∮ 002. backdated early morning of 6/16.

[elongates]

[ reed sits, as usual, in an empty laboratory. ]

I'm not the first one to remind you all about the incoming holiday. I'd ask you all a question of a vapid nature like "What does it mean to be a father?" but I would be lying if I said it would be of use to anyone. I know what constitutes a good father, and, well. I know what doesn't.

[ while his shoulders slump low toward his desk, his torso nearly unravels into loops around his work area. ]

The simple fact is: I am going to be a father one day. I’ve been aware of enough of my multiple selves to comprehend this. Children and love are my constant, as they are Susan’s. [ bitterly: ] At least one of us has to accept this reality.

[ plucking a test tube off a bunsen burner with tongs, he passive-aggressively mocks a toast toward the communicator. ]

So, here’s to the inevitable Franklin and Valeria Richards!

[ clink. ]

May you arrive to a better world with nicer, less abusive people.

Comments

NO SHHH IT'S BEAUTIFUL

[elongates]

Oh, absolutely not. I know wouldn't be able to beat you at your own game.

James.

SCREMS

[superscience]

Reed.

Or would you prefer boy? Wouldn't want to slight you too badly in this emotionally charged and somewhat awkward post.

[elongates]

I wouldn't. I actually find it uncomfortable on several levels, thank you for asking.

[ waves vaguely. ]

I had no idea you were the type for any level of courtesy.

[superscience]

I come down with the occasional case of manners, yes. Usually clears itself up within a half hour or two.

[verbal shrug!]

I had no idea you were the type for children.

[elongates]

[ snappily: ] Excuse me?

[superscience]

Children? Human young? Loud little things that eat up attention?

[elongates]

I am the type for children.

Not all of us aim to corner ourselves into becoming old spinsters.

[superscience]

By choice, Richards. Not all of us have the free time to devote to diapers, between hunting down Nazi war criminals and safeguarding the fabric of reality.

Though if you really have nothing better to do, I can see why you'd go the domestic route.

[elongates]

Why, it seems as if multitasking is a foreign concept to you.

What a shame.

[superscience]

I prefer to devote the whole of my attention onto one problem at a time rather than engaging in continuous partial attention, hence the noticeable lack of error in my work.

But don't let an old man with a stellar track record influence your way of doing things, Crusher.

[elongates]

Oh, yes. Let me gaze at your extensive list of successes in this cross-dimensional hub as you bemoan my own abilities.

That's reasonable.

[superscience]

I'm more than willing to take credit for the continued existence of half the mutants here, in fact.

[elongates]

Astounding. [ BLUNTLY: ] That must be about five people!