Fantastic Five (Johnny Storm ff)

Victor

Christina's P.O.V.

Today my brother Reed, our friend Ben and I went to talk to millionaire Victor Von Doom in his office.

My brother wants to go into space to monitor a cloud that could save millions of lives and other sciency stuff I don't understand. We already got turned down by NASA so Victor was our next option.

We then stood in front of Victor's building. He had a huge metal figure of himself at the front.

"Typical of Victor Von Doom to build a 30-foot statue of himself," I said looking at it.

"Well it's obviously aimed at first time visitors to create feelings of smallness, inadequacy," Reed said.

"Good thing it ain't working," I said taping Reed's arm.

"Reed what are we doing here. This guy's fast food, strip mall science," Ben said.

"This wasn't our first stop, in case you forgot. Besides Victor's not that bad. He's just a little larger that life," Reed told Ben.

We then entered and Reed was now giving his presentation.

"My research suggests that exposure to a high-energy cosmic storm born on solar winds might have triggered the evolution of early planetary life. In six weeks, another cloud with the same elemental profile will pass Earth's orbit. A study conducted in space could fundamentally advance our knowledge about the structure of human genome, cure countless diseases, extend human life, give kids a chance to live longer, stronger, healthier..." he said getting cut off by Victor.

"Turn it off, please," Victor said. I wanted to punch him.

"I don't think I've explained my proposal fully," Reed said.

"No, I think you have. Same old Reed, always stretching, reaching for the stars, with the weight of the world on his back. But dreams don't pay the bills do they?" Victor replied throwing a magazine a Reed. It said 'Reed Richards Bankrupt'.

It's true we have been very tight with money for a while.

"You remember when we were in school we talked about working together. Well that's what I was about to explain. The storm is deadly. but the shields on you station's control room are designed to protect any occupants inside," Reed explained.

"So it's not just my money you want. It's my toys," Victor said turning on the lights, "Tell me, if NASA doesn't trust you than why should I?"

I then looked at Reed. He then looked at me like, how'd he know.

Then Victor laughed and stood up, "That's my job, to stay a step ahead. To know what other men don't."

"I can't take this," Ben said.

"Ben this is business just work," Reed said.

"He's right Ben. It's just business," said Sue one of my good friends that I hadn't talked to in while. Probably because she is my brothers ex.

"I think you both know my Director of Genetic Research, Susan Storm," Victor said. I could tell that Reed was surprised to see her.

"One more thing he's got," Ben said as he gave Sue a hug.

I then gave her a hug and she asked me how my love life was doing. I just told her that I would tell her later.

"How've you been," Reed asked Sue.

"Never better," she replied. Oouuhh burn. She then shook his hand.

"This isn't gonna be a problem is it," Victor asked.

"No," they both said at the same time.

"Good. Then you're just in time to hear the great Reed Richards ask me for help. You now you made a lot of folks at MIT feel like a junior high school fair. So you'll excuse me if I savour the moment," Victor said laughing.

"You back this mission and I'll sign over a fair percentage of any application..." he said getting cut off.

"The number is 75% and it's applications and patents," Victor said.

"What about his first born," I said.

"Christina," Reed said.

Victor kept on laughing,"Come on. 25% of a billion is enough to keep the lights on for a while, isn't it? Maybe even pay your forth mortgage on the Baxter Building. Deal?" He asked putting out his hand.

Reed took it.

"Well, then. To our future. Together! It's funny how things turn out isn't it?" Victor said.

"Hilarious," my brother said sarcastically.

Reed then got his stuff and as we started to leave Ben said,"He knew about NASA. Maybe he was the one that made the call to shut us down."

"Ben think of all the people we can help if this works. Look, we got what we wanted. That's enough. A few days in space, it'll be good for us. What's the worst that's could happen?" Reed said.

We then went to the elevator and so did Sue.

"Reed you should know that those solar winds have been picking up speed," Sue said.

"I factored that into my calculations," he replied.

"Right, of course you did. In theory. it's a little different once you're out there," she said.

"I can assure you..." Reed started but I cut him off.

"When are we leaving?" I asked.

"I'll be scheduling the launch so you can call me in the morning for resources and crew," Sue said giving Reed her card. Please Reed take it.

"I'm think I remember the number," Reed said.

"It's been changed," she said.

He then took it and said, "As far as crew I was hoping Ben could pilot the mission," Reed said.

"We already have a pilot on our payroll, but you're welcome to ride shotgun. Remember my brother Johnny?" she said.

My mouth dropped.

'Sorry' she mouthed.

I can't believe that douchbag is coming with us.