All characters are 18 years old or older. I spent extra time editing and making sure there was a nice flow to the action and not come off as rushed. While writing this piece I had a thought. The character of Wolverine is most well-known for his adamantium claws. When he pops his claws wouldn't they be at body temperature. So, if he were to press them threateningly against someone would they feel hot. I am not sure. It is little details that sometimes catch my attention and I wonder. That was just one of them. Please feel free to vote, comment, and let me know that you are enjoying this series. LB
*****
Hypersexual:
The ship reeked of sex. The air scrubbers were working overtime and failing. When you are cooped up in a limited space with three gorgeous women, you get into a rut, if you call fucking nonstop for hours on end. I had never had sex on a spaceship before and I'll be honest it never lost its appeal. The trio was fast asleep when the ship dropped out of hyperspace. The craft, still cloaked, placed itself in a geostationary orbit around the earth. I was seated in the pilot's chair while the girls were asleep in the captain's cabin.
"We have reached Midgard undetected." Traci declared. "Shall I wake the ladies?"
"No need," Susan purred. "Home sweet home!" She said stretching and I couldn't help but admire her beauty. She still took my breath away.
"Are you still angry with me Master?" Morya asked frowning as she sheepishly followed the Invisible Woman into the main cabin.
"I told you before," I snapped. "I am pissed. I'll get over it in time."
"Give him time," Jennifer purred as she cupped the she elf's breasts from behind forcing Morya to giggle. "In the meantime, we'll keep you in line."
"Thank you all," I said a small smile on my lips. "Now let's wash up and get dressed." I ordered and we all piled into the communal sonic showers.
Since water was precious during space flights, the Svartalfar developed an alternative to using soap and water. The concentrated sound was both invigorating and effective. My skin had that healthy glow to it. Traci chimed in and informed us that she had tied into several news satellites to learn what had transpired since we left. Most of the stories were boring but one stood out.
"The Latverian Government has closed its borders and turned away humanitarian aid for its citizens when video footage and files were leaked to the press about ongoing actions of a serial killer..."
"Off." I ordered and winced. "Doom must be fuming."
"Fuming?" Susan laughed. "He is probably pacing, screaming, and looking for a way to blame outsiders for whatever is going on."
"So, what's the plan Ghost?" Jennifer.
"Do you guys trust me?" I asked.
"I don't like the sounds of this." Jennifer muttered as we dressed.
"I need to keep you guys safe until I can resolve the Reed thing. I suspect he is suffering from toxic effects of the Negative Zone. I want to get him into the cryo tube and freeze him for a few months so that we can treat him and get him back to his old self. Despite his actions, I don't want to hurt him."
"We believe you. Why don't you want our help?" Susan asked touching on my tactics.
"When I confront him, I am going to play off that I didn't find you." I said and they knew Reed well enough to guess how he'd react.
"I see." Susan said her eyes narrowed as she thought over my strategy. "We'll stay here with Morya. She'll keep us company."
"If it helps Master," Morya declared happily. "I will do whatever he wants."
"Keep them safe and tie the teleportation circuits to one of the tubes." I asked. "I need all of your help in this."
They agreed to work together so that Mr. Fantastic could be redeemed. Despite his cold and distant behavior Susan still cared for him. They were still married and had a long relationship and history. I had Morya fly the craft within walking distance of the Wakandan embassy. I would need to speak with Princess Shuri about how effective the tank would be to help treat Reed. This would also allow the ship to recycle stale air for fresh. The craft hovered a hundred feet off the ground, I cracked an airlock and dropped from the cloaked ship. I used the same technique I had when I was ejected from the shuttle during my training days. I landed softly with barely a whisper to announce my arrival. I switched my armor to its street clothes disguise and walked up to the front gate of the embassy.
"Can we be of service?" One of the female guards addressed me.
"I would like to speak to Princess Shuri." I requested and then they asked a follow up question.
"Who should we say wishes to speak with her?" The guard asked.
"A friendly neighborhood ghost," I said and saw her recognizing me instantly.
"Oh, my goodness!" She gasped in delight. "You are 'that' Ghost!" She declared in that sexy Wakandan accent.
'Your pulse rate just shot up.' Traci whispered in my ear. 'Do I need to change my accent for you?'
As the guard called into the embassy Traci switched from an Irish accent to a Wakandan one. It worked. I preferred it to the old one. Traci didn't seem to mind altering to meet my desires and expectations not unlike Mystique. I had a brief flashback of our encounter in the bar's bathroom. The guard informed me that I would be allowed to enter the embassy. I was patted down for weapons and led by the guard to the front door. She wished me well and turned away just before we reached the front door. She was behaving oddly. I opened the door of the embassy and standing in the foyer was none other than King T'Challa. He was dressed impeccably in a dark suit.
"Welcome to the Wakandan Embassy Ghost Fire." He said with the same temperature as a frozen tundra.
"It is truly an honor to meet you King T'Challa." I said feeling like I might have to defend myself at any moment.
"Come in, let me give you the nickel tour while Shuri makes herself ready." He said and I fought the urge to shiver. "I never had the chance to thank you for risking your life when you retrieved the stolen shipment. Thank you."
"Anyone would have done the same." I said but T'Challa shook his head.
"No! I have seen the most impressive footage of your excellent tactics and skills used to devastate that vehicle. It has received many views and likes on the internet. You are quite popular. I see why she likes you." He said and his voice softened a bit. "You have proven yourself a true friend of my country."
"I am glad you feel that way your majesty." I said as Shuri made an appearance wearing a lovely black dress with hair and makeup done to perfection. "Princess, you are looking well."
"Thank you," She replied being on her best behavior in front of her brother. "What brings you here?"
"I hate to ask but I need your help. It isn't for me; it is for Reed Richards." I explained and a look passed between Shuri and T'Challa. "What?"
"Perhaps it is just coincidence." T'Challa replied without hesitation. "His behavior lately has been unpredictable. What can we do to help?"
"We brother?" Shuri asked smiling.
"Wakanda owes this young man a debt, and besides he is requesting our aid for another. Only a hero is so selfless." T'Challa stated as he defended his position.
"What's the plan?" Shuri asked giggling.
I explained my belief that Reed had been exposed to toxic levels of the Negative Zone. It was a bit frightening seeing Shuri throw herself into the problem. She walked around in a frenetic circle around us as she gestured energetically and talked about antimatter, ionizing radiation, and possible tumors. I was alarmed when she mentioned a tumor, but it did explain his behavior.
"Can you help?" I asked and she was all smiles.
"Indeed, we can," Shuri offered. "I have developed several treatments for different kinds of cancer."
"What do you have planned?" T'Challa asked and I shared my idea. "Well Shuri, what is your insight on this matter?"
We spent time brainstorming and fine tuning my strategy. I was invited to dinner but took a pass. I was anxious to try and settle things with Reed. Shuri wanted to talk alone and walked with me around the ground floor of the embassy. T'Challa smiled and headed upstairs. Shuri was silent as we passed several museum pieces not just from Wakanda but around the world as well. It seemed T'Challa was quite the collector.
"I can sit down now." She purred in my ear without warning. "I'm glad you stopped by."
"Me too. It is good to see you." I replied and then I saw it. "Where did you get that?!" I stammered as I pointed at a dark stone statuette.
"That old thing," Shuri stated. "That's been in the family for centuries." She paused and then continued. "It has a long history though. I still haven't been able to decipher those strange characters around the base."
"When you say a long history, what do you mean?" I asked as I read the Svartalfar characters decorating the statuette.
"I better ask T'Challa if he is okay with me sharing that bit of information." She said and I respected her decision. "Brother?" She said as she touched her vibranium bracelet. "Ghost wants to know the history of that ancient statuette father was so fond of."
"Indeed." His voice came over the link. "I have no problem with you sharing but let me be present though. One moment."
We waited until the King was there to observe my reactions to the story. T'Challa arrived, took the bust from its place, and carried it to the dining room. We sat as food and drinks were brought. He handed me the statue and I looked over every inch of it. The dark elven characters around the base weren't the only ones. Etched into the bottom of the statuette were numerical runes as well.
