"That's the plan," Pete says casually, like he's confirming what time they're going to meet up for drinks. "If anyone's out there ruining my reputation, I want it to be me." He has the original franchise rights on that one, okay.

Rich's hand on his shoulder feels heavier than it has any right to even if Rich is supporting half his weight on Pete--and thanks for that, buddy. It's not like he's got cracked ribs or anything.

"D'ast all, Rich." Pete shakes his head, wondering if he's annoyed with Rich or his own memories of himself on the other side of this conversation. "Remember how I made an honest mistake and let the Phalanx into the Kree defense network, almost resulting in the entire universe getting involuntarily turned into a cyborg hivemind? Remember how you wouldn't let me sit there afterwards and feel bad about it when there was a job to do?

"Well, payback time."