Forward to Marvel Cinematic Universe

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On the road to Bree, an off-road car was rushing along at the speed of a horse's fastest gallop. Hjarti put on some music - from the film Taxi. The roads were hardly worse than in Russia, but the car's durasteel-reinforced suspension held up easily, though the car bounced on the bumps. It took him two hours to reach the village of Bree. He had decided to avoid the sky for the time being, so he travelled on wheels. The gates of the village were open, so Hjarti had no trouble getting in, though everyone hid as he approached. It was mid-afternoon, autumn, and a light rain was drizzling in Bree. Hyarty looked around the village. The village was - for thirty yards, the biggest and most profitable enterprise here was the inn, as the village grew at the intersection of two roads. Accordingly, the rest of the inhabitants lived from the service of travellers or hunting. Hyarty switched off the music - something lyrical this time. He relaxed in his chair, listening to the rain drumming on the windscreen. He looked around and moved the car so as not to disturb the customers. The inn was a large building, well-built and very old. Hjarti switched off the headlights and got out, immediately running over to the entrance of the building.

There was a wonderful atmosphere inside. Everything in the building was made of wood, the inn was lit by fire but brightly, and there were a lot of customers. The bartender stood behind the bar and waited for customers. When he saw Hjarti, he smiled welcomingly:

- Come in, dear guest!

The experienced eye of the old innkeeper spotted a wealthy customer. Well dressed - Hyarty was wearing a leather jacket with a fur collar and black jeans, as well as a dark green shirt with patterns embroidered with silver thread. Hyarty smiled back at the innkeeper:

- Good afternoon. Is my friend Peggy here? A girl with long hair and a pretty face, about seventeen years old. She had a young man with her, of military build.

- I remember them," nodded the innkeeper, "they were here a couple of months ago. You're looking for them, then?

- Yes. Peggy's due here today, where can I wait?

- You can wait here," the innkeeper smiled, "sit down, I'll set the table, you can have your lunch and wait for your friend...

Hjarti thought for a moment. Then he smiled slyly and reached into his subspace pocket. Five seconds later he pulled out a case of beer and placed it on the table in front of the innkeeper, to the surprised stares of both the innkeeper and the crowd:

- Beer. Pour it for everyone, and I'll sit in a corner and wait for my friend.

The innkeeper looked doubtfully at the package, but decided to cut it with the knife he had taken out from under the counter.

* * *

Peggy ran in to Steve's to tell him the good news. Rogers was arguing with Aragorn about something. Peggy distracted them:

- Steve, Hyarty's here. He rang me and I told him to wait at the Grasshopper Pony. He's probably already there.

Rogers jumped up:

- So what are we waiting for? Aragorn, we'll talk a little later. I think they've come for us...

Aragorn called out to Steve:

- Will you be back?

- An hour, tops. Or maybe two, as long as you don't go anywhere yet.

Steve put on his suit and took off. It took Peggy a second to catch up with him, and they were off towards Bree...

* * *

Peggy Carter landed right next to the inn. Next to her was Rogers. They noticed the car, which frankly didn't look like a medieval village at all. Loud songs were coming from the inn. Realising that food was not a problem, Hjarti decided to treat the crowd with the food he had brought with him. Not that people complained about shortages - autumn was in full swing, October was coming to an end, and there was plenty on the tables. However, with a good beer the crowd first tasted dried fish and then kebabs, which Hjarti decided to roast on a dare, as the owner of the Gargling Pony, Barliman Butterbur, was sure that meat on fire, and soaked in wine, could not be tastier than a good old steak.

The rain had passed, and behind the inn they set up a brazier, which Hjarti had made at once, brought in wood, built a fire, and now a dozen skewers with delicious, juicy meat, exuded such odours that everyone wanted to try it. The meat was sizzling over the coals, the onions were turning golden, and Hjarti - already with a large bottle of beer in his hand - was arguing hoarsely with Butterbur about something. They didn't even notice Peggy and Steve approaching ...

- Are you kidding me? - You have to marinate it thoroughly in strong wine, you can even add vinegar. No, if the meat is rabbit or game, it's better to use beer. It tastes better that way. And lemon juice or onions like this," Hjarti nodded at the brazier and waved his hand. An invisible wave of force knocked over the skewers, lifted the wine bottle, and sprinkled it over the coals. The fire immediately died down and a new wave of thick, strong kebab flavour rose up.

Barliman Butterbur asked Hyarty:

- There must be many more recipes known in your lands ...

- That's right... - Hyarty turned to Peggy and Steve, "Hey guys, why are you standing there like you're not family? We're having kebabs. My treat.

The couple prepared to meet anything and talk seriously, so to speak, on serious subjects, but in no way to participate in a kebab party. Hjarti, however, knocked them out of their stride.

When the pieces of juicy meat were on the plates of the customers, as well as a new portion of beer, the innkeeper did not miss the chance to thank Hjarti. The meat was indeed incredibly tasty and succulent, perfectly cooked and not burnt. Steve and Peggy took a portion each, since they didn't care for the elves' vegetarian diet.

It was only after eating their fill, after listening to a dozen songs from those present, that all three sat down in a corner of the hall, where the real conversation began.

- Hjarti, have you thought about how we're going to get out of here?

- I have a ship with me. If that's not enough, I'll try to contact the LC, if that's not enough, I'll try to find a way, and if that doesn't work, we'll stay here. I brought enough to live a long and safe life. As well as some gold and silver. So, who's going to tell us how you got here?

* * *

Peggy told everything, everything in great detail. About coming to this strange world, about the hobbits, the elves, Gandalf....

- Well, what can I say, - I looked up at them dazedly, - good holiday in the nature. But what I'm interested in now is the possible relations between the worlds....

- What do you mean?

- Peggy, haven't you forgotten? We're Aegis. I think it would be very useful for Earth to make contact with this world. I mean on a diplomatic inter-world level. It's a matter of time and resources to construct a fixed portal device. Theoretically, if the Burrows are already there, then it wouldn't be that difficult to replicate the device. It would be preferable that it would not lead to a war of worlds or cataclysms. That is why I define the current task - to establish diplomatic contacts between Arda and Midgard. Cautious but assertive contact. The best thing is that no firearms will ever appear in this world and they will never even know about it.

Steve Rogers understood his chief's thinking:

- But first of all - we don't have the authority to do that. And secondly... how do you envision that?

- Yeah. It's a slippery slope. I envisage it as an information contact and exchange of experience. The people of Earth have long since forgotten how to respect the nature of the planet. The Earth is, frankly, fucked up. And the issue of authority... I'm going to disagree with you here. Who in their right mind would blame us? After all, the portal technology is powered by the Great Power. That means it's not available to Earthmen or the vast majority of civilisations in the galaxy. We just have to protect this world from Earth freaks. I know them - they'll send a bunch of people to sniff, snoop and scout... And gradually, in a fit of their insane pride, they'll try to take over Arda.

- And turn Arda into another resource colony? An appendage of raw materials? - Steve asked with open hostility on his face.

- It's unprofitable. Besides, we would oppose it with all our might. However, diplomatic experience between worlds, even with a world like Arda, can be very useful, both in terms of getting used to not being alone in the universe and in dealing with non-human civilisations.

Peggy reflected:

- The Shield could be involved.

- Not them," I grimaced, "Shield is a purely American service. And America is the most powerful country in the world, a hegemon. That means they'll either destroy Arda as a potential threat to "National Security" or turn it into their colony, or, as the officials put it, "Develop Democracy". In which case it will end very badly. For Americans, if I manage to prevent the cataclysm, and for Earthlings in general - if not.

- What's your point?

- My dear Peggy Carter, whoever colonised this planet might think it's a good idea to include Earth in their kingdom. And people who've polluted half the planet won't be part of his plans. See where I'm going with this?

- It could be dangerous.

- If you give it to America, which, as I said, has a dangerous habit of either destroying or subjugating everyone it reaches, it could end up in a massive genocide, either of Arda or Earthlings, or both, but one at a time.

Steve Rogers was far from diplomacy, unlike his girlfriend, but clearly did not want Arda to become a "democratised" and plundered country.

* * *

The trio left the Garrotting Pony in the late afternoon. Steve looked at the car:

- Is it yours?

- You bet it is.

- And why did you come in a car if you have a flying suit? - Rogers asked.

- Yeah, I just wanted to take in the scenery. Although flying is probably better ...

Hyarty stashed the car in a spatial pocket and put on the armour: - let's fly!

They took to the sky and headed towards Rivendell.

* * *

* * *

The dwarf Gimli sat in his chair smoking a pipe, looking out from under his bushy eyebrows at the swearing humans and elves and even hobbits. He alone had tried to break the ring, but had failed and decided to stay out of it, out of harm's way. The argument gained momentum and was interrupted by a whistle in the sky. Three dots were descending from the sky onto the site, which quickly turned into the figures of warriors - approaching. The guests landed, causing the others to recoil. Gandalf immediately noticed a strange knight in armour thicker than Stephen's.

- Who is that? - He asked Peggy.

Carter, taking off her costume, answered immediately:

- This is Hyarty, our commander. Hyarty, this is Gandalf the Grey, the wizard.

Hjarti, taking off his armour, looked at Gandalf appraisingly:

- Yes...I feel it. Let's get acquainted.

The debate over the ring was over - everyone was now interested in Hyarty. And Elrond was the first to show this interest. He rose from his chair, approaching but saying nothing. Hjarti in turn turned his attention to the elf and bowed to him briefly, switching to Old Elvish:

- 'You must be the local chief?

- 'That I am,' Elrond replied in the same language, 'who are you?

- Hyarty. Hyarty Nicholson, my official status is Assistant to the President - Head of State of Russia. These are my subordinates," Hyarty glanced at the couple standing nearby, "I believe you were having a heated discussion before I arrived.

Elrond smiled briefly after a moment's thought and returned to his chair:

- 'Discussed this ring,' he pointed with his hand to the centre of the hall, where a ring gleamed on a stone pedestal.

Hjarti looked at it and recoiled:

- What is this filth? Where did you get it from? Shoo," Hyarty waved his hand at it and the ring jingled, twitching, and those around him felt as if a shroud had been lifted from their minds. Everyone sighed, synchronised.

* * *

That thing's got tentacles on me? Get out!

The ring twitched and fell silent in the face of resistance. I turned to Gandalf with a grudge: - "Why do you want it?

- What makes you think we need it?

- If you didn't need it, you would have destroyed it. That abomination tried to influence my emotions through the Force! Well, you call it magic. It doesn't matter.

Gandalf leaned on his staff and looked thoughtfully at the elf and asked:

- And did you stop him?

- Well, yes. I, as well as many others, do not ignore such things, - I was puzzled, - Mr Wizard, maybe I don't understand something?

* * * *

* * * *

When Gandalf finished his story, a good hour had passed. He was a good storyteller. I listened to him attentively, but the others listened half-heartedly, only the hobbits kept their concentration and listened to the old wizard.

So, the ring was forged by a certain evil forsuser. He forged it in a fatal grief and put his evil soul, hatred, tolerance, bad habits and so on into the ring... and this ring is like a reasonable artefact of power. The Evil Forceuser has returned to Arda from oblivion, but to regain his power, he needs to get the ring. It is a foolish and shortsighted move to divide his own powers.

Now Gandalf gathered every creature in pairs, or rather, hobbits, elves, dwarves, as well as humans, to start thinking together how to bring this ring to the fatal mountain. No one cancelled transport problems in this world - horses will take a long, hard time to get to Mordor.

- I will carry it," said the dwarf, aka halfling, aka Frodo the Hobbit, "I can carry the ring to Mordor.

Everyone looked at him, but I did not let the little hobbit's heroic impulse continue:

- How would you do it? Anyone can take up the task, but to finish it.....

Frodo looked at me, then turned his gaze to the smiling Gandalf:

- Shall we just go to that mountain and throw the ring down the hole? Let it be so.

Elrond was about to say something, but Boromir interrupted him:

- You cannot just go to Mordor! It is not only Orcs that guard its black gates, and there is the Great Eye. It is an ethereal desert scorched by fire. If you had ten thousand warriors, you couldn't handle it!

I intervened. Frankly speaking, they could still bring the ring to this mountain, but it would take them at least a year, and I don't know how long and difficult the journey would be. I didn't want any enemy to try to take over such a nice place, but I didn't want to stay here longer than necessary. There was a lot left on the ground, and I had to come back when I was done here. I turned to the men:

- This is not the way to go. According to Gandalf's story, it will take at least three months to get to this mountain, not to mention the fact that the enemy is already rampant in Middle-earth. So it could take you years to fight your way forward under enemy attack. I'll help you get the ring there faster.

- And how would you do that? You're not going to carry it in the arms of the Hobbits, are you? Well, that's an option.

- No way," I smirked, "you found a horse. I have transport.

* * *

Gandalf, Aragorn, Arwen, Gimli and the four hobbits stood in the middle of the field and waited for... a miracle. There was no miracle. I, with a magician's gesture. took two storage devices out of my pocket and thought. The quadrocopter is not necessary for now, we don't need it. And we didn't bring the horses-I insisted.

Sam was dancing with excitement, and the others seemed restrained.

- What is it? - Steve asked, nodding at the device in my hand. Instead of answering, I pointed it into the distance and activated it. A ship slowly emerged from the subspace pocket. The Blind Maiden, in all its glory. I pulled out another device and pointed it nearby. Sixteen Titans appeared in front of me. They sat with their arms around their legs. The droids had made an impression. They straightened up, pulling shields from behind their backs.

- Bersi," I said mentally to the seeker, "do you think we should storm Mordor at once, or see what Mordor does first?

- Better not wait.

- Get in, my friends," I waved my hand toward the ramp.

Arwen led by example, climbing aboard first, followed by Gandalf, Aragorn and the others. I am the last. Yes, it's been a long time since I've visited the Maiden!

Arwen swivelled her head in all directions, sniffing and looking at everything. Gandalf watched the others' reactions with interest, and looked round himself. We went through the cargo hold into the main corridor. Everyone followed me.

- So, we'll be there in a couple of hours or so. We'll have to do some recon. The lavatory is here," I banged on the door, and it opened, revealing the dormitory, "there aren't enough cabins for everyone. Maiden, take off.

The ship lifted off gently.

- Where will you be? - Gandalf asked.

- I will go to the pilot's seat. I invite you to come with me, Gandalf, Arwen. I see you are interested.

The elfess nodded demurely and stately, and we went into the cabin. I sat down in the pilot's chair. Arwen gave way to Gandalf. In front of the ship's bow was a plain, with sparse trees. In the distance we could see a mountain range... We were ascending.

I took the wheel and steered the ship towards the mountains, forward, upwards... very soon we passed the clouds and rose above them. The view here is particularly picturesque. "The Titans escorted and protected us, one went ahead to scout the area.

I did not intend to have a ceremony with Mordor, especially in view of the information Boromir had given me. After five minutes of flying at mach speed, when Aragorn joined us, Gandalf, relaxed in the co-pilot's seat, asked:

- What are you up to?

- I have a very unusual plan..." I smiled, "You could, of course, go straight to Mordor, hit it with thermonuclear missiles, then throw the Titans into the fray and while the droids and ships are making noise, throw a ring, but Hyarti doesn't work that way. Hyarti's got to go all out!

Looking into my eyes, Gandalf and Arwen flinched....