Chapter 27: Steve

Thor and Heimdall had got the Bifrost working again while the Avengers waited with a noticeable lack of patience. Now they were finally ready to make the trip through space to Knowhere.

The team crowded around as Heimdall mounted the steps of the Observatory's dais and activated the Bifrost's mechanisms with his massive sword.

Steve's gaze wandered around the room as the Bridge's energy moved across the spinning walls like ropes of electricity. He couldn't help but marvel at the power the Asgardian's had managed to harness as the built-up energy shot suddenly out into space. Tony would have loved it.

"The Bifrost will take you directly to Knowhere providing you remain within it," Heimdall told them. "I wish you–" He stopped abruptly, his golden gaze fixed on something only he could see within the beam of energy.

Then his eyes widened. "Move!" he shouted, jumping down from the dais.

Steve barely had time to react before a massive metal shape soared out of the Bifrost and crashed through the Observatory. He leapt back in time to avoid the tip of a massive wing and watched in shock as the spaceship – for that was what it was – smashed through the roof and nosedived into the Bridge. It then skidded several yards before coming to a shuddering stop.

"What on earth was that?" Banner demanded as he pulled himself out of a pile of rubble that had been the roof.

Steve glanced at him in concern. "You good?"

"Yeah. Petro pushed me out of the way." Banner gave Natasha a hand up as the other Avengers extracted themselves from the rubble.

"Whichever intergalactic nutjob decided it was a good idea to fly an M-class ship through a building is about to become toast!" Marvel snarled as they made their way towards the crash-landed ship.

Steve had half a mind to let her do it. Their one chance to get the Aether before Thanos may well have been ruined. Things just kept going from bad to–

Tony stepped out of the spaceship.

Steve froze. His first thought was no, but a small part of his mind asked, Are you really surprised?

Several other beings stepped out of the ship after Tony, only one of them human in appearance. That one raised his hands and called jokingly to the stunned Avengers, "We come in peace!"

Tony stepped forward, and Steve saw that he was covered in cuts and some sort of slime. "Sorry I'm late," Tony said mildly. He held out a small container of red mist and Steve accepted it numbly. "That's the Aether, by the way. You're welcome."

Steve finally found his voice. "We thought you were dead."

Tony smiled wryly. "Sorry to disappoint. What gave you that idea?"

"Marvel found your suit floating in space," Banner explained.

Tony nodded. "Ah. Nope. I hitched a ride with these guys." He gestured to the six other beings, who were watching events with interest.

"And they are…?" Natasha asked.

"Backup," Tony replied. "Fellow Thanos-haters. Guardians of the Galaxy. Take your pick and say hi."

Steve nodded to the Guardians.

"You've got a bunch to catch up on," Tony went on. "But first," he added, his voice growing colder, "could someone please tell me what the dead guy is doing here? I'm curious."

Steve felt his stomach sink as he realized Tony was talking about Bucky. He drew a breath. "Bucky's death was faked. He and Loki are on our side, and–"

Tony's expression grew even tighter. "Woah. Stop and tell me I didn't hear that right. Loki's on our side?"

"I know it's a lot to take in, Tony," Steve hurried on, "but if you just–"

"No." Tony took a step away, turning towards the Observatory. "I don't want to hear it."

"Tony–" Steve tried again.

"No." Tony stopped before Heimdall and jerked a thumb at the partially-ruined Observatory. "This thing still work?"

Heimdall gave a nod. "Yes. Just."

"Great, then I'll go home now," Tony replied.

Heimdall nodded again and moved to start up the Bifrost once more.

Steve looked back at his team desperately. Natasha caught his eye, then called after Tony, "Tony, wait!"

"I'll report later," Tony said over his shoulder as if he hadn't heard her. Then he stepped into the Bifrost and vanished.

Steve sighed, closing his eyes briefly. He should have seen that coming. Of course Tony would react badly to the developments since his capture. Steve should have been quick enough to prevent it from getting this bad though.

"Aaaah, okay…" the human Guardian said, breaking the silence. "He's gone. Who are you guys again?"

"We're the Avengers," Steve said. "Thank you for taking care of Stark. I'm Steve Rogers."

The human guy stepped forward to shake his hand. "Peter Quill. And no problem." He paused, then added. "So … what's the plan?"