Machine Man 89: Driving for the prince

The midday sun blazed over Puente Antiguo, casting a golden hue on the bustling streets. The small city was alive with chatter and the occasional honk of a car horn. A dry wind swept through, carrying the scent of dust and sunbaked earth, rustling shop awnings, and blending with the aroma of fresh tortillas from a nearby stand.

In the city's center stood a retro diner, its once-bright turquoise paint now faded and chipped. The flickering neon sign above added to its nostalgic charm. The parking lot, worn and cracked, was packed with cars shimmering in the heat. A few patrons lingered outside, smoking or chatting, while the distant horizon wavered in the sun, creating a mirage of water.

Jane Foster, a beautiful woman with auburn hair tied back in a loose ponytail, adjusted the strap of her worn leather satchel slung over her shoulder. Her eyes, sharp and inquisitive, scanned the street before her, though they kept darting back to the tall, muscular man standing beside her. Thor, dressed in a small brown jacket that barely fit his broad shoulders and rugged jeans that clung awkwardly to his muscular thighs, looked out of place in this rustic setting. His golden hair cascaded down to his shoulders, catching the light and framing his strong, chiseled features. Even in ill-fitting clothes, his regal bearing was unmistakable—a god walking among mortals.

Jane hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip as she gathered the courage to speak. "Thor, why do you want to go to the crash site so badly?" she asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "You said it's important, but you haven't told us why."

Thor's piercing blue eyes, which seemed to reflect the vast sky above, met hers. "To reclaim what belongs to me, Lady Jane," he replied, his voice deep and resonant. "My hammer, Mjolnir. It was taken from me, and without it, I am but a shadow of my true self."

Jane furrowed her brow, trying to piece together what he was saying. "A hammer, is that the name of the Satellite?" she repeated, her tone skeptical. "Do you own a satellite now? And the men back there said it's been taken already. What's so special about this hammer that you need it back?"

Thor's gaze softened slightly, though there was a flicker of sadness in his eyes. "Mjolnir is no mere tool, Lady Jane. It is a weapon forged in the heart of a dying star, a symbol of my power and my bond to Asgard. Without it, I cannot return to my home, and I cannot protect Midgard from the threats that may come."

Before Jane could respond, Alex stepped forward, his dark hair contrasting sharply with his striking yellow jacket. The futuristic design of the jacket, with its white lines and LED monitoring system, gave him an almost otherworldly appearance. Alex, the half-Japanese, half-German billionaire, expression was serious, though a hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he noticed the tension between Jane and Thor.

"Why don't you talk on your way there?" Alex suggested, his voice smooth and calm. "No point standing out here in the open."

Erik Selvig, a middle-aged man with graying hair and glasses perched on his nose, had been standing slightly apart from the group, his arms crossed over his chest. His simple gray jacket and khaki pants made him look like an academic out of place in this strange situation. His face, lined with worry, reflected his deep concern as he watched the interaction unfold, he pulled Jane closer to her as if to whisper something. "Jane, this guy is dangerous," he interjected, his voice laced with caution. "We should just leave him to Alex."

Jane looked conflicted. She knew Erik had a point—Thor's presence had already brought more trouble than she had ever anticipated on the hospital and now on the diner. But there was something about Thor, something that drew her to him, that made her want to help him despite the risks. "But you saw the photos, Erik," she argued, her voice almost pleading. "This man is definitely involved in whatever's happening out there."

Darcy Lewis, the youngest of the group, stood off to the side, her short brown hair tousled by the wind. Today, she wore a purple hoodie, black leggings, and oversized sunglasses perched atop her head—a quirky ensemble that matched her personality. Normally the first to crack a joke or lighten the mood, she had been uncharacteristically quiet. But her patience was wearing thin, and she couldn't hold back any longer. "Come on, guys!" she burst out, her tone a mix of frustration and excitement. "This is my chance to be around a billionaire superhero! You're not stopping me from that." She turned to Selvig, her expression imploring. "Just this once, can't you go with the flow?"

Selvig shook his head, sighing deeply. "I'm telling you, Jane, this man is delirious and dangerous. He talks of Mjolnir—those are stories from when I was a kid!"

Jane bit her lip, torn between her loyalty to Selvig and her instinct to help Thor. Finally, she nodded, albeit reluctantly. "Alright, Erik. You're right. We'll stay behind."

Darcy's shoulders slumped in disappointment, but she didn't argue further. Instead, she crossed her arms and scuffed her boot against the dirt, clearly not happy with the decision.

Thor, sensing the group's decision, turned to Jane. Despite the frustration simmering beneath the surface, he remained composed. With a sudden, almost regal grace, he reached out and took Jane's hand. His touch was firm yet gentle, and his large hand engulfed hers. "Farewell, Lady Jane," he said softly, his voice carrying a note of warmth. He bowed slightly, then brought her hand to his lips, placing a light, reverent kiss on her knuckles. "May we meet again under more favorable circumstances."

Jane felt her cheeks flush at the unexpected gesture. She didn't pull away, caught off guard by the chivalry and sincerity in Thor's actions. A small, almost shy smile tugged at the corners of her lips as she chuckled softly, feeling a strange mix of emotions she couldn't quite place.

Alex, who had been watching the exchange with an amused grin, broke the moment. "Alright, lovebirds, say your goodbyes. I just need to do something." Remembering the damages done by Thor might not have been paid.

Before they left, Alex turned back toward the diner. "Give me a minute," he said, striding back inside. The bell above the door jingled softly as he entered, the cool air conditioning a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside.

The interior of the diner was a classic American throwback—a long counter with red leather stools, a few vinyl booths by the windows, and the smell of fried food lingering in the air. A handful of patrons, mostly truckers and locals, were scattered throughout the room, their eyes following Alex as he approached the counter. The waitress, a middle-aged woman with tired eyes and a friendly smile, looked up as he reached into his pocket.

"Here, for your trouble" Alex said, placing a thick wad of cash on the counter. "This should cover for the damages and everyone's meals. Sorry about the mess."

The waitress's eyes widened as she saw the hefty sum of money. It was far more than she had expected, and the gesture clearly touched her. "Thank you," she stammered, her voice a mix of gratitude and surprise.

The other patrons exchanged glances, their expressions softening as they realized what was happening. A murmur of appreciation spread through the diner, and soon enough, a few scattered claps turned into a round of applause. Even the gruff cook behind the counter gave a nod of approval, wiping his hands on his apron.

As Alex turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of the waitress's eyes brimming with tears. "Take care, Izzy," he said with a nod before heading back outside.

Thor, who had been waiting by the car, nodded in approval as Alex approached. "You are a good man, Alex of Midgard. Your actions honor you."

Alex smiled, shrugging off the compliment. "Just doing what's right. Now, let's get you to that hammer."

As Jane and the rest went about their way to continue her research, Alex and Thor made their way across the dusty parking lot toward Alex's car—the Shion Cayote. Sleek and futuristic, the car was unlike anything Thor had ever seen. Its body was a bit elevated to the ground, painted a matte black with neon green doors. The angular design gave it a predatory look, as though it was a beast ready to pounce. Thor, who had never encountered such a machine before, paused, a look of confusion crossing his face.

"Tell me, where are your horses?" he asked, his deep voice filled with genuine curiosity. "And these carriages look far too heavy for horses to pull."

Alex couldn't help but chuckle as he opened the car door. "These aren't pulled by horses, Thor. These are cars—machines powered by engines. It's human technology, and it's come a long way since your time."

Thor raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued but still skeptical. "Human technology? You mean to tell me these... 'cars' move without the aid of beasts?"

Alex nodded, gesturing for Thor to get in. "Exactly. Just trust me on this one." It dawned on him that Thor must have been tazed and knock out and have never ridden a car while, which is probably why he still thinks earth has not advance that far either that or his really just a muscle head.

Thor hesitated for a moment, then carefully folded his large frame into the passenger seat. The interior of the car was even more impressive, with sleek, futuristic controls and a dashboard that lit up with digital displays. Thor looked around, clearly fascinated by the unfamiliar surroundings, though his stoic expression gave little away.

Once they were both seated, Alex started the engine, and the car hummed to life. The sound was low and powerful, more of a purr than a roar. Thor glanced at Alex, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You are indeed a man of many talents, Alex of Midgard, the comfort this transport provide is as good as some of the one's in Asgard." he said, his voice tinged with respect.

Alex grinned as he shifted the car into gear. "Hang on tight, our technology might not be as good as Asgard, but this one in particular can ran fast."

As they sped down the road, the landscape of Puente Antiguo stretched out before them, a tapestry of red rock formations and endless desert. The Shion Cayote's engine purred with power, and the car moved like a bullet across the desert, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.

The atmosphere in the vehicle was initially light, with Thor curiously observing the advanced technology that's inside the vehicle, comparing it to some that he have seen. It was then that Alex's expression grew more serious. He glanced over at Thor before speaking, his voice carrying a weight that had not been there before.

"Greetings, Thor, Prince of Asgard," Alex began, his tone formal, "I am Alex Saburo Arasaka, one of the guardians of Midgard, under the banner of the Sorcerer Supreme." though he couldn't help but cringe inwardly at the grandiosity of the introduction. Being assigned to babysit an overgrown man-baby wasn't exactly how he'd planned to spend his day, but if he was going to do this, he might as be honest with Thor and lean into it. Plus using the Sorcerer Supreme's name added a bit of flair, if nothing else.

Thor's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You knew me all along, mortal?" he asked, his voice a blend of curiosity and suspicion. "Why the secrecy? Why go to such lengths?"

Alex kept his eyes on the road, the HUD reflecting in his kiroshi eyes as he spoke. "I'll be honest with you, young prince. The guardians of the mystic arts, and myself included, are sworn to keep the truth about the Nine Realms hidden from ordinary people. Such knowledge, if revealed, could plunge this peaceful realm into chaos. The people of Midgard aren't ready for that kind of truth." Alex' told half-truths and half lie, if he was being honest the more chaotic Midgard is the easier it is for him to move his plans, which is why he told the most paranoid man on Earth about Asgard.

Thor nodded slowly, absorbing Alex's words. The gravity of the situation was not lost on him; Midgard had once been a hub for invasions from different species—demons, frost giants, even aliens from afar had all set their sights on this realm. "That, I can agree with," he replied, his voice more subdued. "The realms must be kept in balance. But tell me, Son of Arasaka, is there something bothering you?"

Alex glanced at Thor as they drove down the dusty road, "I want to ask… Why are you here, Prince of Thor?" he asked, his tone casual but curious. Though Alex already knew the story—thanks to what he remembered from the movie—he wanted to hear it from Thor himself, to confirm if the events matched what he knew.

Thor, unbothered by the directness of the question, sighed deeply before answering. "I made a grave mistake," he said, his voice tinged with regret. "I have disappointed my father, the All-Father, and I must face the consequences."

Alex nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "If you're uncomfortable, young prince, you don't have to share more," he offered sincerely, sensing Thor's internal struggle.

There was a moment of silence, the only sound being the hum of the vehicle's engine and the wind whipping past them. Thor's gaze remained fixed on the horizon, his usually proud shoulders slightly slumped. "No, it is only fair," Thor began, his voice quieter now. "I led an attack on the Frost Giants, thinking that by showing the might of Asgard, I could instill fear in them. But I was blind to the consequences. My actions sparked a war. In his disappointment, my father stripped me of my powers and banished me here to Midgard."

Alex absorbed Thor's words, his mind processing the confirmation that events were unfolding just as he remembered. It brought him a sense of relief, knowing that the timeline was still intact. He glanced over at Thor, who looked out the window with a distant expression.

"I understand, mighty Thor," Alex said after a moment. "But from where I'm standing, this might just be a test from your father. In Midgard, there's a saying: 'Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts.' Perhaps your father is giving you the chance to grow through this trial."

Thor turned to Alex, his blue eyes thoughtful. "You may be right," he admitted, though uncertainty still lingered in his voice. "But... the gravity of my mistake weighs heavily on me."

The two continued to talk, sharing stories of their adventures and lives as the barren landscape sped by. Thor recounted tales of Asgard, of battles fought and lost, while Alex shared his own experiences, albeit with a certain vagueness when it came to the more fantastical elements. Slowly, the conversation shifted from one of guilt and regret to one of camaraderie and understanding.

As they approached their destination, Alex spoke again, his tone more serious. "The place we're heading to—it's likely been taken over by the government. Soldiers of this land, they have no knowledge of the mystic side of things. I hope you'll forgive them if they overstep their bounds."

Thor's lips curled into a small smile. "You have my word, Alex Sorcerer of Midgard. But there's no need to be so formal. Call me Thor, my friend. We are equals in this endeavor, are we not?"

Alex allowed himself a brief smile in return. "Very well, Thor. And you can call me Alex. But I'm no sorcerer, young prince. If we're using classification or terms, I'm more of a samurai—a warrior of the East." He thought back to his childhood, to the Kamen Rider shows he'd watched, and the legendary samurai of old. It was a stretch, but it was the best analogy he could come up with.

Thor's deep laughter filled the cabin, a booming sound that seemed to echo off the walls. "A fellow warrior, I see!" he exclaimed, his tone warm and appreciative. "I've met a few of those warriors from the East in Valhalla. Hardy folk, though they did tend to go on and on about honor. But you—you're better than those samurai, Alex."

Alex's smile widened slightly, but his focus remained on the road ahead. "The samurai were warriors of honor and discipline, much like the Asgardians. But times have changed. We must adapt to the changes."

Outside the vehicle, the landscape began to shift. The Shion Cayote continued its journey, its tires kicking up dust as it sped toward the site. The closer they got, the more Thor's anticipation grew. He could feel Mjolnir's presence—faint, but unmistakable. But there was also a sense of unease. The thought of what awaited him, and the possibility that he might not be able to reclaim his hammer, weighed heavily on his mind.

As the vehicle crested a hill, the crash site finally came into view. What had once been a remote and desolate area had been transformed. Temporary buildings and tents dotted the landscape, forming a makeshift outpost. Armed guards patrolled the perimeter, and large, portable lights illuminated the area, even in the daylight. It looked like a military facility that had sprung up overnight, its presence jarring against the natural backdrop.

"Well, it seems the government was quicker than I thought," Alex remarked, his eyes scanning the outpost. "Good thing I have contacts. Let's go."

Thor's gaze was fixed on the center of the outpost, where a large crater marred the earth. His heart raced as he knew, deep down, that Mjolnir awaited him there. But could he lift it? Could he prove himself worthy once more?

As they approached the entrance, a guard stepped forward, raising a hand to halt them. Alex brought the vehicle to a stop and rolled down the window.

The guard was a SHIELD agent, dressed in standard tactical gear—black combat pants, a fitted utility vest, and a dark cap emblazoned with the SHIELD emblem. His face was serious, his eyes hidden behind dark aviator sunglasses that reflected the gleaming Shion Cayote. The agent's demeanor was all business as he approached the driver's side window.

"State your business," the agent had to ask, since he cannot turn away a vehicle of such grandeur he knew this one should be someone of high status, his voice firm as he peered into the vehicle, his gaze shifting until he saw Alex and gave him a polite nod.

Alex reached into his pocket and pulled out a sleek, black ID card. The card bore his name, Alex Saburo Arasaka, along with the SHIELD insignia, marking him as a consultant. He handed it to the agent, who examined it closely, the cool blue LED lights from the vehicle's dashboard casting a faint glow on the card.

After a moment, the agent nodded, satisfied. "You're clear Sir. Welcome to the outpost," he said, handing the card back to Alex. He then added, "Director Fury is waiting for you."

Forgot to post the chapter, since I've said previous chap was a freebie. As always thanks for liking this half arse fanfic, cheers!