Thor almost didn't respond. No question had been asked, so perhaps he could avoid it, but he needed to be sure they were absolutely clear. "Loki rarely acts without reason, even now I think, but there is madness in him that darkens every thought.

"When we find him, I will handle Loki. I mean this as no insult to you or yours, Nick Fury, but he is still a prince of Asgard and... And I do not wish to see more blood spilled at my brother's hands, not if it can be helped.

"When you must fight him..." Thor paused, thoughtful. "You're a very clever lot, your strength lies in that. I would not know what weaponry you have that could give pause to an Asgardian, not without seeing it, but perhaps there is something."