capeandcowl | Entries tagged with † reed richards

[ 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.

elongates

[ the video opens to reed intently adjusting the settings of an electron microscope in a spacious, empty laboratory, arm stretching and looping to hold the communicator at a wide angle. the lighting around him is perfect, flattering: very clean and deliberate, staged and sterile.

and he turns toward the video, flashing a sheepish smile. ]

God, I've been so lucky to have had a benefactor lend me their lab so soon after I stepped in here. Hey, everyone. [ he laughs, waving awkwardly. ] Sorry that I've been too busy to introduce myself before now. It's been a few days.

I'm sure a lot of you don't know who I am. That's okay. It's Reed Richards.

[ his neck lengthens away from his shoulders, holding his head above the camera, looking down upon the video. the audience. ] All you need to know is that I'm here to help bring a better tomorrow for this universe's children, today. I can only hope most of you are with me.

I don't know what I'd have to resort to if you're not.