Chapter 77: Maintain a Poker Face

After apprehending the intruder, Dr. Banner continued his research on the hammer, as he was intrigued by the peculiarities it displayed.

Although Coulson personally handled the interrogation, Oaks was the chief examiner.

After all, that was the main reason why Nick Fury insisted on bringing him in.

However, before entering the interrogation room, Coulson had a conversation with Oaks.

"If it weren't for your judgment, Consultant Oaks, I would have instinctively thought that he resembles a mercenary and just can't determine where he received his training."

Coulson's expression wasn't too pleasant. After all, this person who "acted like an ordinary person" had defeated all his subordinates.

"After he shouted 'Why' at the end, he didn't say a word... It's as if he has become a completely different person, as if all his spirit and vitality have been drained."

Oaks glanced at the blond man sitting motionless in the interrogation room. He still wore such a dull expression that it made people helpless.

"If he is indeed speaking English, then we can draw a conclusion—

He was incredibly surprised by his inability to lift the hammer. In other words, he is currently in a 'downfallen' state."

Coulson nodded slightly. Although Consultant Oaks's question had almost caught him off guard, what he said made perfect sense:

"So, what do you suggest?

The heavy rain earlier was too peculiar, and based on the commotion caused by the hammer.

Perhaps we should hope that he never touches it again."

"He shouldn't be alone."

Oaks's words made Coulson's face change:

"What?!"

"Don't tell me you think that a hammer with this kind of power is just a tool?"

Oaks looked at Coulson, who seemed lost in thought, and emphasized:

"The hammer... besides being a tool, it can also be a weapon."

"Are you saying that his current state could be a result of fighting against enemies?"

Coulson became restless. If it were two groups of aliens fighting, the nature of the situation would be completely different.

And considering the power of this hammer, what kind of enemies could harm its wielder?!

But after thinking for a moment, he became puzzled:

"But he doesn't seem to have any injuries on his body."

"Losing the hammer is the greatest 'injury' he can suffer, one that can make him feel utterly defeated."

Oaks shook his head gently:

"Coulson, as a consultant, although I'm mostly just a figurehead and don't want you to bother me...

this time, I have a feeling that we need to proceed with caution—

Now, in front of him, our identities are the same, both as Earthlings.

If he is truly being pursued by enemies or if there are allies coming to his rescue...

Our handling of him could potentially impact the first encounter between two civilizations."

There was no room for Oaks to be careless. He was absolutely certain that Heimdall's eyes were fixed tightly on Thor.

Every action of S.H.I.E.L.D. and its agents was scrutinized by the guardian of Bifrost, without exception.

So, he had to ensure that S.H.I.E.L.D. wouldn't make any mistakes while also making sure that his understanding of Asgard could hold up.

"That's true."

Coulson took a slow breath:

"In that case, for the upcoming interrogation..."

"Be neither humble nor arrogant."

Oaks knew what Coulson wanted to say. He looked at Coulson's somewhat surprised expression and said in a deep voice:

"There is an ancient saying from wise sages—

'When dealing with those above, do not be obsequious; when dealing with those below, do not be contemptuous.'

It means that when interacting with someone of higher status, one should not be servile, and when interacting with someone of lower status, one should not be arrogant or condescending...

Now we are facing an extraterrestrial civilization whose intentions are unknown. We can show friendliness, but we must not reveal any weakness."

Coulson silently nodded and smiled:

"In that case, I'll leave the interrogation to you, Consultant Oaks. I will stay in contact with the director."

"Sure, and also..."

Oaks pondered for a moment, then gave a preemptive reminder:

"If he says anything strange later, remember to maintain a poker face. I heard on TV that it's called 'playing good cop, bad cop.'"

"... I know what 'good cop, bad cop' means, our agents are experts at that."

...

The interrogation room was surrounded by mirrored walls, with Oaks and Coulson sitting opposite the intruder.

"Mister, I believe we need to have an open conversation... about you and that troublesome hammer outside."

With his hands folded, Oaks had a slight smile on his face:

"To be frank, we have gathered some clues... that hammer outside is quite special, and as its owner, you shouldn't merely be a reckless intruder in a government facility like you are now."

"..."

The blond man across the table lifted his head, and his sapphire-like eyes remained lifeless.

But at least, upon hearing the phrase "the hammer's owner," a ripple appeared in the stagnant waters.

"We have some special means to confirm...

but it seems like you're facing some trouble now. Only through proper communication and dialogue between us can we resolve this mutual problem, don't you think?"

"...What do you want to ask?"

Oaks secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Thor continued to remain silent, he could only wait for Dr. Selvig to come and take charge:

"Your identity—this is the basis for our communication. Let me introduce myself first."

Oaks spread his hands and gestured to himself and Coulson:

"I am Oaks Woods, the environmental consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D. and a biologist. This is Phil Coulson, the person in charge here."

"Thor Odinson."

The blond man remained silent for a while before speaking:

"No... perhaps, I no longer have the right to bear that surname."

"That surname of yours is quite extraordinary."

Oaks and Coulson exchanged a glance:

"Odinson, son of Odin, if you're not joking, then this name and surname remind me of the mythological legends on our Earth."

Coulson's expression became serious:

"Mythological legends? Are you referring to..."

"Norse mythology, the son of the Allfather Odin, the god of thunder, Thor, and... his weapon, Mjolnir."

Oaks shrugged, ignoring Coulson's attempt to be shocked and his own effort to maintain a poker face, and looked at Thor, whose lips slightly curved:

"Is it really you, the God of Thunder?"

"I thought everyone who heard it would consider it nonsense. At least, that's what everyone I've met these past two days believed."

Thor looked deeply into Oaks's eyes:

"So, what is this place exactly? I haven't had a chance to figure it out—

You reacted so quickly; it seems like this so-called 'mythological legend' is quite widespread, and there aren't many planets that fit this criteria."

"Planets."

Oaks pinched his brow, pretending to heave a sigh:

"Well, how can you prove your identity, Mr. Thor—

You see, that name holds a 'godly' status in our mythological legends."

"I... cannot prove it."

Thor remained stunned for a moment, then lowered his head in agony.

"Moreover, right now, I am just a mortal."

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