Dark Reality (MCU Book 2)

Chapter 4: SHIELD

Sure enough, the fight between Thor and Iron Man was short, even when Captain America stepped in. Everyone was brought back to the Quinjet until they made it to the Helicarrier. Steve, Tony, Natasha, and Thor went to a meeting table in the main area as SHIELD agents escorted Loki to a cell originally made for the Hulk and Zima was led to an interrogation room. She waited there by herself until Phil Coulson entered.

"I already told your two friends in the metal suit and red white and blue that I'm not your enemy." Zima tells him, "At least not now."

"We know that." Coulson says, "But that's exactly why I need to ask you a few questions."

"I don't have to tell you anything."

"Could you at least give us a name?"

"You haven't been told that already?"

"We'd still like to hear it from you. Just a thing we have to ask."

"Fine. My name is Zima. Now what do you know, and what do you want to know?"

"You're an Asgardian, like Thor, and you were spotted in Germany with Loki."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"Zima, you must understand that we do have reasons to believe you are his ally."

"I was. A long time ago. I'm not now. If you're asking if I know what he's up to, I don't. All I know is that I spent the past year thinking he was dead, and suddenly he's here. I just want to know why."

"Was? What changed that?"

"Not your concern."

"And what makes you think you won't be later?"

"Because when I arrived here, the first thing I saw was a man with his face, but I didn't recognize him. I'm just here on a personal mission. I'm not here for you guys. I just want answers as much as you seem to. Are my answers to your satisfaction?"

Phil paused for a moment, thinking about what the raven-haired woman had said. "To be honest, no. Like I said, we don't have much reason to trust you, but it does seem that Thor does. I won't keep you in this room any longer, but you will have either me or another SHIELD agent keeping an eye on you."

"Fine." Zima says, and Phil escorts her out and back to the main area with Tony.

"So how much did you get from her?" Tony asks, not acknowledging her presence.

"As much as I think she's willing to tell." Coulson replies.

"You know I can hear you, right?" Zima asks, "If I were you, I wouldn't push me in the wrong direction."

Tony and Coulson continued talking while Zima walked with them in silence. Tony then joined the conversation that the others were having while Zima went and stood by Thor.

"What do they need the iridium for?" Bruce asked as they entered.

"It's a stabilizing agent." Tony says. "It means that the portal won't collapse on itself like it did at SHIELD. No hard feelings, Point Break," He adds, addressing Thor, "You got a mean swing. Also, it means the portal can open as wide and stay open as long as Loki wants. The rest of the raw materials Agent Barton can get his hands on pretty easily. The only major component he still needs is a power source of high-energy density. Something to kick-start the Cube."

"Are you sure we should be talking about this with her around?" Bruce asks.

"You really don't trust me, do you?" Zima asks.

"She can be trusted." Thor says, "I know her, and all this isn't what she cares about."

"Thanks." Zima whispers quietly, while everyone else continued their conversation.

Tony and Bruce then left to analyze the scepter, Steve wandered off somewhere, and Zima, Thor, and Natasha stayed where they were.

"I must say, I'm surprised you don't automatically think I'm the bad guy." Zima says to Thor, "Since... you know.."

"I don't believe you could be if you wanted to." Thor says.

"However..." Zima starts,

"However... there are a few things I would like to know."

"Like?"

"How did you know? And how you got here?"

"Well, starting with how I got here, I snuck out. I do know a thing or two about that, remember? As for how I know, that is an interesting one. I happened to be passing by when I heard you talking with my father. When were you going to tell me?"

"Zima, you have to understand-"

"Understand what? You and I both know how much I care for him. I would have done anything if I needed to. Now, when were you going to tell me? After you were done here? Never?"

"I do not know, but I must insist you go home. I can handle things here."

"And when have I ever listened to you? I'll leave when I get when I came for, or when I decide otherwise. Just remember, I haven't chosen a side yet." Zima then turned to Natasha. "Now, where is he? I would like to speak to him, if that's allowed. Or do you still not trust me?"