Chapter 180: Plans Change
"If Earth can't give the Chitauri a lesson they won't forget," Tony explained, "then even if Loki manages to halt their invasion this time, the Chitauri will still have their sights set on Earth, and an attack could happen at any moment."
"Rather than waiting for the Chitauri to strike at an unknown time," Tony continued, "we should seize this opportunity to use Loki to lure them out and ambush them. While there may be casualties, it's far better than facing a sudden disaster unprepared."
Tony was willing to sacrifice his years of hard work and energy for Earth to step into the age of interstellar civilization. However, he also understood that once war was initiated, guaranteeing the safety of every human being was impossible.
His perspective had changed significantly since engaging with the powers of the Void. Yet, he wasn't a god, and his abilities were limited; sometimes, hard choices had to be made.
In a conflict between civilizations, there were no absolute rights or wrongs, only differing stances. The Chitauri had their objectives, and if Earth wanted to avoid destruction, it needed to take action.
With Earth's current technological level being limited—though it had powerful weapons like the mushroom bombs—it wasn't prepared to revert to a primitive state and then migrate to another habitable planet.
Thus, the mushroom bombs could only be a last resort, never to be used unless necessary. To repel the Chitauri, he knew he'd have to give it his all. If they didn't inflict significant damage, making the Chitauri understand that Earth was off-limits, this war could drag on until one civilization was completely wiped out.
"Loki," Thor said, turning his attention to his brother.
Tony glanced at Loki, aware that Earth had not yet truly entered the realm of cosmic civilization but was already facing an invasion from other civilizations. If Loki didn't cooperate at such a critical moment, Tony would find ways to make him comply.
Of course, his methods wouldn't involve slow persuasion with words.
"You want me to be a double agent?" Loki said, his eyes glinting. "I could agree to that, but Thor, once you take me back, you can't lock me up."
Loki hesitated, sensing Tony Stark's intense gaze and the implication that refusal wouldn't be taken lightly.
"If we successfully resolve this crisis, I'll certainly help you evade any punishment, but you must promise me you won't create chaos in the Nine Realms," Loki replied.
"The Nine Realms have been under Asgard's protection for years. As princes of Asgard, it's our duty to protect them. So let's work together to safeguard the Nine Realms this time."
Hearing Loki's condition, Thor took a moment to appeal to him. If they could work together, Thor knew they would be stronger. Though Loki wasn't as powerful, he was clever and often found ways to navigate tricky situations.
"...This is only for this occasion," Loki finally conceded, a tremor of recognition running through him at Thor's insistence on their shared heritage.
"Wonderful, Loki!" Thor exclaimed, pulling Loki into a bear hug that nearly took his breath away.
Loki quickly started to hit Thor's arms, gasping for air, thinking he might die not from chaos but in his brother's embrace.
"Only this time, Loki. Show me your sincerity," Tony warned, his voice low. "If I see that you're not cooperating with us and instead siding with the enemy…"
"Even if Thor protects you and you escape into space, I will find you and end you."
"Loki may have extreme views, but he's still Asgardian, and deep down, he's good," Thor defended his brother.
"Deep down, you mean?" Tony remarked dryly.
"..."
Thor hesitated, unable to provide a guarantee.
"Hold on, hold on. Even if we manage to lure the Chitauri into a trap," Steve interrupted, sensing the finality in their plan, "with our current capabilities, we can't ensure we can truly repel the Chitauri, can we?"
His concern was valid; Tony's plan seemed to drag America into the throes of war, and the potential casualties were unfathomable.
"Now that I've voiced this plan, rest assured that I have a way. You don't need to worry," Tony reassured, giving Steve a knowing look. "We've arrived at headquarters. Let's discuss the specifics of the operation once we're inside."
Natasha, also known as Black Widow, observed how much Tony had changed, becoming more powerful and resolute. She knew her words wouldn't sway his determination, and with the impending conflict looming, she had no solutions of her own. All she could do was wait to see what Tony intended to do.
As Natasha finished speaking, their aircraft entered the hangar of the aircraft carrier.
The hatch opened, revealing a well-equipped military unit waiting for them.
"Take me to see Dr. Banner. I need to clarify some points," Tony instructed as he disembarked, addressing the soldiers.
"But we received orders to take Loki into custody," one commanding officer replied.
"The plan has changed," Tony stated, his voice firm.
His authoritative command drew the soldiers' attention toward Natasha.
"Do as he says," she nodded, affirming Tony's orders.
"Yes, please follow us," the officer responded, saluting.
Soon, Tony, Steve, Thor, and Loki moved forward with the troops, navigating through the ship until they reached the main control room of the aircraft carrier.
Tony's arrival turned heads, but when the soldiers noticed Loki accompanying him, their expressions shifted to wary stares.
"Dr. Banner, it's a pleasure to meet you," Tony said, approaching him with an air of camaraderie. "Your research on anti-electron collisions is unparalleled. And I must say, I find your transformation into the raging Hulk quite impressive."
"Thank you..."
Banner was taken aback by Tony Stark's direct praise and didn't know how to respond, so he settled for a simple acknowledgment.