Post by DiscipleofBob on Sept 6, 2014 20:29:04 GMT -5
Fantastic Four #1:
New Beginnings
By Adrini and DiscipleofBob
New Beginnings
By Adrini and DiscipleofBob
Earth Orbit
December 31, 1999
11:44 PM
The screen flickered on, a teenage boy with blond, stylized hair smiling into the camera. "Hey this is Johnny Storm and it's getting pretty close to the new millennium. I bet that no one at Central City High has a better view than me for New Year's! Look at that!" Johnny grabbed the camera and angled it out a nearby window where the blue surface of the Earth contrasted with the vast blackness of space. "That's what you all look like from the FFS. Pretty sweet, huh? Best winter break spot, am I right?"
"Could you try to keep it professional for two minutes? Please?" a feminine voice pleaded off-camera.
Johnny rolled his eyes. "All right, sis. Don't get your unstable molecules in a twist."
The FFS, the Future Foundation Station, gracefully twirled above the Earth. A great white wheel with columns jutting out in multiple directions. Despite the size it was only designed to accommodate four people at the time. The rest of the station was comprised mostly of laboratories and systems vital to the station's function. Besides all the experiments being performed by the four, the station was an experiment in itself. Four individuals living on a space station for this length of time was unprecedented. It was the first step in one day achieving the same for all people of Earth.
A one-man shuttle drifted through the quiet of space on course with the open dock of the FFS. Most if not all of the docking procedures were automated. Several cranes latched onto the shuttle as it drew near, getting the ship in exact position for the docking clamps to anchor on.
"All right, Ben, your turn," the woman behind the home camera said cheerfully.
Ben was a muscular hulk of a man, completely bald, with a sort of urban thuggishness to his demeanor, not at all what anyone would expect a NASA engineer to look like, much less sound like. "Aw, Suzie, ya know I ain't no good with these things," Ben said in his thick New York accent, smiling and slightly red-faced. They would never say on camera, but 'Suzie' figured Ben had gotten into the festivities a little early with some hard liquor, something strictly forbidden by the mission protocols, but how often did one celebrate the new millennium in orbit?
"Come on, Ben, there's got to be someone you want to shout out to."
"Well, I guess here's to all my fellow New Yorkers out there. Especially the boys on Yancy Street. Party hard and keep on rockin' til I get back fellas."
The shuttle finished docking and the air cabin pressurized. The sole occupant waited patiently as the sealed doors spread open with a loud hiss. He stepped into the fog-filled detox chamber as the cool moisture rid him of rid all foreign elements that could compromise the station, yet left his body and clothes intact. His custom-fit, top-of-the-line business suit was left in perfect condition as if it had just come back from dry cleaning. His black shoes seemed to be professionally shined and waxed. His skin was smooth and clean-shaven like he'd just showered, and his slick black hair retained its professional styling.
At the other end was a small microphone attached to the sealed exit. "Please state your name for voice identification. If you are not registered, someone will be with you to escort you shortly." It seemed a bit silly to have this kind of security on an orbiting space station, but it was a minor inconvenience for a little piece of mind.
"Victor Von Doom."
"Accepted."
The sealed doors opened and Victor stepped out of the fog onto the sterile white station.
BUM BUM BUM BUM-BA-DUM BUM-BA-DUM!
The brass band over the intercom was new, catching Victor off guard as the Star Wars Imperial March started blasting throughout the ship.
DUM BUM DA-DUM DUM DA-BA-DA BUM!
Victor forced an annoyed scowl as Johnny Storm dashed around the corner, laughing hysterically even as a tall, skinny scientist passed him in the hallway, yelling after him. "Jonathan Storm, turn that off this instant!" He shook his head and turned apologetically to the visitor. "I am so sorry about this, Victor. I promise you that I don't take these kinds of pranks lightly."
Victor's smile finally broke through. "Really? Because I think it's hilarious. It's good to see you, Reed." The two hugged as best friends often do.
"Likewise. And you're sure you're okay with Johnny?"
Victor shrugged. "It's fine, really. The kid has every right to be mad at me considering what I did to his sister. If that's the worst I'll have to deal with here then I'll be fine."
Reed's smile vanished, suddenly looking very concerned.
"That's not the worst, is it?" Victor realized.
"All I know is Johnny and Sue were working all last week on a genetically modified vegetable that would turn your skin green for 72 hours. They won't tell me whether or not they succeeded."
Victor gulped. "So avoid the salad. Got it."
This time Sue was in front of the camera. The blonde scientist smiled into the camera. She quickly checked to make sure the settings were right before realizing the camera was rolling.
"Okay, I think we're good now." She grinned, sitting down. "I just wanted to take a moment to say hi to some of my planetside friends, to NASA, the International Science Foundation, Hayden Planetarium, and of course the Baxter Building. Also, Janet will kill me if I don't mention her by name. We miss you all and we'll be home soon, though it doesn't feel like soon enough. That being said, we're really excited about everything going on up here and even more thrilled that we're able to take a moment with our friends and family back home."
"And this is our bridge," Reed said as he led Victor onto the main deck. It indeed looked like something out of Star Trek with thick glass panes providing a stunning view of Earth. Besides a few control panels lining the dome walls, the large hall seemed almost livable, clashing with the sterile white environments of the rest of the ship, large ferns planted aesthetically and strategically to maximize oxygen. In the center was a lowered circular area with couches and a table for board games.
Most of the labs and experiments were set up in separate wings. The main hub contained all the primary living facilities including a small gym and rec room. Johnny had seemingly gotten bored of tormenting Victor and had crashed on the couch, playing F-Zero on an N64, the television a much higher grade than anything on Earth right now. "I see Von Doom Industries' money is well-spent."
"Well, this is supposed to be a habitation prototype designed for civilian families living long-term in space. A few luxuries are to be expected. Champagne? It's almost time," Reed explained as he opened out the bottle.
As Reed poured the champagne, an automatic door slid open and the remaining two crew members entered. Sue was in her usual space station uniform, though for the occasion she had applied some more makeup than usual. Ben on the other hand was completely out of uniform, wearing a tacky white tux and novelty '2000' glasses.
"Ben, take off that ridiculous outfit."
"Not a chance, Suzie. This here's a New York New tradition." Ben grinned as Sue rolled her eyes and gave up trying to argue.
"Johnny, turn that off. We're going to go live in a few minutes. It's not like we get more than one take," Sue scolded as she rushed to set up video equipment and pick up stray food wrappers. "Victor, you made it. What a shame," Sue said with a false smile.
"Hello, Susan. You're looking well," Victor managed to smile back.
"I'm sure. Now if you'll excuse me, we're supposed to broadcast bringing in the new year and I have to get everyone ready. Oh, and fun science fact for your visit. We're revolving around the Earth, not the Earth revolving around you like you're used to," she snapped spitefully as she stormed off.
"Ouch," Reed said empathetically.
Victor solemnly smiled. "I'm fine. I think she's taking the divorce quite well all things considered."
"She has calmed down quite a bit," Reed admitted. Sue had joined Johnny on the couch, fussing with his hair like the overbearing older sister she often was, and any time either so much as looked in Victor's direction they glared menacingly. Even Ben with his goofy New Years outfit stared through his novelty glasses and made several hand motions that Victor couldn't decide if they were insults, threats, or both.
"I can't really say I feel welcome. Maybe it was a mistake for me to come up here."
"How many more opportunities are you going to get to celebrate a new millennium on the world's first habitable space station? Ben, Sue, Johnny, and I may be the ones running the experiments and living up here, but this wouldn't be possible without your financial contribution."
Victor sighed. "I just wish I could have helped more on the design and actual science phase of the project. I may pay people like you and Pym to do that sort of thing for me, but I do miss getting my hands dirty sometimes."
Reed smiled. "After the New Year, I'll show you around some of the labs. Maybe find something to sate your inner nerd. It'll be just like old times. Are you sure you don't want to be part of the broadcast?"
"My shareholders would have kittens if they found out I took an unauthorized space flight on my personal dime. Besides, you don't need me stealing your thunder. Everything you guys are doing up here, that's your accomplishment. Something for you to be proud of, not me to take credit for."
"You still paid for all of this."?
Victor laughed. "I pay for a lot of things, Reed. Now go enjoy yourself. I'll be out of your hair trying to avoid the daggers that the others keep glaring at me."
Reed sighed and reluctantly left his friend to stew alone. "I'm not going to pretend I understand why you split up with Sue, but I'm still your friend, Victor. That hasn't changed."
"I don't expect you to understand and I won't ask you to pick sides. Now go and have fun."
"Hey everyone!" Sue beamed and waved as her teammates waved party banners and noise makers behind her. "Just a few more minutes!"
"Happy New Years to everyone at Central City High!" Johnny jumped into the screen, attacking Sue with a big hug.
Ben laughed, looking a little out of place in his garish tux and 2000 glasses. He seemed to tower over the broadcast, looking over the others.
"As you can see we're having fun up here." The screen switched to Reed. "For those of you just joining us, I'm Dr. Reed Richards and this is Dr. Susan Storm. Next to her is her kid brother Johnny, now the youngest man to ever orbit the Earth." Johnny beamed, and forgetting to look cool for a moment, kissed Susan on the cheek. "Lastly is Ben Grimm, our NASA engineer who keeps us flying. It's a lot of work up here but we wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and joyous new year, and send high hopes for this new thousand years. Lets make it the best one yet."
Behind him Susan and Johnny had pulled Ben from his chair as the electronic display neared midnight. Beaming he joined them as the clock neared the final moments of the twentieth century.
"Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Happy New-" Reed was cut off as Sue wrapped her arms around him and kissed him on the lips. The scientist was taken completely by surprise and couldn't respond even if he wanted to, what with his mouth being too full to speak.
Johnny's face shriveled as he stuck his tongue out in disgust before quickly turning away. Ben on the other hand was enthusiastically clapping and cheering the two on.
Reed's hand fumbled around the camera for a bit before he found the off switch and ended the transmission.
Victor watched from the sidelines out of view at the camera. He briefly scowled at the New Year's kiss but said nothing, finishing off his glass of champagne and pouring himself another, his attention briefly drawn by a flashing light on a nearby console. Unfamiliar with the exact layout of the station's controls, he approached it curiously to try and determine the cause and if it was something to be concerned about.
Apparently as soon as Victor stopped looking Sue broke off the kiss. Yet another passive aggressive stab at him, and this time she'd used Reed as part of it.
Sue smiled smugly as she strode over to Victor, glass in hand, and clinked it against Victor's. "To new beginnings, Vic," she taunted as she sauntered away.
Victor sighed defeated and stared into his glass. As he did so, the champagne started to ripple. At first he thought it was just normal levels of turbulence, having no frame of reference. When the tremors intensified, he started to worry, and then there was that blinking light.
"Reed, what is-"
Everything suddenly violently lurched, throwing all five to the floor. Glasses shattered, champagne spilled, and anything that wasn't bolted down hurled across the room.
"Everyone, stations!" Reed immediately shouted as he and the rest of the crew scrambled to the four consoles, strapping themselves into the chairs in front of them.
Victor wasted no time. "Tell me what I can do!"
"Appreciated, but the station was designed to be controlled by four people. All the chairs have harnesses so pick a spot and strap yourself in!"
Victor grimaced at his inability to do contribute, but nodded, knowing better than to let pride get in the way of their survival.
"Ben, status! Did something hit us?" The first thought that Reed, and Victor as well not coincidentally, had guessed a satellite, asteroid, or piece of space debris had hit the station. There were supposed to be sensors to detect that sort of thing though.
"Can't tell. I'm gettin' too much interference!" Ben yelled as he slammed his fist against the side of the console which only produced whining static in response.
"Radiation's interfering with our systems. A lot of it!" Sue reported what readings she could find.
"Johnny, get the radiation shields up now!"
"Way ahead of you, boss-man!" Johnny, surprisingly cool under deadly circumstances like this, worked the console with the same efficiency as one of his video games, and soon thick metal sheets were slowly covering the glass panes as well as the rest of the ship. It was a slow process though, the metal grinding against each other until it came to a complete stop. "Damn it, the system's jammed!"
"With radiation levels this high the metal could already be warped," Sue said as she continued gathering as much data as possible. Then she noticed Johnny remotely accessing the station's key systems. "Johnny, what the hell are you doing!"
"I have to hit the emergency release, but I can't reach it from here! Everyone better be strapped in!" Johnny yelled as he pushed the final button, causing everyone's screens to read the message: -ARTIFICIAL GRAVITY DISABLED- Johnny quickly unbuckled himself, and with one well-aimed leap launched into the air, landing near the ceiling at his goal: a small control panel he could use to force the doors open.
Johnny broke open the panel and tossed the lid, holding onto the box with one hand to avoid flying off and yanking at wires and hardline switches until the radiation shields started slowly moving again. His victory was short-lived. "Uh, guys? Earth's getting bigger real fast."
"We're losing altitude! Johnny, I need you back at your station now!" Reed yelled out, but with the rapidly descending space station, it was all Johnny could do to hang on to the control panel and not get thrown about the station.
"I've got it!" Victor yelled as he unstrapped himself from the couch and leaped straight towards Johnny's vacant spot. "Just tell me what you need!"
"Oh, sure, he takes MY seat," Johnny somehow found the time to complain in between riding the ceiling like a mechanical bull.
Reed nodded in acknowledgement. "We need to implement emergency crash-landing protocols!"
Victor immediately complied. The station's many white wings started to fold up into something more likely to survive burning on reentry. All the doors sealed with several layers, guaranteeing there would be no air leaks.
"I'm calculating our angle of reentry. Adjusting thrusters," Reed explained as he typed, making dozens of complex calculations in his mind without anything like a calculator available.
As Ben tried to knock some sense into his machine, he watched as some spilled liquids from the party floated through the air, gathering near a few key spots in the station wall before being sucked out nearly invisible holes. Whatever went wrong, it had damaged the hull just enough to be a problem. "We've got leaks! I'm patchin' em up now!" Ben yelled as he grabbed his toolbox from underneath his console. Unstrapping himself as well, and reasoning that his console was too damaged for him to be of any help right now anyway, he grabbed a glue gun and leaped towards the nearest leak, repairing them all one by one.
"We're entering the atmosphere," Reed announced as the Earth in view steadily grew larger. Orange flames gradually obscured the view as the entire hull of the station started to burn.
Sue panicked as her monitors were going wild. "Radiation levels are still spiking! We won't make it!"
Although the radiation shields were finally reactivated, they moved slowly, and the thick glass panes still uncovered slowly began to crack.
"I'm jettisoning the lab wings!" Victor yelled. Outside, the white cylindrical arms of the FFS detached and flew off into space.
"But the experiments-" Reed almost protested.
"-will just interfere with reentry if they don't explode and destroy us all anyway. We need to lose as much dead weight as possible!"
"But there's hazardous, potentially lethal, material in them! If they were to be damaged and spread over the Earth-"
"There's nothing we can do about that! All we can do is hope they either somehow stay in orbit or completely burn up in the atmosphere!"
Unfortunately, Reed had to agree. There was no way to guarantee that they wouldn't be destroyed in reentry anyway and they were almost out of time. "Another minute and we'll be out of the radiation storm! Ben, Johnny, get a seat and secure yourselves!"
"Johnny, take my seat! I'll manage on my own!" Ben yelled.
"You think I've been stuck up here because I want to be?!" Johnny yelled back as he held on the latch for dear life.
Reed, who was closest to Johnny's position, detached all but one of his safety harnesses and extended his arm out as much as possible, anchoring himself with the last remaining belt. "Johnny, grab my hand! There's no time left!"
"Reed, you need to finish the reentry calculations or we're all dead!" Victor said as he tried to make up for the others not at their consoles with limited success.
Johnny forced himself to brace against the station wall. Where the lack of gravity had allowed him to reach this far, now the reintroduction of it made the jump nearly impossible. Nearby the glass cracks extended as the radiation shielding continued to cover the pane far too slowly. Adrenaline pumping through his body, Johnny made the impossible leap, reaching for Reed's hand.
"Radiation levels are-" Sue read out before her console exploded, knocking her back with such force the supposedly secure seat was ripped from the floor and sent flying backwards with her in it.
"SUE!" The other four cried out simultaneously, desperate to try and help her.
The cracking glass, now limited to a couple square feet of the glass pane, completely shattered. As the air poured out, radiation poured in, flooding the entire station with multicolored plasma.
The moment seemed frozen in time, and for a second Victor thought this was death. Reed extended one arm towards Johnny, but Sue's plight had left him conflicted as he tried to be flexible enough to reach Sue as well.
Johnny was rocketing through the air, being the closest to the exploded pane and the radiation, as it engulfed and immolated him.
Sue had her arms thrown in front of her turned away face defensively.
Ben had reflexively braced for the impact, stiffening his muscles and just trying to survive the ordeal.
Victor was seemingly helpless, and all he could do was gaze into the heart of the plasma radiation as it coursed through the ship and his body. Everyone on the station was dead; he was sure of it. There was no way they could possibly survive. This was complete and total doom.
Von Doom Corporate Offices
January 1, 2000
12:09 AM
The dark-haired woman in a black evening gown stood alone in the office Doom. The office party continued downstairs, but there were far more pressing matters to attend to.
The Future Foundation Station, the company's largest investment in years, was falling out of the sky, and not only were some of the greatest minds in the world aboard, but so was the company president, unbeknownst to anyone but her and Von Doom himself. But now that things had gone terribly wrong, a few more loyal employees had to be let in on the secret.
"What happened?! Is Mr. Von Doom safe?" she yelled into the office phone.
"Our experts can't be certain, Lucia, I mean Miss Von Bardas," the voice on the other end stammered. "The station does have emergency crash landing protocols, but there has never been an opportunity to test them without, well, what's happening now."
Lucia Von Bardas grimaced as she tried to run the possibilites and scenarios through her mind. "If anyone would be able to survive that, it would be Mr. Von Doom and Dr. Richards. We need to at least operate on the slim possibility that Mr. Von Doom has survived and send a rescue team right away."
"Shall I contact NASA or-"
"NO!" Lucia quickly interrupted. "Victor's presence on the station is highly confidential. We'd lose a lot of faith from the stockholders if he were discovered to have taken such a risk. And I don't want SHIELD poking around whatever projects we have that might have survived the crash."
"Miss Von Bardas. I've just received the newest reports. We think we pinpointed what the crash site location is going to be. I'm sending you the data right now."
Lucia studied the data closely. "I want our people there as soon as possible before anyone else. Who do we have stationed nearby?"
"No one, really. Well..." the voice hesitated. "We do have one scientist stationed nearby who may have the resources to pull it off. I'm sending you the profile now."
Lucia poured over the newest profile data and frowned. "I don't recognize that name. Is he reliable?"
A moment of silence on the other end of the phone. "No, but he's all we've got. At the very least he should have no problem remaining discreet."
Lucia sighed. "Very well. Contact him. Let him know of our situation and that if everything goes well he will be compensated appropriately." She reluctantly ended the call and started to think about when and how would be the best way to break the news without attracting too much scandal, but most importantly she worried about the safety of her employer. "Lord Doom must be safe. He has to be."
To be continued...