A New York Secret

Chapter Forty Five

Loki listened very carefully to the briefing and directions as he walked. He hadn't realized how big Stark Towers was until now, but he found his way. He made it all the way to the access door, but without a pass card, he had to resort to knocking loudly.

Tony looked up from covering over a control panel and sighed when he saw Loki's face. "Jarvis, allow entry."

"Yes, Mister Stark." Jarvis replied, then the door clicked open. Loki pushed the door open and walked in.

"Where do you want me to start?" He asked Stark.

"I'm checking the control panel right now, but it seems to be spazzing out whenever I turn it back on. Everything is in working order, so I'm not sure what it's doing," Tony explained dully.

Loki walked over and looked at the control panel. Then he walked over to a different panel. "Have you checked the molecular converter?" He asked Tony.

"I did a diagnostic on it with my computer, it said it was fine," Tony replied.

"It is too warm. Add five percent cooling to the third chamber." Loki said as he began to tinker with it.

"Do some research?" Tony questioned, but did as Loki suggested.

"Just a few hours in the early hours of the morning." Loki said truthfully. "I also finished that equation. You know, the one that stumped you." He bragged, watching as the reactor stabilized.

Tony raised an eyebrow at Loki and curled his lip in a smirk. "Clever man then."

Loki glanced up and simply gave Tony a nod. "I am a fast learner."

"I can see that." I might have a use for you yet reindeer games.

Loki moved to a different control panel and typed a few commands. "Chambers eight and twelve will also need a full overhaul within the next week."

"Looks like I need to make new parts," Tony commented as he turned to the main control panel. "The heat has kicked on but I'm not sure if it's warm air that's circulating."

"It will take a few minutes to warm up, then it should be warm air. If not, I will come back down and fix it." Loki shrugged.

"You might prove to be a man to have around Loki," Tony praised.

"Why do I feel like that isn't the compliment you want it to sound like?" Loki asked, feeling like there was an alternative motive.

Tony shook his head as he wiped the grease from his hands. "There's no motive. I'm just seeing the potential everyone has been trying to get me to see."

"Am I free to go now?" Loki asked, feeling uncomfortable.

Tony nodded. "You don't need permission Loki, you can go. I'll see you at the party later."

"I'm allowed to attend the party this time?" Loki asked, feeling confused.

"It's the annual Christmas Eve party. Everyone will be there, so I don't want you to miss it."

Loki just stood there for a moment, then walked away without a word. Once he was through the first door, he quickened his pace. He felt very uneasy now and wanted to get back to Emily as quickly as possible, to make sure she was alright.

~~~~~~~

Emily sat huddled against Mary beneath a blanket while she stared at the dancing flames within the fireplace. "The fan kicked on, but it'll be a bit before it's warm in here," she commented softly.

"I can't believe the heat cut out on one of the coldest days of the year." Mary said, sticking her hands out of the blanket to warm them up.

"Even Stark tech can have bad days," Emily chuckled. "But the fireplace helps a lot."