Jane and Daisy first called Dr. Erik to inform him of their trip to New York. After that, Jane drove Tony to the airport. With over a thousand kilometers between New Mexico and New York, driving wasn't an option.
Thor had promised that if they helped him, he'd share some insights about his world. So, Jane pulled out her wallet and bought two tickets, while Daisy covered her fare.
As they settled into their seats on the plane, Jane kept an eye on Thor. She noticed that while he was curious about some of Earth's technology, he didn't seem overly surprised. It was clear that the tech was new to him, but not entirely alien.
"What's Tony Stark like?" Thor asked, eyeing Daisy, who was practically bouncing in her seat.
"Well, I can't recall all his life stories," Daisy replied, counting on her fingers. "But in a nutshell, he's a world-renowned genius inventor, arms dealer, and one of America's top billionaires. He's quite the playboy too, with a long list of famous lovers. Plus, he's a superhero who made the Iron Man suit and saved countless lives."
"So he's not a bad person?" Thor pondered, his brow furrowing.
Daisy, without hesitation, nodded. "Not. In the science community, he's considered a titan. He's created technologies that others can only dream of."
"That's reassuring," Thor smiled, feeling his tension ease a bit. During their earlier chat, he had sensed that Tony was well aware of who he was, along with his own capabilities. With his strength diminished, he felt uncertain, but knowing that Tony was likely a good guy helped quell his worries.
Jane had a million questions for Thor, but being on a packed flight made her cautious. She didn't want to draw unwanted attention or risk making Thor uncomfortable. Instead, she decided to wait until they could talk more privately after he retrieved his hammer.
Hours flew by, and by noon, the trio arrived at Stark's estate.
"Talk about a life to envy," Daisy exclaimed, her nose practically pressed against the window as they drove up the hill, gazing at the opulent mansion.
While they were grappling with research funding and their future, seeing a wealthy billionaire's lavish life starkly contrasted with their struggles, ignited feelings of admiration and yearning.
"Are we allowed to go in?" Jane asked nervously, noticing Daisy's overenthusiastic behavior.
"You're helping me; of course, you can come in," Thor assured them with a smile. While Stark's lavish abode was impressive, Thor, as the prince of Asgard, had seen his fair share of opulence and wasn't easily awed.
"I'll drop you off here," the driver said as they reached the entrance. "The rest is up to you."
"Thanks!" Jane said, nodding and stepping out of the car. Once the driver drove away, a rich, smooth male voice echoed from the mansion.
"Mr. Thor, Ms. Jane Foster, Ms. Daisy Louise—welcome. My master has been expecting you. Please, come in."
"Who was that?" Daisy looked around, startled.
"No need to be surprised. I'm JARVIS, the AI created by Mr. Stark," the voice replied, its tone calm and friendly.
"Tony Stark made an AI?" Daisy's eyes widened in disbelief. She knew he was a genius, but this level of innovation was staggering.
"Follow the lights, and you'll find Mr. Stark waiting for you," JARVIS instructed as the pathway illuminated before them.
As Thor stepped forward, he mused, "So, JARVIS, it seems Tony knows quite a bit about me."
"Mr. Stark has heard of your name, but he doesn't know you well," JARVIS clarified.
"Heard? Where from?" Thor's curiosity piqued.
"Your tales are mentioned in various mythologies and children's books on Earth," JARVIS replied, remaining tight-lipped about the details.
"Just from stories? He wouldn't easily believe I'm the real deal," Thor muttered, feeling a flicker of concern.
"Mr. Thor, it seems you're a bit apprehensive," JARVIS observed. "Mr. Stark instructed me to assure you that as long as you don't act impulsively, he won't harm you. He hopes you'll retrieve your hammer quickly."
Thor realized that from the moment he stepped onto Stark's estate, his every move was likely under Tony's watchful gaze. That thought left him contemplative, but he decided to hold his questions until he could confront Tony Stark directly.
Note: If you are interested, read up to chapter 180 at patreon.com/MythicForge11.