The Fantastic Four #5

[fan4]

The Fantastic Four #5

Weekend in Latveria, Part 1

Honored Guests

Written by Aaron Martel

Edited by Daniel Dyer

The roof of the Baxter Building split apart, opening like a giant elevator door, and a strange vehicle with four enclosed cars connected by giant metal alloy crossbars rose on hover jets straight up and out through the opening. Once the Fantasticar cleared the building proper its jet afterburners kicked in and the flying machine headed east at a terrific rate of speed.

In the large forward-most car sat Reed Richards, known as Mister Fantastic, and Susan Storm, AKA the Invisible Woman. Reed was piloting the Fantasticar and was preparing to initiate the autopilot function while Sue read the coordinates to their destination from Reed’s handwritten notes. Just as they were finishing their task a voice came over the intercom.

“Hey, Stretcho, ya know I’m a pretty good pilot myself,” came the voice of Ben Grimm, the orange rock-skinned hero called the Thing, who was sitting in the rear car. “Howcum you’re doin’ it?”

“Well, Ben,” Reed replied. “At this point I’ve set the controls and I’m engaging the autopilot. We’ll be going supersonic in a few moments. Besides, this is the largest of the four cars and since this is the only one that seats two…” Reed glanced at Sue, who smiled at him slyly.

“Ah…well, don’t do anythin’ I wouldn’t do,” Ben sniggered.

“How long ‘til we reach Latveria?” Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, piped up from his right-side seat.

“Approximately two hours, with a three percent chance of error,” Reed reported.

“Aw man…” Johnny’s voice was already sounding bored.

“Hey Reed, does that nut-job Doom really run a country?” Ben was skeptical.

Sue spoke up. “Yes, Ben. Apparently Victor’s father passed away about a year ago and so Victor inherited the Latverian throne.”

Ben snorted. “Imagine that. Vic Von Doom, king of the world.”

“Not the world, Ben,” Reed chortled. “Latveria is a very small Eastern European nation. It’s a blip on the map.”

“Hey Reed, is Victor a doctor like you?” Johnny asked.

“Yes, Johnny,” Reed answered. “He graduated in my class right behind me.”

“So I guess we’ll call him Doctor Doom!” Johnny’s laughter exploded through the intercom.

“Well,” Reed smirked. “If the name fits…”

[fan4]

It took exactly ninety-one minutes for the Fantasticar to reach the tiny nation of Latveria, nestled in the heart of Eastern Europe, one of the few remaining European states under totalitarian monarchial rule. For the last five centuries the Latverian royal family were the Von Dooms, and the bloodline was known as a particularly cruel and brutal autocracy that lorded over the populace with tyrannical fervor. But because of its small size and relative obscurity the sovereign realm was largely ignored by the vast majority of its European neighbors, and for the most part, the Latverian dictators were left to their own devices.

The current ruler, Victor Von Doom, was Reed’s former college roommate and bitter academic rival. Victor was a scientific genius of the highest caliber, especially in the areas of robotics and mechanical engineering, in which he pioneered some of the most advanced ideas in artificial intelligence ever developed. But Victor was a vain, prideful man descended from royalty and unwilling to concede another man’s superiority in any realm of human condition. When Victor found in his scrawny roommate Reed Richards a legitimate intellectual equal, perhaps even his better, the heir to the Latverian throne stormed from the dorm room they shared, never to return. In fact Reed never even saw Victor again until graduation, and while Reed was at the top of the class Victor was right under him at number two. During the graduation ceremony Victor wouldn’t so much as glance at Reed until the valedictorian gave his speech, during which Victor’s eyes burned into Reed’s with a hatred seemingly born from the pits of Hell itself. After graduation Victor returned to his home country and Reed never heard from him again.

[fan4]

Until a week ago, when the Fantastic Four received an invitation from the new Latverian sovereign, Victor Von Doom, to come to Latveria and be received as royal guests by the supreme ruler himself. It came as a shock to the super-powered team, and there was some debate among the members as to whether they should accept the invitation.

“What’s he want us for?” Ben had said suspiciously. “He never liked any of us before.” Ben and Sue also knew Victor from their collegiate years together at Empire State University.

“Well, Ben, now he’s the ruler so maybe he wishes to let bygones be bygones,” Reed offered.

“Yeah,” Johnny quipped. “Especially since we’re famous superheroes now.”

“I don’t know, Reed…” Even Sue was wary of Doom’s motivations. “Something doesn’t smell right about this.”

“Look, what’s the harm in going to his castle to make peace with him?” Reed argued. “At the very least, we can say we made an honest effort to bury the hatchet with him and then move on. Besides, it’s our first invitation from a foreign head of state.”

“Yeah, right.” Sue smirked at her fiancé. “You just want to see what Victor’s been working on these past years.”

“Yeah, Big Brain,” Ben chimed in. “So’s ya can still say you’re better’n him.”

“Well there’s that, too,” Reed smiled sheepishly. “So are we all in?”

[fan4]

The Fantasticar landed at the tiny airport on the outskirts of Doomstadt, the Latverian capital, with no difficulties or hassles. The roofs of the individual cars retracted and the costumed adventurers stepped out on the tarmac and awaited their transport to the castle of Victor Von Doom.

“Doom this, Doom that,” Johnny remarked. “Has this guy got an ego or what?”

“The names have been in place for centuries,” Reed stated. “Victor didn’t decree that everything here bear his name- ah, here we are.”

A black iron carriage pulled by two large jet black horses stopped in front of the foursome and a footman dressed in formal garb bowed before them with a flourish.

“The Master has required your presence. Please step inside,” the footman spoke.

Ben was eyeing the carriage. “That contraption’s way too small! How’m I s’posed ta-”

And at that moment a larger carriage drawn by two gigantic Arabian horses pulled up and stopped beside Ben.

“Whatta revoltin’ development,” Ben mumbled as Johnny nearly fell over with laughter.

[fan4]

Castle Doom was literally just that: an enormous black stone medieval-style castle surrounded by a moat with towering spires and battlement-topped walls. A drawbridge was lowered so the two carriages could pass through the castle gates, and after stepping from their transports the four guests were led up imposing stone steps and into a cavernous receiving hall. A valet approached the quartet and ceremoniously bowed before them.

“The Master is ready to receive you now,” the valet proclaimed. “Please follow me.”

The foursome exchanged apprehensive glances as they were brought into an elaborate throne room, which had portraits of rulers past lining the walls and a red carpet laid out upon the floor leading to a large black marble throne with an ornate “D” engraved in the top of the back rest. And sitting upon the throne was a motionless figure enveloped in shadows so that it remained obscured from view and maintained an eerie,
forbidding presence.

“Lord Doom!” the valet announced. “Presenting the Fantastic Four!”

The figure didn’t speak, so Reed took a tentative step forward.

“Richards,” the figure spoke in an arrogant tone that sounded somewhat electronically enhanced.

Reed was puzzled by the voice. “Victor, is that you?”

“In this domain I am Lord Doom.” The figure stood and stepped down from the throne, still masked in shadows as he approached the Fantastic Four.

“I beg your pardon, Your Highness,” Reed fumbled as Johnny snickered behind him.

As the figure drew closer and became more visible in the low light the foursome were stunned at what they saw. He was covered from head to toe in dull metallic gray armor allowing no exposed skin whatsoever, with a dark green tunic draped over the armor and a matching green cape and hood worn over his head. But it was the mask that was most intimidating: a gray, shapeless metal faceplate that hid all his features but his eyes, which burned with a focused, glowering intensity. Doom noticed the flabbergasted reactions of his guests and spoke with outright disgust.

“So my appearance shocks you, does it? You of all people?” he spat.

“Wh- what’s happened to you?” Sue breathed.

“Ah, Susan. We meet again.” Doom intoned, his mask giving his voice an unnatural metallic quality. “It matters not what has happened to me. But now it is time for dinner, so I bid you come to the dining chamber where my servants will sate your appetites.”

Doom gestured and his valet came forward to escort the foursome from the throne room.

“Hey, ain’t you gonna eat with us, Lord Doom?” Ben called sarcastically over his shoulder, and Johnny snorted loudly.

“I will be there shortly,” Doom droned brusquely. “And you should be along to the dining area, as I am certain you are never at a loss for appetite, Grimm.”

“Hey,” Johnny smiled, pointing at Doom. “Doctor Doom made a funny!”

Doom turned his attention to Johnny. “And you are Johnny Storm I presume, Susan’s younger brother. It is no wonder she never made mention of you at university, since it is readily apparent you possess the maturity of a five year old.”

Johnny started to hotly reply, but Sue and Reed quickly whisked him away to follow the valet from the throne room.

[fan4]

The dining hall was of moderate size, dominated by a large black oak dining table at which Doom sat at the head and the Fantastic Four were seated near the opposite end. The elaborate, yet delicious, meal was finished and Doom’s servants were bustling about clearing the table and refilling empty wine glasses. Johnny spoke up first.

“Lord Doom, how come you didn’t eat with us? The food wasn’t poisoned was it?”

“I never consume anything in my dining hall. I only eat in my private quarters,” Doom answered. “And yes, your food was indeed poisoned.”

There was nervous laughter at this. Doom continued. “So now that you have eaten I will discourse on why I have invited you to my kingdom. Your recent exploits in New York City have come to my attention and I have formulated a proposition for you. A deal, if you will.”

Reed’s head perked up at this. “What kind of deal could you possibly want to make with us?”

“I am getting to that, Richards.” Doom glared at Mr. Fantastic. “You are possessed of remarkable abilities; of that there is no doubt. I have been interested in the sciences of artificial intelligence and robotics for much of my life, as you are well aware, but recently I have discovered the possibilities in the arts of sorcery and organic chemistry. Your powers are…intriguing to me."

" So what I propose is this,” Doom continued. “ I will offer you all the considerable resources this sovereignty has to offer and you will provide me with the knowledge you have gained since the advent of your...evolution."

Sue was surprised and amazed. “Are you suggesting a partnership, Lord Doom?”

“In a manner of speaking. I can provide you with the raw materials, manpower and mechanical aptitude to make in reality any device or construct you could possibly conceive of,” Doom elaborated. “And you would allow me to unlock the secrets of your genetic potential.”

“You mean study us like lab rats?” Johnny piped up. “Because Reed already does that to us enough as it is.”

“Yeah, Lord Doom,” Ben added. “The Big Brain over there said he wuz gonna cure me, but he ain’t done it yet.”

Reed glanced away, ashamed.

“What if I was to tell you that together our combined intellects could devise such a cure for you in a matter of months... of weeks,” Doom declared. “Think of it, Richards! What obstacle could hinder us, what challenge could we not overcome? I am offering an opportunity to throw wide open the doors of scientific and biological knowledge on a scale the likes of which have not been seen in the annals of human history! What say you?”

The entire table turned to gape at Reed.

“Well…” Reed began. “Your offer is… flattering at the least. I suppose I never considered a day like this would come. You never were one to concede you needed help from anyone, least of all me.”

“Your…help would be beneficial to all parties involved here, Richards. I concede nothing,” Doom bit the words off, indicating with a nod to the Thing, who was staring at Reed with eager eyes.

There was a moment’s pause as Reed seemed lost in thought. “I will take your offer into consideration, Lord Doom. And I will have your answer shortly, but first I need to weigh all the variables,” Reed finally stated.

Doom was not pleased, but he collected himself quickly. “…Very well. And now I see the time is late, and after your lengthy journey you must be fatigued, especially when coupled with our conversation and wine consumption. I insist you all spend the night in my castle.”

“Footmen!” Doom commanded, ignoring any signs of protest from the Fantastic Four. “Show our guests to their rooms.”

Doom then turned to Reed. “A good night’s sleep should do you wonders, and then we’ll discuss this further in the morning, Richards.”

“But…” Reed began to object, but then he saw the perturbed looks on the faces of the others, particularly Ben’s. “Very well.”

[fan4]

The guest rooms were located across from each other down a wide stone corridor lit only by the torches stationed at intervals between the room doors. The footmen led each member of the Fantastic Four to a separate room and as Ben entered his room he shot a reproachful glance at Reed, who felt a stab of guilt in his stomach. Johnny went into his room and closed his door, and only Reed and Sue were left in the hall as the footmen dispersed.

“Reed, you know Ben knows you’re trying to help him.” Sue attempted to comfort her fiancé.

“I know, but what if Victor’s right and we could cure him more quickly?”

“It is quite an offer, and not like Victor at all,” Sue admitted.

“Yes. Victor’s always seen me as his inferior. Why the sudden change of heart?”

“Something doesn’t smell right about all this, but what if he’s sincere?” Sue put forth. “I mean, look at him. Do you think that might have something to do with it?”

“I don’t know,” Reed verbalized. “But I can’t possibly trust him, and I honestly can’t visualize myself working with him in any capacity.”

“Well, Mister Fantastic, you’re the leader and the final decision is yours,” Sue opinionated. “But bear in mind your best friend is counting on you to make the right decision.”

Sue gave Reed a quick kiss and retired to her room.

With a heavy heart Reed slowly opened his door and stepped into an empty room that contained no furniture or creature comforts of any kind. Reed stood baffled in the center of the room when suddenly he began to feel sluggish and fatigued at an alarming rate, his motor skills slowing and his thoughts clouding. He tried to turn and reach for the door but he found he couldn’t utilize his stretching abilities, as if he was somehow inhibited from using them. Only one more thought echoed in Reed’s mind before he passed out:He really did poison the food!

[fan4]

Doctor Doom stood with his hands behind his back on a raised balcony overlooking the lush Latverian countryside, calmly breathing in the brisk, clean night air. His repose was broken by one of his footmen who brought an announcement.

“Miss Storm to see you, Master,” the servant proclaimed.

“Ah, yes. Send her in,” Doom ordered.

A clearly perplexed Sue was ushered out to the balcony and left to stand with the Latverian dictator, whose body language seemed much less menacing and intense.

“You wanted to see me alone, Lord Doom?” she questioned. “Are you going to ask me to convince Reed to join you?”

“Not precisely, Susan.” Doom demurred. “I wanted to see you, and discuss our own little…arrangement.”

Sue’s guard was immediately raised. “What can I do for you?”

Doom gazed out over the balcony. “The Von Doom line has been the ruling family in Latveria for centuries, as you well know, and I inherited the crown when my father…moved on. I have built this country into a robust economic power that can compete in any number of world markets. In time I shall be in position to move on to greater things. My ambition knows no bounds, and my designs are grand."

“But something is missing,” Doom went on. “The line must not be broken and the name of Doom must carry on. I have never allowed someone to…honor me with providing an heir to the throne.”

Sue’s stomach tied in knots as she didn’t like where this conversation was going.

Doom continued on, “Now I believe I have found one worthy enough to bear my progeny; someone with beauty and power in her own right. Susan, I wish for us to be married, and for you to rule by my side as my queen.”

To be continued
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