Both/And

Chapter 19 - Lockdown

New Asgard turns further inward during the lockdowns and restrictions. While cases in Norway skyrocket, they are low compared to some less fortunate and less prepared nations. Loki, Thor, and Valkyrie distribute masks and then help their people keep steady, finding little ways to brighten days and to help keep spirits lifted.

While they do this, they also keep up with New Asgard's scientists. Throughout the course of the year, they begin to study their own blood and bodies more extensively, hoping to find a way to test who in the village might be susceptible to the germ. As the entire world watches thousands die, the Aesir discover something remarkable – their bodies don't carry the infection. They don't fall ill, nor do they transmit it. Loki volunteers his own blood for testing and the same is determined for him. With this in mind, a few individuals are selected to leave to gather supplies. The village spends time rebuilding their community with those who reappeared after the Blip. They construct a hospital and slowly gather equipment so those with minds inclined to research can start to piece together the technology they once had in Asgard. By the time the snow falls again, the world is bracing for a winter surge and thousands more deaths while New Asgard's finest scientific minds try to adapt the new vaccines for those with biology that seems, from their tests, to be at risk for infection.

Valkyrie and Thor reach out to neighbouring communities to offer the hands of those unable to spread the disease. Groups of volunteers find ways to alleviate the suffering around them. Thor and Valkyrie take turns accompanying them. Loki, on the other hand, stays in New Asgard, a quiet and steady assistant to whichever of their two leaders is present to keep things running through the crisis. He reads everything he can on the pandemic throughout the world and he keeps track of the work of their own researchers. His desk is often covered in piles of binders and maps. When the first case appears in their village, it is Loki who checks in with the household regularly, bringing them food, supplies, and whatever else will alleviate their suffering. When it can't be alleviated, he brings them to their small hospital on Sleipnir's back, carrying them into the emergency ward while their family stays quarantined.

Their first case also brings their first COVID death. The deceased was a refugee from Sakaar, a prisoner who fled during Korg's uprising. There are no others of their race in New Asgard. So Loki does the only thing he can think to do – he calls for Thor to find a way to get word to their planet so he might better understand their funeral rites. Thor does the only thing he can think of – he sends a message to his friends on the Milano explaining the situation. It takes a week, but Rocket's small ship lands on the outskirts of the village and Groot brings a book to Loki's doorstep. After they've left, Loki spends hours studying the volume until he feels he knows what to do. He waits until the family of the deceased has recovered and then meets with them to explain the rituals traditionally conducted in their family member's home community. They gather on the shore and Loki does his best to honour a culture he's never experienced, hoping it will be enough to lay the dead to rest.

It is not the last time he has to make this request of the crew of the Milano.