"Sorry?" Tony sounds on the verge of an emotional breakdown. "You're sorry?!"

"I know you don't understand..." Dr. Strange starts.

"Oh no, I understand very clearly!" Tony raises his voice. "You don't trust us! You've never trusted us."

"It's not a question of trust..."

"Then what is it?" Tony Stark snaps. "Back on Earth, when this all started, I asked you to leave and trust me along with the others to handle Squidward. On Titan, when we all decided to make a plan, we went with YOUR plan. Now, when all we want is quite literally something you agree with, you are still standing in our way, doing your own thing."

Dr. Strange is now glaring at Tony, letting him finish his rant. "You know what, I don't have time for this." Dr. Strange turns toward the other Avengers. "I have come here, offering to send you home. For those of you wishing to stay, King T'Cha..."

"You'd like that wouldn't you?" Tony starts up again. "Separate us all so we don't get in the way of your greater scheme."

Dr. Strange turns toward Tony and with a flick of her hand causes a portal to open between Tony's feet. He lets out a small shout as he falls through and lands hard on the other side. His projected map disappears. He is clearly trying to protest, but sand starts pouring in on top of him. This goes on for a few seconds as Dr. Strange approaches the opening.

Tony has to dig his way out of the sand for a few moments, but when he is free, he sees Dr. Strange looking down at him.

"It's clear from our earlier conversation, you are emotional and cannot be reasoned with." Dr. Strange sounds somewhat sympathetic. "You and the others have been through a huge ordeal, and you're clearly showing signs of post traumatic stress. My advice is to take some time off and seek a psychological analyst to determine the extent of your mental wellness. However, In the meantime, it is my professional medical opinion that you try and get some rest."

Tony activates his suit and begins to charge his repulsor beams, but it is clear he did not have enough time as he watches the portal close. His eyes take a moment to adjust to his surroundings, and he quickly realizes he is in the Avenger's complex. An alarm goes off, as a panel on the nearest wall begins to flash. "F.R.I.D.A.Y., disable the alarm, it's just me."

"Disabling," the AI says, "welcome home." The lights begin to come on in the empty cold building. Tony walks to the nearest window to look out.

***Back on Xandar***

Dr. Strange turns back toward the others. "As I was saying," She starts, "I am here offering to send anyone home that wishes to leave immediately."

"Is that where you sent him?" Peter Parker asks.

"Yes, in a manner of speaking, I dropped him off close to home." Dr. Strange informs Peter.

"And now that I think about it..." Dr. Strange raises her hand and Peter Parker's sling ring flies from her side and into Steven Strange's hand. "You don't seem to be using this, and I can't risk you bringing him back... or abusing it."

"You really don't trust anyone, do you?" Star-Lord questions with annoyance.

"When it comes to scenarios of this magnitude we can say, I don't like taking risks." Dr. Strange replies. "Mr. Wilson, I asked you to come see me if there were any physical side effects what-so-ever."

"I'm sorry Doc, I just didn't notice." Sam tries to protest.

"Doc?" Dr. Strange gives a disapproving look. "I'm going to have to ask you to stay on-world until I can have another examination of you." Dr. Strange's eyes dart between all the Avengers. "Ms. Rogers, why aren't you using your hover chair? I advised no exercise until further notice."

Steve Rogers had a guilty look on her face. "I didn't think it would make much difference. I still have most of my strength."

"Regardless," Steve Rogers continues her stern reprimanding, "I advise you to keep all exercise at a minimum until your scars are safely healed. While your muscles may be able to handle the strain a person with your strength could just as easily tear your injuries back open without even trying."

"Yes, ma'am." Steve Rogers replies. Dr. Strange's authoritative tone reminds the Captain of serving in the army.

"I was led to believe Scott Lang, and Hope Van Dyne are here as well." Dr. Strange starts scanning the area.

"They're over this way." Peter Parker answers and instinctively starts leading Dr. Strange toward the tiki-hut.

"Wanda!" Dr. Strange calls out. "When I am done here, I need to have a word for you."

"Uhm... OK." Wanda looks at Vision and they wonder why he is being zeroed out specifically.

"Yes, ma'am!" Clint Barton responds with a sarcastic little salute when he is sure Dr. Strange is out of earshot.

"Is it me, or is she more attractive when she is being authoritative?" Natasha asks Clint while watching Dr. Strange walk away.

"That my friend," Clint says with a grin, "is the hot teacher vibe. Most men understand and don't understand it, all too well. Just appreciate it for what it is."

"I feel like I should be offended by what you just said." Natasha replies, while not being able to keep his eyes off Dr. Strange. "Do I give off that vibe?" Natasha looks back toward Clint. "Or... Did I?"

Clint thinks about it for a second. "Yeah.." He responds, "or something similar."

Natasha turns back toward Dr. Strange. "Man, this is intense!"

"Welcome to the world of men." Clint pats Natasha on the shoulder.

"Not all men." The Hulk smiles genuinely as she converts back to Bruce in her female form.

Natasha looks at Bruce and suddenly feels heartbroken that he forgot they once had a relationship. It felt like so long ago now. "Thank's Bruce." He says with a blush. "You were always so sweet." Natasha has to reach forward and squeezes Bruce's small hand. 'Oh my God, am I flirting?' he catches himself wondering.

"We should probably follow those two." T'Challa interrupts, "Dr. Steven Strange has a lot of important things to tell us."

"Right." Natasha says, feeling a little eager to dodge his unexpected hormones. They all start to follow Peter and Dr. Strange minus the Guardians of the Galaxy. Rocket is struggling to remove something vibrantly purple from Groot's mouth.

At the Tiki-Hut, Scott and Hope seem to be having a heated discussion.

"Are you saying, you think you know more than my mother?!" Hope grumbles.

"No, but I'm sure there are things she has never tried before." Scott grumbles back.

"Because it's dangerous! She knew that."

"It's dangerous for an individual, but if there was someone from the outside..." Scott starts to reason.

"Ms. Lang. Mr. Van Dyne." Dr. Strange calls out to them. They both turn to see her approaching.

"Your father sent me here to tell you that he and your mother have already returned..." Dr. Strange does not get to finish.

"Hey Doc," Rocket comes rushing up, "is this thing dangerous?"

Dr. Strange looks down at Rocket, clearly annoyed. She then looks at the wet purple and spikey thing sitting in her hands. "What is that?"

"Groot pulled it out of the water." Rocket says with concern. "He keeps trying to eat it." She holds the object up closer, almost touching Dr. Strange's bust.

"I'm not that kind of doctor." She tells Groot. "Perhaps ask one of the natives." Dr. Strange is feeling flustered. Rocket frowns then turns away as Groot comes rushing up, hoping to reclaim his treasure.

"I don't think anyone on this beach is native." Rocket says.

"Why don't you ask the bartender." Scott Lang recommends.

"Good idea!" Rocket says before pushing past Dr. Strange and jumping onto the counter. Scott has to lean back as Groot comes rushing up and tries to push through also.

"I am Groot."

Dr. Strange is losing more and more patience.

"Hey Doc, you're really smart." Dr. Strange gets annoyed at Scott for being the fourth person to call her Doc today. "We have a question."

With a grumple, Steven Strange ignores the nickname. "What question is that?"

"If you have the ability to travel to the future," Dr. Strange becomes very tense when the subject is brought up, "would it be possible to travel to the past as well?"

"I am not at liberty to discuss that!" Dr. Strange says a little more aggressive than she wants.

"Not at liberty to discuss?" Scott replies, confused. "I'm just saying, if we had a chance to move forward through time, wouldn't it be feasible to go back in time also. Then let's say, collect the stones that way..."

Dr. Strange angrily grabs the eye of Agamotto and clutches it tightly to her chest. "Dr. Lang! If you are implying what I think you are implying, it would render the entire purpose of our journey moot!"

Rocket, Groot, and several others turn to see Dr. Strange angrily reprimanding Ant-Man. Rocket notices Dr. Strange cradling the relic on her chest.

"The utilization of time manipulation and tampering with the continuum of probability is strictly forbidden by the sorcerers of antiquity, intergalactic law, and higher sources of power than even you can comprehend!" The other Avengers begin to arrive, surprised by the sudden loud escalation. "The fact that you would propose using the stone for such a thing implies you have no comprehension of the destructive magnitude you could cause!"

"I'm not talking about using the stones, I'm talking about..." Scott tries to get a word in.

"The answer is NO, Dr. Lang!" Dr. Strange snaps. "You cannot fix this problem with time travel. It could cause an untold number of worse scenarios. Even rip apart the fabric of time and space."

"See!" Hope snaps at Scott, before turning back toward Dr. Strange. "And by the way, she's not a doctor. She has no Ph.D." Hope turns toward Scott again. "I told you it was a bad idea!"

"You said it wouldn't work." Scott argues.

"In any case," Dr. Strange tries to continue, "you are forbidden from trying and not allowed anywhere near the Sanctum Sanctorum on Earth, Xandar, or any other planet."

"The Sanctum Sanct What's um?" Scott asks.

"I came here to tell you," Dr. Strange continues angrily, "Should you wish to go home, I can send you now, and should you wish to stay, you can either ride back with Commander Nick Fury or get in contact with the Sorcerer Supreme of this planet."

"There's a Sorcerer Supreme on this planet?" Peter Parker asks, causing Dr. Strange to jump. She entirely forgot Peter was with her.

Realizing she is flustered, Dr. Strange looks toward the sand and does her best to calm down before responding. "Yes, there is a Sorcerer Supreme on this planet." She looks back toward Peter Calmly. "Generally any planet or area with a dense population has one or something similar."

"That's fascinating." Peter responds. "How do we get a hold of him?"

"YOU, Peter Parker, do not." Dr. Strange says, authoritatively. "Despite your aptitude for brilliance, even a great mind could benefit from receiving a proper education amongst their peers."

"A proper education?" Peter asks, excitedly wondering if Dr. Strange has something special planned for her.

"Yes, Peter." Her eyes narrow. "I believe it's about time you get back to school."

"Wha...?" The color and enthusiasm fades from Peter's face as she realizes what Dr. Strange is implying.

"You have been her long enough, kid." Dr. Strange places hand on her shoulder. "I have already had Wong send your stuff home and Nick Fury has offered to transport anything else you may have left on the drop ship."

"But Dr. Strange, wouldn't you agree that there is so much more I could learn by staying here a little longer?" Peter is trying to fight back emotions.

"Yes Peter, I do believe that." She leans in close and locks eyes with Spider-Man. "But there is very little else you can learn here that would benefit you in living your day to day life." Dr. Strange gets a little smirk on her face as a thought runs through her head. "And I am sure a young Ms. Michelle Jones would be most delighted to see you again. I'm sure she's absolutely worried about your safety."

The thought of MJ makes Peter smile and she suddenly feels a longing to see her. "OK..." She says, reluctantly. "I'm sure Aunt May is worried sick as well."

"That's a good lass." She pats Peter on the shoulder. "When you're a little older, or at least when you finish school, come see me. We can work on your training and have you teleporting all over the galaxy in no time."

Peter's eyes light up at the prospects for the future. "Really?"

"I'm dead serious." Dr. Strange smiles. "I'm sure MJ would be more than thrilled to join you."

The thought of magically traveling the universe with MJ causes Peter's eyes to sparkle. "I don't know what to say, Dr. Strange."

"Please, we saved the universe together," she tells Peter, "call me Steven."

"Ok... Steven." Peter says reluctantly.

Dr. Strange's face cringed a little but before she could respond she is interrupted.

"It's a good thing Tony Stark isn't here." Bruce says, "I don't think he'd like you trying to steal his intern."

"Well," Steven Strange says with a smile, "What Peter decided to do with her life, is entirely up to her. Are you ready to go?"

Peter looks around and realizes she doesn't have any luggage. "I suppose, I'm as ready as I'll ever be."

"Alright Peter." Dr. Strange opens a portal and afternoon daylight seems to shine through. There are a couple of desks and chairs in view. "We'll see each other again. I promise."

"I'd like that." Peter says, before turning to the others. "Well, goodbye guys. I guess, I'll see you around." They wave as she rushes through the portal. She starts turning to look back and say one last farewell when something catches her eye. "Ned? What are you doing?"

The portal closes.

Dr. Strange turns toward the others. "Would anyone else like to leave now?"

"I think Natasha and I would like to ride back with Nick Fury." Clint answers. "We have a lot of catching up to do." Nick Fury, who is standing nearby, nods.

"Very well." Dr. Strange responds. "Mr. Wilson, Captain Rogers, I will have to ask you both to remain a little longer so I can have you both medically analyzed once more before returning."

"Yes ma'am." Sam says with a playful salute. Captain America also agrees to stay.

"How about you?" Steven Strange asks Bucky.

Bucky looks at Steve, then back toward Dr. Strange. "I will stay with Steve."

"Awe, he's blushing." Sam Wilson jokes, earning him an angry glare from the Winter Soldier. Steven Strange chooses to ignore them.

"We should probably get back to my father." Hope chimes in next.

"Yeah, he's not one for dilly dallying." Scott adds.

"Very well," Strange nods, "He was quite insistent you two join him as soon as possible."

"Pfft.. Classic Dad." Scott jokes. Dr. Strange opens a portal for them.

"He's not your dad." Hope smirks while elbowing Scott in the side softly. "Not yet..." He adds.

"Hope Van Dyne!" Scott says loud and playfully as they enter the portal. "Was that a marriage proposal?"

"We'll talk later." He tells Scott as the portal closes behind them.

Dr. Strange now looks at Bruce. "Dr. Banner, I'm sure you have a lot of catching up to do, as I have been told you were off-world for over two years." Bruce nods. "King T'Challa and Commander Fury have both offered their hospitality, should you desire to return to Earth."

Bruce looks past Dr. Strange toward T'Challa and Nick Fury. They both seem to nod in response. The idea of finally coming home after so long and having somewhere safe to stay was a little overwhelming. She is having trouble deciding. Rocket takes the long silence as an opportunity to come forward.

"Hey Doc," Rocket says, "I was wondering, where might a girl like me find some nice jewelry to buy?"

Dr. Strange frowns and gives Rocket an annoyed but skeptical look.

"You know, something like that necklace you're wearing?" Rocket points at the eye of Agamotto.

Dr. Strange clutches the relic and proceeds to hide it in her cloak. She is now clearly flustered. "The eye of Agamotto is no mere necklace. You couldn't possibly understand its importance."

"You sure you won't sell it to me?" Rocket inquires.

"No, it's not for sale!" Dr. Strange snaps before turning away. "Dr. Banner, do you have an idea of what you would like to do?" Rocket is now smirking quietly.

Bruce looks at Dr. Strange and nods. "I think I do." Dr. Strange nods back. "I'd like to help Tony... If you can send me there." Bruce tells herself not to look at Steve Rogers when she says this, but she can't help but glance her way. Steve doesn't seem bothered.

Dr. Strange thinks about Bruce's request for a long moment. "I suppose it would do no harm." She says starting to make another portal. "Lord knows he could use a friend right now."

Bruce smiles. "Thank you." Dr. Strange nods back and Bruce proceeds to walk through the portal, kicking up the sand which had fallen in earlier. The portal closes.

Dr. Stange now turns to the remaining Avengers. "Captain Rogers, Sergeant Wilson, I hope you don't mind putting off your checkup just a little longer." Sam, Bucky, and Steve listen intently. "King T'Challa, Nick Fury, and I need to have a very serious conversation with Wanda Maximoff."

"Yeah, that's fine." Captain Rogers responds. Sam agrees and Bucky nods.

"Vision, you're welcome to join us." Dr. Strange offers.

"Gladly," Vision answers, "if I'm needed."

"Of course you're needed." Wanda says, grabbing Vision's hand.

Dr. Strange opens one last portal and she motions for the remaining Avengers to begin filing through.

"Hey, what about us?!" Star-Lord calls out.

"Yeah, what about us?" Mantis chimes in.

Steven Strange turns toward Peter Quill and addresses her. "Guardians of the Galaxy, we are thankful for your help. The Nova Corp asks that you get in contact with them so they can express their extreme gratitude."

Star-Lord waves her hand dismissively knowing that her question was being dodged. "Yeah, you're welcome!" She snaps sarcastically. "Any time."

"You can always rely on the Guardians of the Galaxy!" Drax proclaims, missing the sarcasm.

Dr. Strange nods one last time, trying to emphasize sincerity. She knew it was a waste, so she closed the portal behind them, leaving the Guardians standing alone

"Well, I guess that's it." Star-Lord says to no one in particular. Rocket rushes up to her.

"Hey Quill." Rocket calls. "Where did you say Dr. Demento was hiding his infinity stone? Back on Titan?"

"Peter looks down and furls her eyebrows. "In her necklace... Why?"

"I think I know where the Time Stone is." Rocket grins happily.