May 2010
Reed stood in front of the bathroom mirror at 5:30 AM, trying to convince himself that the knot in his stomach was excitement rather than terror. The call from SWORD had come less than eighteen hours after the Coast City attack—the meeting that should have been a desperate pitch for approval had suddenly become a formality. Alien invaders had done more for his funding prospects than seven years of research proposals.
"You're up early," Sue said from the doorway, already dressed in her running clothes. At twenty-seven, she'd developed a morning routine that included a six-mile run before her lab work at the Baxter Foundation. Reed envied her discipline almost as much as her ability to look perfect at dawn.
But there was something different in her voice this morning. A tension that had been building for months, maybe longer. Reed caught her eyes in the mirror and saw the conversation they'd been avoiding written across her face.
"Couldn't sleep," Reed admitted, splashing cold water on his face. "Hard to believe it's actually happening. After yesterday..."
"Yesterday changed everything," Sue said quietly, not moving to stand behind him like she usually did. Instead, she stayed in the doorway, arms crossed. "For everyone."
Reed turned to face her properly, recognizing the distance in her posture. "Sue, what's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Sue's laugh had no humor in it. "Reed, we've been together for seven years. Seven years. And now you're about to go to space, maybe get yourself killed studying cosmic radiation, and we've never even talked about..." She stopped herself, shaking her head.
"Talked about what?"
"Marriage, Reed. Kids. A future that doesn't revolve around the next research project or the next impossible breakthrough." Sue's voice was steady but Reed could hear the frustration underneath. "I'm twenty-seven. I want those things. I've wanted them for years, but every time I try to bring it up, you find another reason to wait."
Reed felt something cold settle in his stomach that had nothing to do with the mission. "Sue, the timing..."
"There's never good timing with you," she interrupted. "First it was the NASA project consuming your life at MIT. Then it was the failure and you falling apart afterward. Then it was moving to Columbia and rebuilding your career. Then it was starting the foundation with Ben. Then it was proving ourselves with patents and government contracts. Then it was this space project. Now it's actually going to space. When does it end, Reed? When do we get to have a life together instead of just existing in the spaces between your work?"
Sue's voice cracked slightly, and Reed realized this wasn't just today's frustration. This was years of carefully swallowed words, patient waiting, and growing disappointment finally spilling over.
"You know what I miss most?" Sue continued, her voice getting softer but somehow more devastating. "I miss our morning runs. Remember when you got me into running? You said it would help clear my head before lab work, help me think through problems. We used to run together every morning, and you'd tell me about whatever crazy theory you were working on, and I'd tell you about my research."
Reed felt his chest tighten. He did remember. Those early morning runs through Central Park, when Sue was still getting her PhD and he was just starting the foundation. They'd been some of his favorite moments, just the two of them and the quiet city waking up around them.
"When did we stop doing that?" Sue asked, though they both knew the answer. "When did you stop wanting to share that part of your day with me? I kept asking, Reed. For months I kept asking if you wanted to run together, and you always had some excuse. Some early meeting, some urgent calculation, some problem that couldn't wait."
"I've been busy," Reed said weakly.
"We've all been busy," Sue replied. "But you made a choice about what was important enough to make time for. And apparently, spending time with me wasn't."
The words hit harder than Reed expected because they were true. He had been finding reasons to postpone those conversations, those moments, those decisions. Because every time he thought about marriage, about children, he saw Gary and Mary's toxic relationship. He saw his mother dying slowly from cancer when he was eight, his father consumed by grief and throwing himself into increasingly dangerous experiments until his time machine killed him too. He saw all the ways love could become loss, responsibility could become failure.
"It's not that simple," Reed said, the words coming out more defensive than he'd intended.
"Isn't it?" Sue moved into the bathroom now, her blue eyes fixed on his. "Reed, I love you. I've been in love with you since I was twenty years old, since that first ice skating date when I finally understood what this feeling was. But I'm starting to wonder if you love the idea of me more than you actually want to build a life with me."
Reed felt panic rising in his chest. "That's not... Sue, you're the best thing in my life. You know that."
"Do I?" Sue's voice grew softer, which somehow made it worse. "Because from where I'm standing, it feels like I'm the thing that's waiting for you when you come home from your real life. The thing that's always going to be there no matter how many times you choose work over us."
"That's not fair."
"Isn't it? When's the last time you talked about our future without it being contingent on some project finishing or some goal being achieved?" Sue stepped closer, and Reed could see the pain in her eyes. "Reed, I've watched you doubt yourself more and more over the past few years. The NASA failure, the pressure from the government, the constant need to prove you're worthy of the opportunities you've been given. I understand why you're scared."
"I'm not scared," Reed said automatically, then caught himself. "Okay, maybe I am. But not of the mission."
"I know." Sue reached up and touched his cheek gently. "You're scared of us. You're scared of promising me something and then failing to deliver, like you think love is just another experiment that might blow up in your face."
Reed closed his eyes, leaning into her touch despite the conversation tearing him apart. The worst part was that she understood him too well. She knew exactly where his fear came from.
"Reed, I've been patient. God knows I've been patient. I didn't push when you were struggling with the NASA rejection. I didn't complain when you started working sixteen-hour days to prove yourself with the foundation. I understood when you needed space to process failure, when you needed to throw yourself into work to feel like you were worth something again."
Sue's voice was steady but Reed could hear years of suppressed hurt underneath. "But patience has limits. I can't keep waiting for you to feel worthy enough of love to actually accept it. I can't keep pretending that someday you'll wake up and decide I'm worth the risk."
"What if I mess it up?" Reed opened his eyes, meeting her gaze. "What if I'm terrible at being a husband? What if I can't figure out how to be a good father? What if I turn into Gary, or what if something happens to me and you end up alone?"
"What if you don't?" Sue countered. "What if we figure it out together? What if we're actually good at this? What if our kids inherit your brilliant mind and my common sense and turn out to be amazing people?"
Reed stared at her, seeing the hope in her eyes that she was trying so hard to hide behind frustration. "Sue..."
"I'm not asking you to have all the answers, Reed. I'm asking you to want to try. I'm asking you to decide that what we could build together is worth the risk of failure." Her voice grew quieter. "Because that's what I decided seven years ago. That loving you was worth the risk of getting hurt."
"But what if I can't fix it if something goes wrong?" Reed's voice was barely above a whisper. "What if I fail you the way I've failed at everything else that really mattered?"
"You haven't failed at everything," Sue said firmly. "You've built an incredible research foundation. You've made discoveries that help people. You've maintained friendships that matter. You've been there for Johnny when he needed guidance. You've been there for me in every way except the one that would actually commit us to a future together."
She paused, studying his face. "And that's what terrifies you, isn't it? Not that you might fail, but that you might not be able to fix it if you do. You think love is a problem to be solved instead of a choice to be made every day."
Reed felt the weight of the moment, the choice being laid out in front of him. He could deflect, change the subject, focus on the mission meeting that was happening in a few hours. Or he could finally have the conversation they'd been avoiding.
"Sue, I..." He started, then stopped as his phone buzzed with an incoming call. Ben's name appeared on the screen.
Sue saw it too and stepped back, her expression closing off. "Take it. I know you're going to anyway."
Reed stared at the phone, then at Sue, feeling the moment slipping away from him. "It's probably about the meeting."
"It always is," Sue said, and the resignation in her voice was worse than anger would have been. "Take your call, Reed. Go to your meeting. Go to space if that's what you need to do. But when you get back, we need to figure out if you actually want a life with me or if I'm just the comfortable constant you come home to."
She moved toward the door, then paused. "For what it's worth, I hope the mission goes well. I hope you get everything you've been working for. I just wish I knew where I fit in that picture."
Sue left, and Reed stood in the bathroom holding his still-buzzing phone, feeling like he'd just failed the most important test of his life. And the worst part was, he wasn't sure how to fix it.
Reed finally answered Ben's call, his voice rougher than he intended.
"Yeah?"
"Jesus, you sound like hell," Ben said immediately. "Everything okay?"
"Fine," Reed lied, splashing more cold water on his face. "Just tired."
"Well, shake it off. We've got the most important meeting of our careers in two hours, and Johnny's already been awake since dawn asking me technical questions I can't answer." Ben paused. "You sure you're good?"
Reed looked at himself in the mirror—disheveled hair, exhausted eyes, the expression of a man who'd just watched his life implode. "Ready as I'll ever be."
"Alright. I'll pick you up in twenty minutes. And Reed? Whatever's eating at you, we'll deal with it after we get this approval. Focus on the mission right now."
The line went dead, leaving Reed alone with his thoughts and the growing certainty that he was about to get everything he'd ever wanted professionally while losing the thing that mattered most personally.
Twenty minutes later, Reed climbed into the back seat of Ben's truck, trying to project normal energy despite feeling like his world had just shifted on its axis. Johnny was in the passenger seat, practically vibrating with excitement, his blonde hair still messy from sleep and what looked like multiple cups of coffee.
"There he is," Johnny said, turning to grin at Reed. "Ready to make history?"
"Something like that," Reed muttered, avoiding eye contact.
Ben studied him in the rearview mirror as they pulled into traffic. "You look like you haven't slept in a week."
"Couldn't sleep," Reed said, which was partially true. "Big day."
"Biggest day," Johnny agreed. "I still can't believe this is actually happening. I mean, yesterday we were just hoping they'd listen to us, and now..." He gestured excitedly. "Now we're basically guaranteed approval because everyone saw those aliens on TV."
"Don't get ahead of yourself," Ben warned. "We still have to convince them we're the right team for the job."
"We are the right team," Johnny said confidently. "Reed's the smartest guy they're going to find, you know engineering better than anyone, and I've been working on these systems for two years. Who else are they going to send?"
Reed stared out the window, Johnny's enthusiasm feeling like salt in an open wound. Everything his girlfriend's brother was saying was probably true, but all Reed could think about was Sue's voice asking when their life together would finally begin.
The SWORD facility was located in a nondescript office building in downtown Manhattan, the kind of place that looked like it housed insurance companies or accounting firms. The only indication of its true purpose was the subtle but sophisticated security system and the fact that several of the cars in the parking garage had government plates.
Dr. Abigail Brand was waiting for them in the lobby, her green hair and no-nonsense demeanor making her instantly recognizable. As SWORD's director of space operations, she'd become the public face of humanity's cosmic defense initiatives.
"Dr. Richards," she said, extending her hand. "I've been looking forward to this meeting. After yesterday's events, your research has become a matter of national security rather than just scientific curiosity."
"Thank you for arranging this, Dr. Brand. You know Ben Grimm, my engineering partner, and this is Johnny Storm."
Johnny stepped forward with that confident grin that had charmed half the girls at MIT. "Johnny Storm, aerospace engineering. And can I just say, Dr. Brand, that green hair is absolutely stunning. Really brings out your eyes."
Brand's expression didn't change, though Reed caught the slight tightening around her eyes that suggested she was trying not to roll them. "Mr. Storm. I trust you'll find today's briefing educational."
"Oh, I'm sure I will," Johnny said, completely missing her dismissive tone. "Maybe afterward you could show me around? I'd love to learn more about SWORD's operations. Maybe over dinner?"
Ben coughed to hide a laugh while Reed felt his face heat up with secondhand embarrassment.
"Mr. Storm," Brand said with the patience of someone who'd dealt with this exact situation many times before, "I'm thirty-four years old. You're what, twenty-two?"
"Almost twenty-three," Johnny said hopefully.
"How charming. I have a nephew your age." She turned back to Reed without missing a beat. "Where's Ms. Storm? I was under the impression she'd be joining us today."
Reed's expression grew tight, and Ben shot him a quick glance. "Sue... had some urgent matters to attend to at Columbia. Her research is at a critical phase right now."
"Unfortunate timing," Brand said, studying Reed's face with the perceptive eye of someone trained to read people. "I was looking forward to meeting her. Her genetic research has some fascinating applications for understanding how cosmic radiation might affect human biology."
"She'll definitely want to be involved going forward," Reed said, his voice carefully neutral. "Sue's work on genetic expression under stress conditions could be crucial for developing countermeasures."
Johnny, oblivious to the tension, jumped in helpfully. "Yeah, Sue's been really focused on her work lately. Barely comes up for air. Reed's been worried about her burning herself out."
Reed's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "Sue knows how to manage her priorities."
"I'll make sure she gets a full briefing," Brand said, clearly noting the undercurrent but choosing not to press. She looked pointedly at Johnny, who was still grinning at her like he thought he had a chance. "Follow me. The committee is assembled."
As they walked toward the conference room, Johnny leaned over to Reed. "Did you see how she looked at me? There's definitely chemistry there."
"Johnny," Ben said quietly, "the only chemistry happening here is the kind that involves pepper spray."
"You guys have no faith in my charm," Johnny protested.
"We have plenty of faith in your charm," Reed replied. "We also have faith in Dr. Brand's ability to have you escorted from the building."
The conference room was larger than Reed had expected, with windows overlooking the Manhattan skyline and a table that could seat twenty people. Today it held eight, including Brand, two SWORD technicians Reed didn't recognize, a NASA administrator he'd met briefly years ago, and three individuals in military dress uniforms.
"Gentlemen," Brand said, taking her seat at the head of the table, "let me introduce Dr. Reed Richards, Benjamin Grimm, and Jonathan Storm. Dr. Richards, you know Administrator Griffin from NASA. This is Colonel Matthews from the Air Force space division, General Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, and Major Santos from Army R&D ."
Reed shook hands around the table, noting the mix of urgency and determination in their expressions. This wasn't just about scientific research anymore. It was about national security, cosmic defense, and America's position in a universe that had proven far more dangerous than anyone expected.
Johnny, meanwhile, had taken the seat directly across from Brand and was trying to catch her eye with what he probably thought was a winning smile.
"Dr. Richards," Administrator Griffin began, "your proposal outlines a manned mission to study cosmic radiation effects. After yesterday's attack on Coast City, this research has become an immediate priority. The question isn't whether we'll fund your mission. It's how quickly we can get you up there."
Reed felt a mixture of relief and pressure. "The cosmic radiation we're proposing to study isn't just academic interest anymore. The Metropolis incident two years ago, when the entity called Metallo went critical, released energy signatures we'd never seen before. Similar signatures have been detected by our deep space monitoring stations, and now we know there are hostile forces out there using technology we don't understand."
The first slide showed energy pattern analyses from the Metropolis event. "These readings suggest that Earth is being exposed to forms of radiation that could have significant biological and technological effects. We need to understand these energies before the next attack comes."
"What kind of effects?" Colonel Matthews asked.
"Unknown," Reed admitted. "That's why we need to study them directly. Laboratory simulations can only tell us so much. We need to get out there, collect samples, take measurements in space where the radiation is strongest."
"And the risk to the crew?" Major Santos interjected.
Ben leaned forward. "We've developed life support systems specifically designed to handle unknown energy exposure. Redundant shielding, isolation protocols, emergency return capabilities. The mission profile keeps risk within acceptable parameters."
"Define acceptable," General Schwartz said, his tone carrying the weight of someone who'd overseen countless high-risk operations.
"Lower than what we faced yesterday on the ground," Ben replied grimly. "At least in space, we'll see the threats coming."
Johnny had been quiet during the technical discussion, but now he spoke up. "The propulsion system is based on proven technology with modifications for extended duration flight. We're not talking about experimental engines or untested materials. Everything we're proposing has been thoroughly validated."
Brand looked at him with interest, and Johnny immediately perked up, thinking he'd impressed her. "Mr. Storm, your role in this mission would be what, exactly?"
"Systems engineer," Johnny said confidently, sitting up straighter. "I've been working on the propulsion integration for two years. I know these systems better than anyone except Ben. And I've got to say, Dr. Brand, working with someone as brilliant as you would be an absolute privilege."
Brand's expression remained completely professional. "I see. And your qualifications beyond your academic credentials?"
"Well," Johnny said, clearly thinking this was his moment to shine, "I've got extensive flight experience, plus I've been working with Ferris Aircraft on test flights. And in my spare time, I enjoy racing motorcycles, rock climbing, and cooking. I make an amazing seafood risotto. Maybe you'd like to try it sometime?"
"He's qualified," Reed said quickly, sensing potential resistance and trying to steer the conversation away from Johnny's increasingly obvious attempts at flirtation. "Johnny's been involved in every aspect of the design process."
"With respect, Dr. Richards," Administrator Griffin said, "this mission will require experienced personnel. Mr. Storm's qualifications are impressive, but given the new urgency..."
"That urgency is exactly why we need Johnny," Reed interrupted. "This isn't a routine orbital mission anymore. We're dealing with unknown phenomena that require real-time problem solving and adaptation. Johnny's engineering background and his familiarity with our specific systems make him essential."
"More essential than an experienced astronaut?" Colonel Matthews asked.
"Different essential," Ben said diplomatically. "Look, we've all worked together for years. We know each other's capabilities, we trust each other's judgment. That kind of team cohesion could mean the difference between life and death up there."
Brand had been listening to this exchange with growing interest. "The team dynamic is important," she agreed. "But we need to balance that against mission readiness. Mr. Storm, what's your flight experience specifically?"
"Commercial pilot's license, multi-engine rating, about 300 hours in experimental aircraft," Johnny said. "I've been working with Ferris Aircraft on test flights for the past year."
"Under whose supervision?" General Schwartz asked, leaning forward with the interest of someone who knew the importance of pilot evaluation.
"Carol Ferris and Hal Jordan, primarily," Johnny replied. "Though Jordan's been... unavailable recently."
That got everyone's attention. Hal Jordan's disappearance and subsequent reappearance as Green Lantern was still classified, but rumors circulated among the aerospace community.
"Interesting," Brand said. "Dr. Richards, given the accelerated timeline, when could your team be mission-ready?"
"Six months if we get approval today," Reed said. "Most of the technology is already developed. What we need is funding for final integration, crew training, and launch coordination."
"And Ms. Storm's role?" Brand asked. "I assume she'll be joining the team despite missing today's meeting?"
"Absolutely," Reed confirmed. "Sue's expertise in genetics and biochemistry will be crucial for understanding how cosmic radiation affects human biology. She's been working on cellular adaptation to extreme environments, which directly applies to our mission parameters."
Johnny seized the opportunity to redirect attention back to himself. "Sue's brilliant, but she's also got this tendency to overthink everything. Me, I'm more of a hands-on, intuitive kind of guy. Great in a crisis. Speaking of which, Dr. Brand, if you ever find yourself in a crisis and need someone to cook you dinner..."
"Mr. Storm," Brand said with the patience of a saint, "while I appreciate your... enthusiasm, perhaps we should focus on the mission at hand."
Colonel Matthews cleared his throat. "If Mr. Storm isn't approved for the mission?"
Reed felt the weight of the moment. This was the decision point. Accept a compromise or risk Johnny's involvement entirely.
"Then we'd need to find someone else who understands our systems well enough to handle real-time modifications in space," Reed said carefully. "Which would add months to crew training and integration testing. Time we don't have if more attacks are coming."
It was a calculated risk, but after yesterday, the urgency was real. Reed watched the committee members exchange glances, weighing mission effectiveness against their concerns about crew experience.
"There might be a compromise," Brand said finally. "Mr. Storm could be designated as backup crew member. Primary mission specialist but available for deployment if circumstances require his specific expertise."
Johnny started to protest, but Ben caught his eye and shook his head slightly.
"That would be acceptable," Reed said quickly. "Johnny's involvement in final preparation would ensure he's mission-ready when needed."
"And given the current threat level, backup crew status might become primary crew status very quickly," Brand added, offering Johnny a more palatable alternative.
Johnny brightened at this. "So you're saying there's a good chance I'll be going to space after all? That's fantastic. We should celebrate. I know this great little place..."
"Mr. Storm," Brand interrupted smoothly, "I think you'll find that mission preparation will keep you quite busy. No time for celebrations until after successful completion."