The Fantastic Four #4

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Fantastic Four #4
Press Conference

Written by Aaron Martel
Edited by Daniel Dyer

"How about ‘Fireball’?”

Johnny Storm addressed his sister, Sue, who was bustling about the living room area in a tizzy, sliding pieces of furniture to the side and clearing a walking path through the room.

“I don’t know, sounds like a kiddie name to me,” Sue replied, trying to focus on her conversation with Johnny while continuing with her task. “Johnny, could you help me move this coffee table? It’s really heavy, and Ben’ll be through here any moment.”

“Sure, sis.” Johnny helped Sue lift and move the coffee table. “ Maybe ‘Fahrenheit.’”

Sue brushed her hands together and looked at her brother. “Yeah, but that name doesn’t tell if you’re hot or cold.”

“You’re right.” Johnny was perplexed. “Boy, who’d a thought thinking of a codename would be so hard?”

“You’ll figure it out,” Sue smiled. “By the way, your uniform looks great.”

“Thanks,” Johnny beamed, puffing his chest out which had a large “4” in the center of it. “Yours isn’t so bad either.”

Sue grinned and noted her own outfit, which was identical to Johnny’s: blue bodysuit with the “4” on the chest, black boots and gloves and a black belt, all made from the material Reed had bonded with his “unstable molecules”. Sue held hopes that it would be one of the most recognized costumes in the world, especially since it was she who had designed it.

“Heads up! Comin’ through!”

The two siblings moved to the side as Ben Grimm ambled through carrying a large dresser on his shoulder as if it were an oversized pillow. He passed into the hallway leading down to his new room, where Sue and Johnny heard a loud thunk! After a few moments Ben appeared again in the doorway and happily spoke to them.

“Well, that’s it. I’m all moved in.”

“Hey, big guy,” Johnny smirked. “Why do you have that dresser anyway? It’s not like you wear a lot of clothes.”

Johnny nodded his head at Ben, who was sporting blue trunks with the “4” in the center of a black waistband. Ben wore no shirt or shoes; he didn’t need to due to his thick, orange rock-like hide that protected him from any conditions and temperatures.

“As a matter of fact, wiseguy ,” Ben retorted. “Suzie made me a buncha them shorts. Plus, I’m gettin’ some custom duds made fer me too. Nice threads.”

Johnny chortled, “Can’t wait to see those.”

“Now, Johnny, Ben can have whatever furniture he wants in his room,” Sue admonished, seeing Ben’s outraged face. “And Ben, Reed and I are so happy you’ve decided to move in. Welcome to the Baxter Building.”

“Well, it’s our headquarters now, ain’t it?” Ben queried.

“Yes, so it’s good we’re all in this together,” Sue affirmed. “The Fantastic Four should always put forward a united front.”

“Hey Ben,” Johnny inquired. “You got a codename yet? I can’t think of a good one.”

“Oh, I got one all right.” Ben rolled his eyes. “A real doozy.”

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Dr. Reed Richards was in his laboratory tinkering with the large apparatus he recently had built from his own design. He was wearing a white lab coat over his own blue uniform that Sue had made for him; his costume was identical to the others’ and composed with the unstable molecules that allowed the costume to stretch with Reed’s limbs and midsection. He adjusted one last connection with his electro-spanners and stood back to admire his handiwork.

“All right,” Reed said aloud to himself. “Time for the test run.”

Reed climbed into the front seat of what appeared to be a vehicle of some sort, with four separate seating units connected by massive metallic bars that gave it the appearance of a cross when viewed from above. There was a front “car” where the operating controls were located, a smaller car on each “wing” of the contraption and another larger car on the “tail” where the huge and powerful engines were mounted underneath the body. This was to be the official transport of the newly formed Fantastic Four.

Reed gripped the controls excitedly like a child with an ice cream cone and prepared to start the engines when a strange electronic voice interrupted him.

“Dr. Richards? Dr. Richards, you have a priority signal coming in. Extremely high level security clearance.”

The voice belonged to a small box-like robot, floating in the air alongside Reed on tiny hover-jets. The robot’s design was somewhat primitive, but served its function well, which was to act as a valet and manservant to the occupants of the Baxter Building. Reed, disappointed, turned to the robot with a forlorn air.

“High level, eh, Herbie? “ Reed bemoaned.

“Yes sir.”

“All right, guess I’ll have to take it.”

Reed clambered out of the Fantasticar and glanced at it longingly before departing to his private communications quarters.

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Susan Storm was on the phone herself, answering the myriad of questions being thrown at her from a tenacious newshound, her stress level rising. Johnny walked in and, oblivious to Sue’s predicament, proposed another codename for himself.

“Hey Sue, what do you think of ’Flamethrower’?” He stopped when he noticed her rapidly talking on the phone.

“Yes, the press conference begins at one,” Sue was frowning and mouthing the word “no” at Johnny. “ On the front steps of the Baxter Building. No, I don’t want to comment on that at this time. You can wait for the press conference to find out about that, Mr.? Ah, yes. Well, I don’t know for sure, but I certainly hope there will be no more monsters… no, no comment-”

Johnny could take no more. He snatched the phone from Sue and barked into the receiver.

“Hey, why don’t you show up at one, huh? Give my sister a break!” And Johnny turned the phone off and slammed it down.

“Whew! This might be bigger than I thought,” Sue marveled, wiping her forehead. “We’re going to need to hire more staff to keep things running smoothly. And thanks for the save, Johnny.”

“No problem,” Johnny quipped. “But you’re the CEO, sis. It’s your job to figure all that other stuff out. I’m just a member of the team.” And Johnny sauntered away, leaving Sue to shake her head at her irresponsible brother.

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

Reed was in his private study in front of a outsized monitor speaking directly via satellite to a rough-looking man with graying hair on the sides of his head (similar in appearance to Reed’s own hair) and wearing a black patch over his left eye. The man spoke curtly in clipped tones.

“So where we goin’ with this, Richards?” the man demanded.

“Please, Director Fury, it’s Reed. And we are only here to help in times of need. We’ve been given these great gifts and we want to use them for the benefit of mankind.”

Fury snorted. “Yeah, right. Lissen, I know ya did all right a couple of weeks back with that big lizard an’ I know ya think that gives you the right to go on roundin’ up the bad guys. I’m just tellin’ you ya need ta watch yourselves, especially overseas. You ain’t got no deal with the cops out there like ya got in the city.”

“Director Fury, I assure you we have no intentions of causing an international incident-”

“I hope not,” Fury butted in. “Or are ya gonna tell me that crackpot Doom hasn’t been in touch yet? We been watchin’ him awhile now, an’ I know you guys got history.”

Does he know? Reed thought.

“I know everything,” Fury stated in Reed’s silence, as if he heard Reed’s thoughts. “An’ now there’s costumes comin’ outta the woodwork. That spider-guy in your town, a couple of others elsewhere. None of you are above the law, and we’re watchin’ each and every one of you.”

Reed bristled at being grouped together with other “costumes”. “We’re on the same side, Director. The Fantastic Four will always be-”

“Got it,” Fury snapped. “Go put on your little show. But don’t cross any lines. And Richards, this conversation never took place.”

Fury abruptly signed off, leaving a baffled Reed to rub his chin and ponder the strange discussion he just had.

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

The threesome of Sue, Johnny and Ben were waiting for Reed in the foyer where the elevators were located to take them down to the lobby of the Baxter Building. Reed was late as usual, and Sue was getting edgy.

“Thought we wuz s’posed ta have a meetin’ before we went to the conference,” Ben chuckled at Sue’s dismay.

“We are supposed to,” Sue fumed through clenched teeth.

At that moment Reed hurried through the doorway, his face apologetic. “I’m sorry I’m late,” he uttered. “But I had to take a very important call. Is it time for the press conference?”

Sue was cooling off. “Just about, but I thought we agreed to meet one last time before facing the public.”

Reed nodded in agreement. “Okay. I think we’re ready. Ben, are you all moved in?”

“All set, Stretcho,” Ben answered, and the four stood in a small circle.

“Well then as leader of the Fantastic Four let me say it is an honor and a pleasure to stand beside and work with the people I love most. Per Sue’s suggestion, I’m going to call myself Mr. Fantastic.” Reed put his hand in the middle of the circle.

“I’m the Invisible Woman,” Sue stated, putting her hand on Reed’s. “And I love you all.”

“My turn!” Johnny paused for dramatic effect. “Look out, world, ’cause here comes the Human Torch!”

As Johnny put his hand in the circle Sue nodded, impressed with Johnny’s choice of codename.

That left Ben.

“Well, I ain’t that good at this kinda stuff,” Ben began. “But Johnny took one look at my ugly mug an’ called me somethin’ an’ it kinda stuck. So I guess I’m nothin’ but the Thing.”

The other three gazed at Ben with sympathetic expressions. Johnny in particular felt horrible, and Sue felt tears filling her eyes. Reed, for once in his life, was speechless. But Ben put his hand in the circle, his rocky digits covering the others’ whole hands, and when he spoke again the tinge of misery in his voice was gone.

“Awright,” Ben said firmly. “Let’s go meet our adorin’ public.”

And the foursome headed for the elevator.

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

There was already a large press corps gathered outside the main steps of the Baxter Building, originating from nearly all corners of the globe. They stood in front of a podium and a large vinyl backdrop with a blue “4” printed on it, with a cordon of police officers positioned to keep the peace. It was nearing one o’ clock and the assembled reporters and television news crews were buzzing over the imminent public announcement from a team of apparently super-powered individuals. The foursome had made their presence known a few weeks prior when they saved midtown Manhattan from a giant monster but had kept a low profile ever since. Now it appeared they were ready to emerge with this worldwide message. Curious passerbys from all walks of life were also beginning to take notice and join the slowly swelling crowd. A hush fell over them as the mayor of New York City took the rostrum and began to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, about three weeks ago a menace unlike any other threatened the streets of Manhattan; a menace that left our fine police officers powerless to stop. During the battle many of our brave men and women in uniform were seriously injured and the damage to our properties was reaching devastating proportions.”

The mayor continued, “It was then that four unique individuals appeared on the scene. Possessing special talents beyond any understanding this group risked their own lives to save countless others. Their selfless actions defeated the threat and saved our proud city from certain disaster. For that we are indebted to them, but they have asked for nothing.

“Now, in conjunction with the New York City police department, these four heroes have been given special clearance to respond to dangers that require more than the abilities of ordinary law enforcement. They live here among us, and they have sworn to protect us. It now gives me great pleasure to introduce… the Fantastic Four!”

The foursome marched out of the front doors and approached the podium to the cheers of the assembled throng. Reed shook the mayor’s hand, and turned to address the quieting multitude. “Good afternoon. My name is Reed Richards, but I am also known as Mr. Fantastic, leader of the Fantastic Four and president of Fantastic Four Enterprises. We have decided to make this public announcement to introduce ourselves and let it be known what our intentions are. We are here to assist the police to overcome any and all possible threats to this city and perhaps even include a wider area should our support be deemed necessary. My teammates and I are dedicated to the safety and protection of all who require our aid. Now I’ll allow my teammates to make their introductions. Susan?”

Sue stepped forward. “Hello. I am Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman. I am the CEO of Fantastic Four Enterprises and I am thrilled you all could be here today. Ever since we’ve been given these gifts we have been contemplating what exactly to do with them. Now we feel we know the reason for our fortunes and what our place in the world should be. Thank you.”

Johnny took the microphone. “Hey everybody! I’m Johnny Storm, alias the Human Torch!” Johnny put his arm in the air and ignited it, eliciting gasps of wonder from the gathering. He paused a moment and, smirking, extinguished his arm. “And if you think that’s hot, you ain’t seen nothing yet!” Johnny winked and pointed to a group of squealing girls standing near to him, ignoring Sue, who slapped her forehead. “So all you ladies out there, you now know where I live! My number’s in the book!”

Johnny jerked his thumb over his shoulder towards the front doors. Then he gestured grandly, speaking like a circus ringmaster. “And now, presenting…the ever lovin’, blue-eyed Thing!”

Ben, caught unawares, stumbled forward and bumped into the podium, nearly knocking it over. There was an unsettling murmur running through the crowd and Ben wished he were anywhere else but he was trapped in the spotlight now.

“Um…I’m the Thing…I mean, Ben Grimm.” His self-conscious uneasiness was obvious. “I’m…uh, just glad ta be here…”

“You’re a bum, Grimm!” came a taunt from the crowd, a young-sounding voice, followed by some nervous laughter.

“Who said that?” Ben demanded, trying to see who hurled the insult.

“Aw, don’t be fooled by this guy’s looks,” Johnny threw his arm around Ben’s neck. “He makes a damn fine paperweight, plus he can sand a two-by-four without using paper.”

“Shuddup, Johnny!” Ben fired back. “’Least I’m not a walkin’ matchstick!”

Reed hastily stretched himself between his two teammates and separated them before things could get out of hand.

“Well, that’s the team,” Reed smiled, deflecting the focus from Ben and Johnny. “Are there any questions for us?”

This started a floodgate of shouted queries from the press corps, so Reed quickly tried to stifle their fervor and settle them down.

“One at a time, one at a time! Okay, you.” Reed pointed to a reporter in the front row.

“Dr. Richards, are you saying you’re a kind of ‘super-police’?”

“No, that’s not what our function will be.” Reed was defensive. “We will only assist the police when a threat level advances beyond their control. We are not the police nor do we have the authority of police.”

“So you anticipate more giant monster attacks?”

“Uh, well, I certainly hope not…”

Another reporter chimed in. “Is it true you have purchased the entire Baxter Building?”

“Yes. This is now not only our home but also our base of operations. Our headquarters, if you will. Next?”

“Ms. Storm, why do they call you the Invisible Woman?”

Sue smiled. “Just watch. Now you see me…” Sue completely faded from view, slowly for dramatic effect. “…Now you don’t.” She reappeared to thunderous applause as camera bulbs flashed.

***

[Spider-Man Beyond]

The questions came fast and furiously from multiple reporters; Reed and Sue took turns answering while Johnny yawned from boredom and Ben was lost in his thoughts. Finally the press conference seemed to be winding down.

“You said you might operate outside of city limits?” a female newscaster asked.

“Well, we haven’t really discussed it, but if the threat was serious enough I could see us traveling to other cities.” Reed was looking to end the proceedings soon.

“How about international menaces?”

“No comment at this time.”

“How did you get your powers?” a young cub reporter blurted.

Reed cleared his throat, reinvigorated by a question he wanted to respond to while his three teammates, anticipating a long-winded explanation, sighed despondently. “Well it’s somewhat complicated but I’ll describe it as simplistically as I can. We were on a shuttle mission to outer space and were exposed to cosmic radiation. The radiation altered our DNA and body chemistries so that when we returned to Earth our mutated genes produced these particular abilities.”

“So does that mean you’re… mutants?”

“No, we’re ordinary humans just like everyone else here,” Reed backtracked, sensing a troubled restlessness brewing in the crowd at that question. “We’ve just been blessed with extraordinary abilities.”

Another newscaster interrupted. “Mr. Grimm, you’re originally from the city, aren’t you?”

Johnny elbowed Ben, who hadn’t been paying attention and didn’t realize he’d been asked a question. “Wha-? Uh, yeah, I grew up not too far from here, over on Yancy Street-”

A rotten banana peel flew out of the assemblage and landed squarely on Ben’s head. Johnny burst out laughing, and Ben turned to him angrily.

“Think that’s funny, flame-brain?”

Johnny seized the moment, leaning into the microphone. “And folks, he’s available for birthday parties and Halloween haunted houses-”

“Now ya dunnit!” Ben grabbed Johnny by the front of his uniform and flipped him backwards, spinning him into the background tarp and causing it to collapse on top of the brash young hero. Ben folded his arms and grinned at the lump that was Johnny under the tarp.

“Flame on!” The Human Torch, fully afire, erupted through the tarp and hovered in the air above Ben, sending fireball after fireball towards the scrambling Thing while the press corps fearfully backed away from the steps and the rest of the crowd began to scuttle about.

“How’s that hot foot, Benny-boy?” Johnny teased. “Oh, you’re a real rock star now!”

“Johnny!” Sue cried. “Stop that right now!”

“Sure thing, Mom,” Johnny spat, ceasing his harassment of Ben. “I’m outta here!”

And Johnny blasted off into the air, flame trail behind him, rocketing farther and farther from view until he disappeared behind a towering skyscraper.

Ben sheepishly stared at his feet while both Reed and Sue frowned harshly at him.

“Lissen guys, “ Ben started. “I’m sorry fer-“

And an aluminum can bounced off the back of his head.

Ben spun around, his blocky hands balled into fists. “Who da heck keeps-”

“Hey, Grimm!” It was a young teen wearing a denim jacket with gang colors sewn on it surrounded by a host of kids in identical clothing. “Ya sell out! You think you wuz so big an’ bad? You ain’t nothin’ in the street anymore!”

Ben was affronted. “Whatta ya talkin’ about? I’m a livin’ legend on Yancy Street! I wuz-”

Ben’s rant was cut short as the gang members pelted him with stones, cans and rotten vegetables. When an oozing black tomato splattered in his face Ben had reached his limit.

“Ya stupid punks! I’m gonna-”

Ben charged into the crowd heading for the rabble rousers who began to scatter yet still threw insults and objects at the bull-mad Thing. The policemen on the scene attempted to apprehend the youngsters and impede Ben’s progress but found both duties to be next to impossible. The whole conference devolved into utter chaos, with several policemen climbing on Ben and riding on his back while the reporters and news crews rushed to cover the suddenly lively event. The crowd was hectic, with many people screaming and running around while the remaining officers futilely tried to establish some measure of control.

Standing up on the top steps of the Baxter Building Reed observed the frenzied proceedings and turned to Sue.

“Well,” Reed shrugged his shoulders. “Overall I thought that went rather well.”

She just gaped at him.

The end