Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

18

"Um - about that-" Thor trailed.

"Thor. Your people need a king."

"No, they already have one."

"That's funny. You're being serious?"

Thor nodded. "It's time for me to be who I am rather than who I'm supposed to be. But you, you're a leader. That's who you are."

"You know I'd make a lot of changes around here."

"I'm counting on it. Your Majesty." He offered Valkyrie a farewell handshake.

"What will you do?"

"I'm not sure. For the first time in a thousand years, I-I have no path. I do have a ride, though."

---

The Benatar was parked on the cliff.

"Move it or lose it, hairbag," Rocket ordered.

Quill searched for Gamora on the screen and as Thor walked in, he closed it.

"Well, here we are," Thor said. "Tree! Good to see you. Well-" He removed his shades and tapped Quill on the shoulder. "The Asgardians of the Galaxy, back together again. Where to first?" He touched the screen's map to pick their destination.

"Hey, just so you know, this is my ship still," Quill reminded Thor. "I'm in charge."

"I know. I know. Of course, you are. Of course."

"See, you say of course, but then you touch the map. It makes me think that maybe you didn't realize I was in charge."

"Quail - you - that - that's your own-"

"Quail?"

"-insecurities in there. Okay? I'm merely trying to be of service and assisting."

"It's Quill."

"That's what I said."

"You should fight one another for the honor of leadership," Drax suggested.

"Sounds fair," Nebula agreed.

Quill looked around before saying, "It's not necessary."

"It's not," Thor replied.

"Okay?"

"I got some blasters, unless you guys wanna use knives," Rocket told them.

"Ooh, yes," Mantis said enthusiastically. "Please, use knives."

"Yeah, knives," Drax agreed.

"I am Groot," Groot said.

Both Thor and Quill laughed, but Quill tried to laugh harder.

"Not necessary..." Quill told him.

"There shall be no knifing one another," Thor stated. "Everybody knows who's in charge."

Quill glanced at Thor. "Me, right?"

"Yes, you. Of course. Of course. Of course." He silently pointed to himself.

---

Steve pulled Bucky and Flora to the side.

Flora frowned, seeing his expression. "Steve, what is it?"

Steve glanced up, looking between them. "When Tony and I went back to get the Stone from S.H.I.E.L.D., I saw her. Peggy. She had a picture of me on her desk. And she was working for them."

"Okay, meaning?"

Bucky glanced at Flora. "I think he's saying he wants to go back. To live a life with her. Right?"