Uatu the Watcher

Everyone was speechless. Was that any way to talk to people? Russell really did think they were trash.

Russell suddenly looked up, his gaze drifting toward the air behind Tony. The corner of his mouth lifted slightly, as though he had spotted an amusing new toy.

Tony felt an inexplicable jolt of unease and instinctively followed his gaze.

The sky, smooth and unbroken a moment ago, was suddenly torn open by a strange force. Several tall figures stepped straight out of the rift.

They were all dressed like American soldiers, wearing heavy standard-issue armor. Three conspicuous letters were stamped across their chests: TVA.

The leader wore a blank expression. He called out in a cold, rigid voice:

"Tony Stark, you have deviated from your prescribed path and violated the laws of the Sacred Timeline. You are hereby under arrest!"

As soon as he finished, six more identically dressed Time Keepers emerged behind him. The seven formed a line, looking every bit as imposing as they intended.

"What??"

Tony stared at them, dumbfounded.

The Sacred Timeline? What the hell was that? He had lived more than half his life without ever hearing of it.

He hastily raised his hands to correct them, exasperation written across his face.

"Listen, guys, I don't care what obscure corner you crawled out of, but get my name right. I'm Tony Stark. You've definitely got the wrong person!"

He had actually heard that bizarre version of his name before. Back when he and Steve had fallen out, the white-bearded old man who delivered an apology letter had called him that.

Rhodey had been beside him, struggling not to laugh. But Tony was too proud to ever acknowledge the nickname.

The lead Time Keeper did not budge.

"Save your excuses, Tony Stark. You have been our target