∮ 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

[trollverine]

Logical, maybe, for a certain kind of altruist, but not obvious. In neglecting it you're subjecting your wife and children - and I apologize for bringing things you don't have into this - to a short life of gradual decay. For a man with a brain like yours, that must take truly uncommon willpower. I almost have to admire that.

[elongates]

[ his nostrils flare in the near challenge of the statement, but he remains otherwise resolute. ]

As you know, all good men have to make sacrifices. The time for finding compromise will arrive. Only not now.

You seem to be the sort to know patience. Wouldn't you understand?

[trollverine]

Well, I can't claim to be as morally upright as you are. I hate to admit it, but were I in your position, I'd at least consider my own personal concerns first, like most flawed people.

[elongates]

We should all be thankful that I am not like most flawed people, in that case.

[ impatiently: ]

Well? When are you going to tell me who you are and why it's important?

[trollverine]

It's not important. I was on the Avengers for a short time; I happened to meet you and your family. That's all there is to it.

[elongates]

I've always found it strange that your Avengers are our Ultimates, and our Avengers are either your nobodies or the non-existent.

[ he waves, vaguely. ]

Sorry. Yes, I see that that's―and you're―not important.

[trollverine]

I can't tell if that was an intentional jab or just debilitating social ineptitude.

[elongates]

Are you trying to goad me into something? Is that what you're doing?

[trollverine]

Why would I do that?

[elongates]

That's also a relevant question.

[trollverine]

We are - or we were - on good terms, Dr. Richards. I'm not interested in goading you into anything, as you put it. I have a lot of respect for the Reed I know.

[elongates]

Let's try to keep it as "we are."

I'd hate to lose the respect of somebody who is clearly as competent as yourself.

[trollverine]

You don't have to worry about that.

[elongates]

Wonderful.