Mischief on Midgard

Sokovia

Sokovia...

After months of searching, it was revealed to be the last bastion of Hydra. Their final bunker and ultimate base of operations had been cleverly hidden within the war-torn country.

The base was highly guarded against all fronts. They had tanks, a minor army of well-trained soldiers, and god knew what hidden within the depths of the structure.

Given the sheer number against them, the group had decided to wait for Thor before starting the operation to take down the base. They wished to have the full team together, just in case.

The Avengers were on the ground and ready to make their move. Loki and Pepper had remained back in New York, observing the team via several monitors. Something that had become standard routine for the pair over the past several months.

Pepper, in particular, seemed to be very happy in having an active role when it came to Avengers' business, even if it was a support/tactical role. Loki had to admit, he enjoyed the arrangement as well. For more than one reason.

Given that he still wasn't allowed to harm the humans, even in self-defense, a support role was for the best. If he had been on the ground with the rest of the team, he would likely be required to cause someone harm. The current set up worked out in everyone's best interests.

"There is a group of heat signatures seventy-three meters west, to the right," Loki said, finger pressed against his ear-piece to trigger the mic. "Looks like a group of patrolling soldiers."

"Thanks, Robert," Rogers said with a nod that made his head-cam bounce. He signaled to the others, and they headed around the group to avoid them.

"Right, the area you're entering has more densely packed flora," Loki said warningly. "Keep aware of your surroundings. You want to maintain the element of surprise in areas like this."

"Oh, no," Pepper breathed from her spot next to his own, "The soldiers have stopped. They... Their turning and heading your way, guys!"

Loki's eyes flickered over to the screen that Pepper was monitoring.

"She's right," he said grimly. "You must have triggered an alarm. Ready yourselves. They'll be on you in roughly three to four minutes, given their current pace."

"Well then," Clint said with a sigh as he readied his bow. "There goes that element of surprise you were talking about."

"Stay sharp!" Steve ordered in a stern but soft voice. "Stay together and watch each other's backs!"

"Be safe!" Pepper said worriedly.

A little sooner than expected, the battle erupted. Loki and Pepper intently monitored their respective screens to keep track of the chaos that had erupted. Thankfully, the data they were getting was from not only the others' cameras, but Tony's visuals, suit-scanners, and an overhead radar.

"Oh boy," Loki said with a wince. "You're going to have more company. Coming in from North-East."

"More soldiers?" Tony asked as he zipped to the side to avoid a trail of gunfire.

"No. Worse," Loki drawled. "Tanks."

Silence met him for an instant before Tony blew a gasket.

"TANKS?! Shit!" Tony snapped as he flew up to run interference. "There's no need to be so damned casual about TANKS, ROB!"

Loki smirked at the man of irons words as he picked up his mug. Pepper shot him a bemused look as he took a sip of his coffee, and he raised his mug up to her a moment later, his grin widening. She shook her head, smiled, and went back to monitoring the team. Loki turned back to the spectacle playing out for them.