Chapter 28

Knowhere was a very repugnant place. At least to Sif it was. Located in the severed head of a Celestial being floating deep in the farthest regions of the galaxy, Knowhere was a wretched hive of scum and villainy and the armpit of the galaxy. Owned by the infamous Tivan Group, Knowhere was invaluable for the harvesing of the valuable bone, brain tissue, and spinal fluid from the Celestial's head. The absence of rules and regulations, however, had turned Knowhere into a haven for outlaws of different shapes and size.

It was here that Sif and Volstagg were to deliver the Aether to Frigga's contact, and were waiting in the Boot of Jemiah, Knowhere's local tavern.

Sif flinched when she felt a number of thugs checking her out. Thankfully, she was wearing a cloak over her armor, so not much was seen.

Sif gave a sneer. "Such a disgusting place. Is this really where Frigga wants us to hide the Aether?"

Volstagg sighed. "It may look dirt, Sif. But Frigga's contact is known for harboring items of immense power. I would not worry."

"I have heard stories of this man." Sif said, looking weary. "Not all of them good."

"He's a daffy character, that's for sure." Volstagg said.

Sif growled when she barely ducked a glass of alcohol thrown from across the bar by a group of ruffhousing aliens. "How much longer must we wait? I am about ready to-"

"Milday Sif and Sir Volstagg?"

Sif and Volstagg turned to look at the person who addressed them. The voice, femenine and timid, belonged to a female alien with a frail, but curvy form. Her skin was an alarming shade of pink and her eyes were brightly colored. Sif recognized this being as a Krylorian, one of the most frequent races present in Xandarian and Kree space. She was wearing a white dress and high heal shoes, and her dark red hair was tied into two pigtails. She had her hands clasped over her waste in a weird way. Sif frowned when she looked into her face, and saw what looked like despair.

"Yes?" Volstagg said.

"I am Carina Maverdevia." The Krylorian girl introduced. "I am here to fetch you for my master."

The Krylorian made a motion with her hands, beckoning the Asgardians to follow her. Sif and Volstagg looked at each other, before following Carina out of the tavern. She led them out towards a large, ornate building that was heavily guarded by a number of creatures armed to the teeth. It gave Sif the impression that this was a very important place on Knowhere. When they entered, Sif was immediately stupefied.

The place was a vast chamber lined with a tanks and holding cells, each one holding some form of creature, plant, or artifact. It just seemed to go on forever. Sif saw a various different creatures. One tank was full of strange little slugs. One contained what appeared to be an Earth duck, only larger. It was smoking a cigar, and looked at Sif with a cocked eyebrow as she passed. One tank, Sif had to resist drawing her sword, for inside, was a Chitauri drone. It looked at her, and Sif swore she saw some recognition in those ghastly yellow eyes, as the Chitauri hissed menacingly at her. Sif just glowered at the wretched creature and moved on.

As they moved through various corridors lined with tanks, Volstagg spoke to Carina as politely as possible. "This is... quite the collection he has."

Volstagg glanced over at one tank, feeling uncomfortable as the one-eyed, hairy beast in side stared at him. Carina put on what was obviously a strained smile, glancing at the two Asgardians. "He likes to collect. It's what he does. It's what he is. If you are fortunate, he may give you a tour."

Sif and Volstagg glanced at each other, both sharing the same uncertainty. The uncertainty was only reinforced when they passed a tank containing a four legged, long-snouted animal with eight eyes. It was lying against the glass of the tank, three baby creatures cuddled up against it, shivering for warmth.

"That's... not necessary." Sif stated. "It is unseemly to keep living things in cages."

Carina's face suddenly hardened, and she turned to Sif with a slight glare. "If you value your lives, you would do well not to speak that way in his presence. A fair warning."

Sif blinked in surprise at the fear etched all over the Krylorian's tone. Carina quickly regained her composure, cupping her hands back together as she led the pair down a few more corridors. They walked past a few more cages, one of which contained some large cacoon that was pulsing oddly. It make Sif very uncomfortable. She stopped abrubtly when Carina, who had stopped walking, had turned to face her and Volstagg.

She had a fake smile plastered on her face. "Here he is now. Asgardians, I present to you, my master... Taneleer Tivan. The Collector."

Sif looked intently at the man behind Carina. The Collector was oddly human looking. Not at all like she was expecting, if not for the bizarre clothes. He was tall and lean in stature, with white spiky hair, pointed ears, and pale, silver eyes that expressed great age and experience, giving the hint that he was much older than he appeared. He had a strange expression on his face, and he was looking Sif and Volstagg over with morbid fascination. His clothing was a deep crimson, with a heavy cloak draped over his shoulders, pinned at the neck by a solid metal clip.

He made a low, humming sound in the back of his throat, and Sif looked over at Volstagg, who merely put on his best smile.

"Asgardians." The Collector stated, shifting his hands around in a bizarre pattern before bowing. "It's an honor."

Volstagg blinked while Sif's eyebrows rose of their own free will as they exchanged a look. Volstagg quickly cleared his throat and stepped forward.

"So, you are the Collector?" He asked. The man nodded in response.

"Then you know why we are here." Sif said. "The Aether."

"Of course, my dear." The Collector stated, putting on an unsettling smile. "But, I must ask. Why not keep it secured in your own volt?"

Sif looked at the Collector grimly. "Are you familiar with Thanos of Titan?"

At the mention of that name, Carina, who was standing nearby, hands still cupped, gasped and looked up with wide eyes. The Collector's face turned deadly serious, something similar to anger flashing in his eyes.

"I am."

"Well," Volstagg said. "He is after the Infinity Stones. The Tesseract is currently on Asgard, and it is safe to assume that he knows."

"Given... recent events, Asgard cannot risk having two stones so close together." Sif explained.

"I see..." The Collector said slowly. "The incident with Prince Loki has become quite the topic. I can understand why you are so worried."

Sif slowly lifted her hand up, and in her grasp was a small container, glowing with a familiar red power. Inside, hissing could be heard. The Collector stared at it almost hungrily, and slowly took it from her. He grasped it as though it were the most delicate treasure in the universe, and after staring at it for a few moments, looked up at the two Asgardians.

"I can assure you..." He drawled. "It will be absolutely safe here, in my collection."

"See that it is." Sif said curtly, and then turned, motioning for Volstagg to follow. The Collector watched as the pair retreated down the corridor from where they came. Carina watched as they left, before quickly turning back to her master, who was making a low humming sound as he stared deeply at the contained Aether.

Carina nervously cleared her throat. "Master?"

The Collector stopped, and glanced up at Carina, glaring slightly. "What?"

Carina flinched. "I... have news, from Conjunction. Your contact is waiting."

"Indeed..." The Collector said, appearing moderately interested. "Yes... interesting. Show me."

Carina nodded, and led her master to a small room located a few corridors away from where they were. Inside was a terminal, which was beeping loudly. The Collector casually pushed past Carina, and layed his hand down on the panel. The panel flashed slightly as the beeping ceased, and a hologram suddenly appeared before the Collector.

It was a woman, tall and well built. She had green skin, a curvier facial structure, and bright green eyes. She was wearing a cloak, the hood of which was covering her head, but the Collector could see flocks of dark hair with died red edges. She had what looked like a sword in the holster of her belt, and when she looked at the Collector, her eyes narrowed.

"Taneleer Tivan."

The Collector smiled. "Yes. I take it you are Gamora. The deadliest woman in the galaxy?"

"I assumed we'd be meeting face to face." The woman, Gamora, said in a none-to-friendly tone, completely ignoring his question.

"My dear Gamora. It's called caution." The Collector lectured lightly. "You are the deadliest woman in the galaxy, after all."

"Enough." Gamora stated impatiently. "What is it you want, Tivan?"

The Collector frowned, obviously not appreciating this one's attitude. Carina watched from behind, curious.

"Very well." The Collector said. "I have learned the whereabouts of the Orb. I need someone to collect it for me. Given the fact that you and your... associates, are currently searching for it, that you and I could come to an agreement."

"I am aware of the Orb's existence, but not what it actually is." Gamora clarified. "All I know for sure is that it's powerful. And if Thanos obtains it, it could doom the universe."

"It is powerful indeed. A most marvelous thing." The Collector said, smiling. "Indeed it should not fall into Thanos' hands. I will look after it much more carefully. You are conflicted I see. Your loyalty to Thanos has been shaken, and you feel you must atone for your crimes."

Gamora glared at the Collector, her hand ghosting to the hilt of the blade locked with her belt. "I do not trust you, Tivan."

Slowly though, Gamora's hand moved away from the blade, and she calmed slightly. "But I trust Thanos less. Very well. I will obtain the Orb, and I expect you will keep it safe."

The Collector seemed pleased. "The Orb is hidden deep in the Celestial ruins on Morag, an oceanic world on the mid-rim."

"I know if it." Gamora said with a nod.

"Good. The sea lowers once every three centuries, making the ruins accessible. You will find the Orb there."

"Then it seems we have a deal." Gamora said.

"I am gratified." The Collector said graciously. "I want the Orb for my collection very much. It is such a deliciously potent object."

"Then we will meet again. In the flesh next time." Gamora gave a sly smirk towards the Collector. "Don't worry. I won't bite."

"I am reassured." The Collector drawled back. "Contact me when you are ready to make the delivery."

The Collector then ran his finger against a small switch, which glowed slightly before the holo-projection of Gamora faded away. The Collector stood still for a moment, the container holding the Aether still grasped in his hands. He stared at it intently.

"Master?" Carina said, stepping forward. The Collector made no visible reaction to her voice. "Are you... certain that we can trust Gamora? You know of her upbringing."

"She is unsettling." The Collector said, looking over to face his assistant. "But I am confidant in her ability to perform this task. Until then..."

The Collector looked back down at the Aether, a grin forming on his face that made Carina nervous.

"... one down..."

He looked up at Carina.

"... five to go."

ooooo

In Darcy's flat back on Earth, Loki, the god of mischief, or at least the former god of mischief, was sitting quietly on the couch, reading a book that Darcy had recommended. The mortals called it the "Lord of the Rings". So far, Loki found it quite interesting. The mortals seemed to have a good taste in literature. Instead of the Asgardian apparel Loki usually wore, he was now clad in more mortal-like clothes that Darcy and Jane had supplied him. The outfit was comprised of a green v-neck, black khakis, and loafers. As he read the book, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Loki!" The voice of Darcy said from the backroom. "Can you get that?"

Loki sighed, and put the book down to answer the wretched door. "I was a prince. I am above such tasks."

He walked to the door and opened it, frowning when he saw a young man, blonde with a beanie hat and baggy jacket standing there. He was looking at a piece of paper, before looking up to see Loki.

"Um, hello." He greeted. "I'm here to see Darcy Lewis?"

Loki's eyes narrowed. "May I ask who you are?"

"I'm Ian Boothby." The man introduced. "I was hired to be her scientific intern. I would have called, but all the phones were down because of the broadcast so now I-"

The man was abruptly cut off when Loki slammed the door in his face, and then returned to the couch to continue reading. A few minutes later, Darcy and Jane walked in from the back room.

"A raccoon?" Jane said, looking at Darcy as though she were crazy.

"Yeah, I'm not kidding." Darcy said. "And there was this big tree thing, too. It could talk, but didn't really have much to say."

"Uh huh..." Jane said doubtfully. She looked over at Loki. "Who was at the door?"

Loki just shrugged, not looking up from his book. Darcy was about to ask something, when there was a vibrating sound from the counter nearby. She looked over, surprised to see her iPod still working despite the cracked screen. She went over and picked it up, inspecting it curiously.

"Huh." She said. "My iPod's still functioning."

"I thought you said it blew up during the fight?" Jane asked.

"It did." Darcy said curiously. "Must have just shorted out. It's pretty low on power though. Can I use your laptop to charge it?"

"Sure." Jane said casually. As Darcy plugged the iPod into the computer, Jane went over to the coat rack and put on her jacket. Once Darcy plugged in her iPod, she went over and did the same thing, putting a beanie hat over her head as well. The two girls looked at Loki. Sensing the eyes on him, the former prince of Asgard looked up and frowned.

"What?"

"Aren't you coming?" Darcy said.

"I wasn't aware we were going anywhere." Loki said, turning a page in his book.

Darcy rolled her eyes, took the book out of Loki's hand, and set it aside. "We're going out, remember? You said you were interested in seeing the town, so come on!"

"I never said-"

"Blah, blah, blah." Darcy said, pulling him to his feet. She took a dark jacket off the rack and handed it to him. "As your parole officer, I say we're going out. Now, let's go. There's a nice restauraunt I got us reservations at. I heard they have seabass."

Jane sighed, shaking her head. Loki rolled his eyes and put the jacket on. "Very well.'

"Sweet!" Darcy said, and couldn't help but smile as she, Jane, and Loki left the building. Maybe if she tried hard enough, she could make Loki human again.

Once the door closed, the apartment was silent, save for a few birds chirping out on the patio. After a few moments of silence, though, Darcy's iPod, which was still plugged into Jane's laptop, started shaking. The screen flashed red, and suddenly, sparks of red electricity started forking from the small device and danced against the countertop. A spark of this electricity traveled up the power cord and into Jane's laptop.

Then, the entire screen on the laptop turned red, before shrinking into an circular eye-like shape.

"ASSUMING DIRECT CONTROL."

And that is the end of Thordis: The Dark World. I had a lot of fun writing this, as odd as it was, and I hope you all had a moderate amount of fun reading it. I also hope most of you understood the whole Collector scene, which connects to the Guardians of the Galaxy movie that came out not to long ago. Terrific movie by the way.

Thordis, Loki, and co. will return in United They Stand, as will a number of familiar faces from other stories. I'd also like to apologize for lack of updates in recent months. I won't try to defend my actions, cuz it would be pointless, so you can all just blame the delays on laziness. But now I'm going to try harder to keep up with updating my fics. On a side note, a lot of you are eager to see Kirby return to the fold after his appearance in Dossier: Kirby, which got a surprisingly good amount of positive feedback. While Kirby will return at some point in United They Stand, it won't be for a little while. So, to ease your patience, I have just written a few chapters for a new short fic that is more or less a sequel to Dossier: Kirby. It's still set in the same universe, but I'm not going to go into details regarding its plot.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone for your positive feedback and reviews, and hope you enjoyed reading this fic.