4938/Ragnarok pt. 17: The deal is made.

Ragnarok pt. 17: The deal is made.
Date of Scene:	16 July 2018
Location:	Asgardian Ship, Atlantic Ocean
Synopsis:	A course of action is decided on and put into action
Cast of Characters:	Thor, Psylocke, Vintridr, Iron Man
Tinyplot:	Ragnarok

---

Thor has posed:
    Tensions remained high even though the HAMMER armored suits had withdrawn back to the USS Abraham Lincoln. On the remains of Frigga's Mercy, the Asgardians would occasionally look up pensively, seeing the jet fighters slicing across the sky and keeping a now much more active watch upon the craft itself. The ocean itself was quiet, thankfully. The waves were gently lapping against the sides of the spacecraft even as some of the Asgardian workers and SHIELD operatives are working to try and modify the superstructure to try and make the vessel more seaworthy.
    But ever since that stand off, a dozen hours have passed and still the distant silhouettes of the American ships seemed to hold position in a way that might almost seem ominous. Yet with that danger present, the people continued to do what they could. They worked on the repairs and salvage operations, and the mid day meals were prepared which caused the wounded vessel to seem to come to life as cookfires were kindled to life, causing tendrils of smoke to wend their way upwards.
    It wasn't until then that Thor returned. At first appearing as just a mote in the sky, and then quickly resolving into a rapidly descending figure that slowed just before landing upon the deck with a /whumpf./ He rose to his feet, garbed in his armor though without cloak. Attaching Mjolnir's hammer to his side he looked to the guardsmen that advanced and snapped to attention. "Send word, gather the Thanes for I would speak with them."
    The guard snaps a sharp salute, "At once, Your Majesty." And with that he turns to spread the word.

Psylocke has posed:
    Tensions were high amongst the visitors on the ship as well. Betsy was keeping a wary eye on the ships which had now become the enemy instead of protectors and guardians. That the United States felt they had the right to impose their will on the Asgardians was beyond her. Suddenly all their good will seemed more self serving. Yet, this was a country who had said there was no place for the Asgardians in their country.
    Perhaps they just wanted the Asgardian tech and not her people. That just made Betsy more annoyed.
    She remained, determined that if something were to happen, she would be there to help these people. Her skills might come in handy. Even while she was there physically, she was keeping a mental eye on the commander of the USS Lincoln. If he was about to send in his troopers again, she was going to be aware before they were in the sky.
    This put her to helping physically instead of mentally. No psychic maneuvering while she was focused on that far away ship. Instead, she used her shadow teleportation when she could to help move goods but mainly, she was here to sit and spend time with the Asgardians she had become friends with. She offered assurances and smiles when they admitted concern, trying to keep things on an even keel.
    When Thor returned in his usual epic fashion, she roses from the woman she was talking to and looked his direction. The call to his people had her moving his direction along with some of the Thanes.

Thor has posed:
    As the guard had been set to his duty, Thor began the striding advance towards the central command structure that had been created from wreckage below decks. He pushed aside the flap that served as a door and moved into the room. It had several chairs within, a large table with which several parchments and data displays were resting, and a large chilly box that served as a place for supplies to be stored.
    Elizabeth's approach and the approach of some of the Thanes were quick enough for them to catch him just before he had disappeared within. He waved one hand gesturing for them to enter and follow him. Betsy is allowed to step inside first, one of the older Asgardians gesturing for her to precede him. Then the other two walk in after her, taking up a place at either side of the door so others can file in easier.
    Lifting a hand, Thor offers to them. "Greetings." His brow furrows as he sits down in the chair at the head of the table and gives a nod, "Bide until all are here." His lip twitches a little, "So I have but to utter my words once."

Psylocke has posed:
    As she enters the command center, Betsy moves to the far end along the wall so that others can easily fill the spaces. Since she's not the only one that likes having her back covered that way, she's learned from a few meetings previously this is the best way to do it.
    She's watching Thor closely, but she is keeping her telepathy to herself for now. She's not trying to read his thoughts. Usually she tries to monitor everyone around her to some extent but right now, her mind is on another person. Almost literally since she is following Greyson as he moves about his tasks on the bridge of his ship.
    She gives a nod and a smile to one of the men who gives her a nudge on the arm. He's one of those she had helped when she first arrived on the ship while it was in orbit. She holds her tongue though, concerned what the meeting may have set in motion.

Thor has posed:
    Distantly she ever has that vibe and feeling for Captain Greyson so far off aboard the aircraft carrier. He seems stressed as well, unhappy with the duty, displeased with his role. She can at times catch him looking at the calendar on the data displays near him, counting the days until his retirement. But he does keep vigilant, at times asking for status updates or working on the duty roster. Things that keep him busy.
    In the here and now, within the command hall that had been constructed only a few days past, Thor waits until the elders of the Asgardians are gathered. Bjarke arrives to some warm greetings, his shoulder being thumped by the head of the smithing guild's fist. He filters to the side and gets into a place from which he can look upon the Thunderer.
    Looking up as the people gather, Thor rises from his seat and furrows his brow looking at each in turn. "Is this everyone?"

Vintridr has posed:
    "It is now, my Lord," Vintridr replies as she enters, uncharacteristically late. "My apologies; some of your people wished to discuss the fate of their fallen kin," she explains as she strides across the command center to join at Thor's side. "Matters have been resolved to their satisfaction now."

Psylocke has posed:
    At Thor's question, Betsy glances around like the others but she really couldn't answer either way. She's the newcomer. She has no idea of all the players in his ranks, needless to say.
    When Vintridr enters, she glances at the woman. Valkyrie. That's what she's heard from others. She knows of them and what they do by legend, and by the words of the Asgardians she has dealt with thus far, but not actually having met one at this point. She remains silent, dressed in her casual jeans and blouse, looking a bit odd perhaps amongst the Asgardian garb of the others.

Thor has posed:
    One hand is lifted to stay Vintridr's need for an apology, shaking his head as if there were no need. As she passes he rests a hand upon her shoulder and then he nods once in passing. He then looks over the room as a whole and he says simply. "You are all aware what has passed and so our place here is tenuous. I do not care to leave our people in such a place. Our next course of action is clear. We will no longer remain here."
    That having been said Thor turns to look towards Psylocke, his brow furrowing. "Lady Braddock, you have given much in your efforts here. The next I would ask of you, however, would put you at odds with some of your countrymen and may well label you an outlaw amongst your kind." He looks around the room to see the Thanes and elders looking pensive but nodding at Thor's words, agreeing that she has done her part and then some most likely.
    Back to her he adds, "You have dared much and remained unwavering. Yet all here," He gestures with the sweep of one hand, "Would think no less of you if our paths diverged here and now."

Psylocke has posed:
    As Vintridr takes up a spot by Thor, Betsy does take a note of something but she keeps that to herself. Everyone has secrets. Which is why Thor mentioning her becoming an outlaw among her people strikes her as amusing. Due to the seriousness of the situation, Betsy manages not to smile. Her status as a costumed hero is still a thing that she has not shared. Particularly that she's a member of the X-Men, a group that still works outside the laws and isn't looked upon with kindness. Some even consider them mutant terrorists, despite their good works. And that isn't even touching on her history with The Hand.
    "It wouldn't be the first time I've held that title," she says simply in her British accent, with a small shrug of her shoulders. "I am not supportive of the United States actions today so their condemnation is not a concern." Not entirely true since she has been living in the US for years. She has a life there but some things are more important. Freedom for the Asgardians counts amongst them.
    "What would you have me do?"

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr's lips curve upward in a slight smile at Psylocke's response. "Well spoken, Lady Braddock. Your aid has been beyond value, and if you are willing to defy the will of the USA, then we honour your courage are full glad to continue to accept it."

Thor has posed:
    At Psylocke's words Thor gives a small smile, his good eye meeting her gaze and then he nods as if the matter was decided. He turns back to look at the worthies gathered and leans against the table. "Then here is the plan." He looks between them all as his voice lowered. "Discretion is required. For the good of our people."
    He turns back towards Elizabeth and addresses her, "Lady Braddock, I would have you retire under the premise of continuing your efforts to aid our people. Choose a place below decks out of sight and large enough to accommodate the numbers you feel you can transport safely."
    He then looks across the way towards Bjarke, "We shall need volunteers and for most of us here to remain visible on deck until nightfall. The weather shall become poorly then and the rest of us will then follow the others down into the bowels of the ship to take shelter."
    Back to Betsy, "As soon as you secure a room suitable, Bjarke will begin to send people to you. I would have you take them to safety aboard the SHIELD helicarrier, the Iliad." He looks back to the group as a whole, "Once we are secure on board the ship then under the cover of night the helicarrier will break from its normal patrol route and depart."
    To Vintridr his blue-eyed gaze levels, "It is then that we must be entirely sure, with no doubt, that everyone is clear of the Mercy. Everyone. There can be no mistakes in this, take what time is needed."

Psylocke has posed:
    Evacuation? That's what it is sounding like. That they will be going to the SHIELD craft has her a little unsure but she trusts Thor to know who his allies are in this. May had seemed as upset as the rest of them.
    "I will have to do it in small groups. Fifteen is a good number but I have pushed it to twenty. Above that, I start to strain my abilities and would have to recover for a time. If we can do fifteen at a time, I likely can do so indefinitely. So fifteen every five seconds or so?" She's trying to do the math in her head and it is coming up as a really long time for as many people as they have on the ship.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr nods. "Almost easier done than said. We've kept a running list of every man, woman, child and pet that made it aboard the Mercy. We'll check off each name, then scour the ship again for any stowaways. It will be done."
    She turns to Psylocke. "Pace yourself. If too many vanish too quickly, our brave and generous 'protectors'," - her mouth twists in distaste " - might realize something is up. As to how much time we'll have before they make their next move..." she frowns, thinking hard. "By now, King Haakon will have contacted his people over the incident. Come the morrow, Norway's representatives in the United Nations will have some pointed things to say to the United States over their conduct here, and wheels will start to turn. Whoever set this plan in motion almost certainly intends to have firm possession of the Mercy before any kind of formal condemnation or possible sanction gets voted on... We'd best be well on our way by dawn's breaking."

Thor has posed:
    A hand extends out towards Psylocke, "Take what time is needed, so long as the transfer is completed before dawn." He nods in sync with Vintridr's recommendation, the dawn being the time when matters must progress. He then shifts his gaze to the Valkyrie and reiterates, "I trust you to make the needed preparations, check and double check. We will only have the one chance at this."
    That having been said the other Thanes seem to accept the words even as they turn their thoughts to their parts in the coming tasks. The Thunderer looks between them all and then murmurs, "Very well, take what time you need to prepare. If there are questions then I will answer. Let us be about this."
    The Asgardian leaders push themselves to their feet or away from the walls where they had been standing. Quiet murmurs are heard as some exchange their thoughts while they're on the way towards the exit. But then, quietly, just from the corner where Thor's Sakaaran helmet had been resting upon the chilly box comes a faint chirp of sound as if a small bird were seeking attention.
    Thor turns, frowning to himself as he takes up the helmet that had served him in his battle against the Grandmaster's champion only to see a small reddish light emanating from one of the guards. He touches the light and suddenly... Tony Stark's visage appears.

Iron Man has posed:
"Hi Thor. Bad time?" Tony Stark's voice cheerfully asks from the fluttering hologram, in a tone that reads that he's not actually suggesting he'd wait even if it WERE a bad time. His hologram of himself is relaxed, probably in a desk chair, even with a slight swivel in the motion as if he were turning himself just a little with one foot at the base of the chair. It's hardly a 'Help me Obi wan' message.

"Looks like somebody got upset over there. Or greedy. Or both. Figured I'd wander in and pitch in?" Tony offers, leaning forward to fiddle with a console that the hologram isn't picking up on, one-handed. "Though I don't really want to send in a helicarrier to get blown up. Those take a while to build."

Psylocke has posed:
    "I'll retire to one of the intact cargo holds that has no ports or windows. There should be room for a few hundred at a time in there. Get to work." Betsy pushes off from the wall after saying this but pauses when the chirp sound is heard.
    She watches the hologram spring to life, recognizing the man immediately. Instead of leaving, she waits to ...well, eavesdrop on the conversation.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr nods at Thor. "As you command, Thunderer." She then turns to one of the Thanes. "Regnar, with the Lady Braddock. See to it that she finds a suitable hold, then start moving people into it as she requires. Vadi, topside. Make certain our people understand the need for discretion as we start to move. Jorg, Bjorn, with me-"

    She pauses in her instructions as Tony's hologram forms, waiting for Thor to address the Iron Man.

Thor has posed:
    The elder Asgardians pause and frown a bit at the image of Stark appearing but then take it in stride when Thor seemingly does so as well. They continue towards the door even as the God of Thunder sets the helm down upon the table so it stabilizes the hologram and presents him steadily now a miniature version of himself upon the tabletop in that curious hue of mildly pixelated blue. "Stark?" Thor's voice is curious but then he gives a nod.
    "Aye, matters have..." He looks up as if seeking aid from Vintridr or Psylocke in the answering of this question. "Have taken a turn. We find ourselves being held at the behest of the American Captain Greyson." His brow furrows, frown deepening. "But before I speak more on this matter, are you certain this line is safe to speak upon?"

Iron Man has posed:
"You say that like you regularly get holograms from anyone other than me," Tony teases Thor back, but there's a subtle adjustment in his expression that the hologram does pick up: he's watching the stress and state of his friend. Even if his verbal commentary doesn't suggest he's aware.

"I just hacked into an alien communication device /you/ didn't even know you were carrying. 'Safe' could describe it, yes," Tony smiles vaguely. "I'm poking into the local pals you have there too, see what they're chatting about. I can relay that through to you if you like; I've got an armor en-route to serve as a hub for whatever I'm doing over there for you. So don't hit it with a hammer, if possible." A pause. "I interrupted something?" Interested, not apologetic.

Psylocke has posed:
    "I'll keep you apprised if Captain Greyson gives any orders before they are carried out," Betsy offers to the gathering as well, letting them know they have another in to the goings on over on the Lincoln.
    "It shouldn't distract me from my task but if it does, I'll give you warning I need to focus." She doesn't say on what. That's for Thor to share if he wishes.

Vintridr has posed:
    "Normally I'd point out that if one person can crack a communication method, another person could do the same, but given that it's you, Sir Stark, I'll trust your word for it." She looks back to Thor. "By your leave, my Lord? We'll get to work."

Thor has posed:
    A small snort slips from Thor as he shakes his head but then he answers, "Aye." He looks up towards Psylocke and Vintridr, then back towards the hologram of Iron Man sans armor. "We have set to a course that will lead to our freedom if all matters proceed apace." Despite the reassurances given, Thor seems a touch hesitant to speak as to the specifics of the plan.
    But then Thor's eyes narrow a touch and he lifts a hand, "You could aid us if you wish. Though I know not what repercussions there may be upon you for siding with us. I am far from unweaving the web of politics that seems to have enwrapped us. It is possible your government would strike out at you for such help." Thor then pauses to look towards the others to see if they are of a similar mindset.
    But then at Vintridr's request he gives a nod, "Yes, please do." He looks towards Psylocke and nods to her as well.

Iron Man has posed:
"Let me worry about my own back, but I appreciate the concern. You've got enough to handle without looking after me. Nobody will even know I'm poking around, let alone pin me down for it," Tony assures Thor and the other various people present. "Though if they /didn't/ expect me to help another Avenger? That stings. ---Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, glad my reputation precedes me, lady Asgardian," is the reply to the Asgardian that he doesn't know, Vintridr.

"I do still prefer my own tech to this. The armor will be with you shortly. Terminating this for now." With a bright little spark, the hologram ends.

Psylocke has posed:
    "Good luck, everyone." As the transmission ends, Betsy gives a nod to the others in the room then heads out of the doorway by pushing the flag out of the way to exit the room.
    Once outside, she immediately starts talking to the Asgardian at her side, as she has done so many times when taking one of them to a private area to help with their mental scars. Nothing different from her normal routine as she leads him toward the closest passage below decks. Once out of sight, her movements will become more urgent as the Asgardian takes the lead, getting her to a location so she can begin transporting people to safety.

Vintridr has posed:
    Vintridr watches Psylocke go, then nods at Thor once more before turning and heading out on her own tasks. So many demolition charges to place, so little time...

Thor has posed:
    As the other two leave Thor gives the a wave of one hand, "Proceed as we have planned for now. Stark may be able to aid us but our plan still stands." That having been said he starts to move around the edge of the table, starting towards the door himself. He does take along enough, however, to scoop up the helmet and to start to fidget it while he walks, frowning at it as if it might hold further secrets within its armored frame.