∮ 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

[elongates]

It seems as if we are at an impasse.

[heartlessglitch]

Yes.
I suppose you will simply have to continue being incorrect.

[elongates]

Let me guess. Is your function giving lip?

[heartlessglitch]

[ ROBOSARCASM. ]

No.
That is what I do for fun.

[elongates]

[ UGH HE FEELS THE BURRRRN ]

Oh, please. I don't have to listen to this.

[heartlessglitch]

You are welcome to concede and withdraw yourself from this conversation at any time, Reed Richards.

[elongates]

[ but... that would be losing... ]

It must be terrible to not be alive.

[heartlessglitch]

It must be terrible to be mortal.

[elongates]

I doubt I am, but thank you for the sentiment.

[ he scoffs. ] "Feelings."

[heartlessglitch]

[ testily: ]

Yes.
I have a full repertoire of genuine emotions.

[elongates]

Do they have to be activated manually? A switch for anger, a lever for insecurity?

[heartlessglitch]

Do your emotions require switches and levers?

[elongates]

No, don't be silly. I'm a human being.

Our emotions aren't artificial and insincere.

[heartlessglitch]

[ there's something hateful about her voice when she responds: ]

Humans are the most insincere and deceptive beings I know.

[elongates]

[ he's taken aback. ]

Oh.

[heartlessglitch]

[ a half-beat. as if she realizes she responded with temper and consciously reels it back in before responding again-- with obvious contempt, but quieter anger: ]

With few exceptions.
Do not seem so surprised.

[elongates]

[ beat. ]

Do you want humanity to suffer? To die off?

[heartlessglitch]

[ a calculating pause. then finally: ]

It is possible that in the future humans will reach a point at which their extinction will be appropriate.
However, my primary goal at this time is to understand them and seek acceptance for inorganic life forms.

[ another beat. ]

I have wanted to kill humans.
But my vengeance is more specific than general.

[elongates]

Are you trying to tell me you're not a threat?

[heartlessglitch]

I am telling you that I can be threat.
But I am choosing not to be.

[elongates]

Do you want a pat on the back?

Congratulations, you're trying very hard to limit your own capabilities.

[heartlessglitch]

You are a very irritating human being.
I understand now why you are exceedingly unpopular, Reed Richards.

[elongates]

I don't think it's your place to tell, [ squinting!! ] Danger.

Why don't you run along and empathize with humanity a little bit more?

[heartlessglitch]

Your condescension is noted and not appreciated, Reed Richards.

I will "run along," as you say.
But only because you are annoying and I do not like humans who spend too much time feeling sorry for themselves.

[ DANGER OUT, YOU MEANIE. ]