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Several blocks down the way, Times Square convulses with terror and shock. The world has changed, and it will never be the same again.
The wires flame with reports. Journalists and photographers unleashed by their dozens from bullpens around the city descend on Midtown, to the very heart of the commercial core of New York. Phone calls surely jam the systems, many of them directed towards D.C., lawmakers, taste makers, powerbrokers around the world. Embassies shudder, the public heaves, and the last question on everyone lips is 'Is it true?'
At least it is among those awakening to the dread reality that humanity - a collective we - are not alone. Whole swathes of the globe still reside in ignorance of the news betrayed in New York City, though their blessed ignorance will soon end. Enjoy it while it lasts. However, time is so much of the essence and one girl who can move faster than the average stride dares to put risk over reality. It won't matter much: she was there, ground zero, and the photographers may focus on Johnny Storm, but hard when he's dancing with a redhead midair.
Dropping into a quiet side street, Scarlett approaches the Wildenstein Mansion on foot, her pace slowed considerably. There will be next to no niceties about this; the moment she enters, she seeks the nearest servant of Asgardian extraction, and says, "I need the Crown Prince. It's an emergency. Please."
*
Everything in its time. The servant has seen centuries of 'emergencies' during his term of service, so this goes neither faster nor slower than any other request for audience with the Crown Prince. Undoubtedly much to Scarlett's dismay, chagrin, and everything else.
Thor descends the stairs quickly, jacket on over his frame, jeans, shirt, boots. He's ready to go out, and looking incognito. He pauses at the base of the stairs, then, his brow creasing at the tone which Scarlett's words have taken.
"Lady Scarlett.." and it's an acknowledgement as well as a focused question. "Tell me you are well." It's more than just a 'hi, how are you?' statement, and he continues. "What has transpired that has put you in such a state?"
*
Chagrin, no. Scarlett is too far beyond the bend to experience the panic of her race, and she will sit as patiently as they come in a seat. There are advantages to being good at yoga, taught by a guru: she can fall into a meditative state in breathless short order, and that she does, seated upon a chair like one of the great statues of Ramesses' queens, ensconced at Karnak or Thebes or Abu Simbel. Her hands rest upon her knees and the faraway look in her luminous green eyes gives time no grievances. Her thoughts tumble into order, focused upon the mettle of her breathing.
A blink will follow when the reverie is interrupted by a voice, by a step rumbling through her existence. Her head tilts up, another blink restoring full consciousness as Thor enters her frame of being.
"Mankind has discovered other beings beyond their planet exist. A being fell to the ground in front of thousands of people, and the media, half an hour ago. I don't believe the government can suppress this." Succinct words chase another summary. "I do not believe a human shot it. There might be a conflict we're caught in."
*
Thor leans against the wall, blue eyes watching Scarlett as she makes her 'report', or rather, her filling in of events that have transpired and he can hear the concern that tinges her voice. "I see," is softly rumbled. "That puts us in a position." The thought after that, however, fades, unspoken. He presses his lips together and nods, looking out past the door, even if it is closed. "Perhaps it wouldn't be bad of us to announce our presence here." As Loki wishes to do. "I will speak to Loki on this."
Though, something about a conflict gains Thor's attention once again, "We should discover who it is that fights, then we speak with Dr. Strange," as he is the 'Protector', as well as Loki. "They can then decide what is in the best interests of Midgard."
*
"After here, my next stop was Doctor Strange." Agreement follows with a curt dip of Scarlett's head. "Loki must know and I will supply all I can from memory. I had the advantage of being there, trying to rescue the man revealed as an alien. There are others I need to consult with." Her dimmed gaze burns behind her lashes, sharpening to the realm of thought. "The crowd thought he was a policeman. He appeared to jump from an eighth or ninth floor window in a building adjacent to Times Square. The man was shot clear through the chest, by an energy blast of some kind. Mutants could produce this, but I've heard shouts of a weapon. Neither I nor Mr. Storm could catch him in time. When he hit the ground, he died shortly after. Then his form shifted to a humanoid, green, with roughly hewn features. Pointed ears, a chin more like a…" Midgard to Asgard translation take a moment. "… Troll. Its blood was caustic, too. When I got close, it started to burn my lungs and that takes a fair bit of effort."
She glances up at Thor. Her durability is probably an open secret by this point. "The Inhuman princess was there, and deeply distressed by what happened. I had no chance to speak with her, nor would I risk her identity doing so. Nonetheless, her distress was considerable. It may be worth pursuing. I will see whether any of the metahuman community knows more. But this could have repercussions. As you say, it may be an unexpected boon for you and your people to speak out. Better not to be flat-footed or reacting only, and the government…" She shakes her head. "I don't know what they do. What would you have me do, if anything else?"
*
Thor puts his hand up, and cants his head slightly. "First, I would wish to know with whom you will work and take guidance. Are you Loki's retainer in name, or do you take direction from him? If you are his, then hold on speaking to Strange before he may gather his thoughts on the matter. If you speak, and then Loki says another, there is no single voice." His tones are meant to sound kind, but there is a definite need for clarity, at least in his mind.
"I would have you keep words of calm. That there are those that will stand forward and aid Midgard should she need it. We are silent but ever watching." Thor pushes off the wall, and he offers a half smile, "But we will not fight all her battles. She has to progress the way she should."
*
The faint touch of a smile lingers, in spite of all things. She tips her head, her dark hair spilling sideways. "My lord, I follow what he asks unless that would lead me to certain and utter death. I am no drone in a hive. But if it needs to be said, I am loyal to him. If you bid me wait, then I shall abide." She nods to this fact, resting her arms over her knees. "I do not expect that anyone will save us from ourselves, but it has repercussions for you if an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty prevail. Frightened people act defensively, as I'm sure you know, and the diplomatic efforts might be harder to maintain supposing the Soviets and the Americans are in a full-fledged panic."
*
"We are not here to interfere with the way of this Realm, Lady Scarlett," Thor moves to sit down beside the young woman, his elbows resting upon his legs as he leans. "If these 'Americans' and 'Soviets' fight, that is what they are to do. We are to make sure Midgard may grow the way she is to. So, these aliens are our concern. How the world sees us matters not. We will continue to do what we have, and the stories of our youth will return." A chuckle sounds from the Thunderer and he shakes his head almost ruefully, "Some of which I would love forgotten to the mists." Straightening again, Thor looks to Rogue, "Wait only to speak with Strange. I would know my brother's mind, though I have had whispers of it. As things change, ever does his position."
*
Scarlett holds up her hand. "I mean to say they might unite together against any idea of outsiders, and lump you into the same category as aliens. It is easy to see anyone not 'us' as 'them,' and therefore 'them' becomes an enemy even before we have a chance to speak." Her shoulders lift and fall. "All spins to its own axes in this life, I have learned that. Thank you, my lord. I'll await word, and assume the sun keeps rising, even if empires change, and watch it from afar." Her fingers touch her brow, an odd benediction of a gesture to some. Then she stands, and glances towards the door.
*
Thor rises from his spot once again and nods his acknowledgment. "I know this may seem maddening to you, our moving so slowly and deliberately, Lady Scarlett, but I assure you that should there be movements against us, in time they'll forget once again. Such is the way of these mortals. But, even should they seek the end of our guidance, we will not depart from them. There is always more to be done without their knowledge, and the Realms beyond are still unknown to them and will remain so."
A couple of steps are taken towards the door, and he sweeps a hand towards it, "I will escort you to where you would wish to be, but then I have errands demanded of me by the Lady Sif. Unfortunately she cares not for hesitations."
*
"It does not seem so. I worry for the people who view this and their faith shatters. I worry for those who lash out, reacting without thinking. I am saddened when a chance for peaceful and positive discussion falls because of conflict. I regret being no help." The redhead flicks her fingers through her hair, and smiles, though her gaze is incredibly distant. "Thank you, my lord, but it isn't necessary. I shall not keep you from happier duties than mine. It feels unseemly to redirect your duties to one such as I, and in truth the only place I want for the time is the stars. As close as I can reach, at any rate, where the silence is the deepest. I shan't trouble you much in future days, I suspect. Your brother can call if he needs."
*
"When they see us, I hope their faith will be restored. With some that do still recall us and believe in us, word will spread." Thor seems that it's enough, for the time being. Doesn't mean he won't do some investigation into the whole 'alien' thing himself, however.
A rumbled chuckle sounds as Thor moves across the threshold and outside into the chill. "It is far away, those stars, and ever so close as well. There is much to be said for the silence they bring. But for now, we listen to the voices and do what we can."
*
The young woman steps outside, and looks up to the sky briefly. She then glimpses around to see if anyone is paying overly much attention to her right now. Not the place, not the time. "Patience," Scarlett murmurs, a bittersweet hue to it. Then no more, as she nods to Thor and walks down the street into the darkness. It won't be until she is beyond the reaches of the city that she takes to the sky, and remains among the clouds and stars for a long time yet.