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While the four bickered, you discreetly removed a business card from one of the pouches in your belt and webbed it onto Ben Grimm’s chest. Everyone stopped talking to stare at it.
The Thing spluttered as he stared at the card in disbelief.
<span class="mu-r">“What the…!”</span>
Before he could get any further, though, you loudly cleared your throat and launched right into your sales pitch.
<span class="mu-r">“Thank you for riding with us today. I’m the Huntsman of the Desperados, and that giant storm cloud behind us is my buddy Sandman.”</span>
The Four and the rest of their extended family stared at you, and then they turned to stare at the swirling sandstorm behind them.
<span class="mu-r">“Feel free to hire our services another time if you’re ever in a pickle. I don’t have the website set up yet, but we’re getting there.”</span>
You gave them a wink, and in the corner of your eye, you could see Gwen shaking her head.
The Thing turned to look at Johnny while pointing a thick finger in your direction.
<span class="mu-r">“Is this guy serious right now?”</span>
Johnny nodded, an amused grin on his face.
<span class="mu-r">“I think he is. And…I <span class="mu-i">think</span> you just became his mascot. Your chest is like free advertising space. Why didn’t I see the potential before?”</span>
Ben grumbled something under his breath and shook a fist at you.
<span class="mu-r">“This stuff had better come off with hot water, or I’ll come and find ya later, ya hear!”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“If I were you, I’d try ‘Goof Off’.”</span>
Johnny whispered, without any intention of being discreet. Ben looked about ready to lash out at the hot-headed hero.
<span class="mu-r">“I’LL ‘OFF’ YOU, IF YA DON’T-!”</span>
<span class="mu-s">“BOYS! BOYS!”</span>
It was at this point that Susan Storm stepped in. Despite her being much smaller than either of them, she somehow managed to project her voice into the domineering tone of a mother disciplining her bratty children. The actual children in the family, seemed to be greatly amused by their mother figure nagging at anyone other than themselves, and watched with great interest.
<span class="mu-s">“You’re both goofs. Now, can we shut up and focus on the situation at hand? Victor’s still at large, and we’ve only just managed to take a single step outside of our home. We need a plan.”</span>
The family turned to Reed expectantly, but before he could get a word in, you loudly cleared your throat once more to get everyone’s attention.
<span class="mu-r">“As much as I’d love to stay and chat, I think we should move this party someplace else.”</span>
You signaled Van, and she nodded. A moment later, you and everyone other than Flint shifted to an empty side street that you didn’t immediately recognize. There weren’t any Doombots in sight, thankfully.
<span class="mu-r">“Would it kill ya to warn us before doing that again?”</span>
Ben groused.
<span class="mu-r">“That <span class="mu-i">was</span> my warning. And now that the kids are safe, I’d like to know how much progress you’ve made on that frequency disruptor that Sam told me about.”</span>
Reed glanced at Sam, who gave him a helpless shrug.
(Cont.)
