The Soldier and the Spy.

Chapter 22

***Captain America***

"Okay," Tony says, spreading out a detailed diagram on the table. "Here's the layout of the Siberian base."

"You were mapping it out?" Clint asks, raising one eyebrow.

"Yes. And lucky for you, too. Now as I was saying, here's the Siberian base, and this is a blueprint of one of the craft that took S.T.O.W.'s soldiers here."

"Okay, now you've got to be joking. You were in the Helicarrier the whole time! How on earth did you manage to sneak into one of their ships, take a detailed blueprint, and then sneak back in the space of what- thirty minutes? It's impossible!" Clint sputtered, momentarily forgetting that we have a bigger issue here than where Tony got his map.

"I didn't leave the Helicarrier," Tony starts.

"Then how-"

"Listen, Legolas. You can either let me talk, or you can go out there and fight the Jotuns all by yourself. If you absolutely must know, I hacked the computer system aboard the ship, downloaded this, and then printed it out. 'Kay? Now, we have a world to save, and an Avenger to rescue in the process."

As Tony and Nick Fury lay out the plan, I am struck by its ingenuity. No matter what they say about Iron Man, he sure knows how to think.

****Thor****

Steve and I walk down the halls to where Loki is being held. Fury has sent us to release Loki, with the promise that he will help us. He is the only one, other than Variel, who has had contact with this strange Jotun. Steve walks as though in a dream, not really paying attention to his surroundings. I can see that he is in great pain from Variel's loss. Only Natasha could rival it.

"All will be remedied. Loki possesses great intelligence, and I believe he has brotherly affections for Variel. I am sure I can convince him to do all that he can to aid in Variel's escape."

"Sure," Steve says. Even though he tries to control his voice, I can still hear the depths of emotion welling up behind the simple word. We arrive at Loki's cell. He is pacing around the room, and when he hears the door open, spins to face us, a happy expression on his face. I remember what Vanir said- Loki was expecting a rescue party. But when he realizes it's only us, his face falls into a false expression of worried surprise. He takes one glance at Steve and strides toward us.

"What happened? Who attacked?"

"You know very well who attacked us, you snake!" Steve shouts."You planned this! How could you?" He slams one fist against the glass of the cage, as if to break through to the occupant staring calmly back at him.

"Captain, it is okay. Calm yourself," I say, placing one hand on his forearm. "We were under attack from S.T.O.W. and their leader, Vanir. We know it was a rescue mission for you, but you were deceived. The real reason they attacked, and the reason he pretended to help you, was to find Variel."

His facial expression slips for a moment, showing his utter disbelief, but he regains control in a split second.

"I am sorry brother," I begin.

"No," he mutters, so quietly that I barely catch the word.

"We came here for more than just to watch you gloat, Loki," Steve growls. I turn to him in surprise- he's never this harsh. And apparently he can't see the hurt that my brother is holding inside himself. But then again, Steve hasn't know Loki for nearly as long as I have.

"And what would your great purpose be, oh mighty soldier?" Loki asks, not looking up.

"Fury has agreed to let you free as long as you agree to help us."