Working Title : Loki & Annie

89 The General's Orders

The General stood in his office, his back to the large row of windows while examining several pages of photos. His uniform had been custom made despite military regulations and now he was in his shirtsleeves with his jacket neatly hung in the closet. Salt and pepper-colored hair in a military cut he could be described as gruffly handsome, though no one actually would. A trim mustache completed his look as the no-nonsense career military man that he was.

The only other person in the office was the General's adjutant who stared off into the distance, respectful and attentive yet waiting for his orders. 

The General turned to stare out the window after tossing the photo's across the desk, "You're sure this isn't just a bunch of kids or nutjobs with an alien fetish?"

"Yes, Sir. We compared it to all other known landing sites and the circumferences and depth match perfectly." The man stood with his hands behind his back, glad that his hands twitching was hidden. He disliked aliens, his wife's family lost their business in the Battle of New York. 

The General hummed. Several moments passed in silence. Looking back down, his lips pursed while he determined what would be the best course of action to take. He had several options but realistically, he had only one. 

The adjutant recognized from the General's body language that the man had come to a decision.

With a voice used to giving orders that were never questioned he tersely spoke. "Send Team Four, reconnaissance only to confirm the ID of the Asset Thor. Report back as to the reason he isn't staying with Stark. I want to know who he is with and why." The General looked over his shoulder without making an effort to actually look at his adjutant, "If soft contact can be made they have the approval to do so. But I don't want any hard action taken without my express orders."

"Yes, Sir."

Once the man had left his office the General stared without seeing the view stretched out for miles in front of him. "What are you up to, Odinson? And how can I use you?" The man folded his hands behind his back while thinking of possibilities.