gave a soft chuckle, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Then call me Steve."

"Deal," Troy said, then turned serious again. "We outplay him. Make him believe we can see through his tricks. Disrupt his game. He thrives on control—so we take that away. Push him into a corner where he has to reveal something."

Thor nodded in agreement. "I support this strategy. But take care—Loki's words are weapons."

Agent Coulson stepped forward, having quietly observed the conversation. "I'll arrange the interrogation. We'll schedule something within the hour."

"Appreciate it," Troy replied with a nod.

Coulson hesitated, then offered a slightly sheepish smile. "If I may... it'd be an honor to grab a photo with you, Troy. I've read your file. The missions you've led, the teams you've brought home... you're probably the greatest soldier since Captain Rogers. Shame there are no trading cards of you."

Troy raised an eyebrow, grinning. "I'm guessing you've got plenty of Steve."

He turned to Steve. "Let me guess—he got you to sign them?"

Steve chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Eventually."

That broke the tension. Laughter rippled around the room—Thor, Steve, even Coulson.

"Hey, you got your phone on you?" Troy asked Coulson.

Coulson blinked, startled, then nearly gave himself whiplash pulling it from his pocket. "Absolutely."

"Then let's take that photo," Troy said, draping an arm around him.

Coulson snapped the selfie, clearly over the moon. "Thanks. Seriously."

Just then, Coulson's phone buzzed with an incoming call. He stepped aside to answer, already halfway through coordinating the interrogation schedule as his voice faded down the hallway.

As Coulson disappeared, Troy turned back to Steve and Thor.

"Alright," he said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's go crack a god."

Edited.