[This story is based on the infamous issue of the Fantastic Four where Susan Storm and The Black Panther went skinny dipping. Marvel published the fiction that nothing happened]
**
I know my biographers and publicists at that huge media conglomerate that specializes in tales about myself, and my superhero brethren claim that nothing happened. I understand their rationale. There target audience, even after the blockbuster movies, action figures, swimsuit issues, and the like, remains focused on kids. Out of necessity, they strive to be family friendly. Sometimes they overdo it, other times, situations that might be regarded as awkward are swept under the rug. I know politics inside and out, because of that, in public, I put up with their charade that nothing happened when Sue Storm Richards, the Invisible Woman herself, and I went skinny dipping one romantic moonlit night in Wakanda.
I respect Reed Richards, there aren't many cats that approach my intellect and gift for invention. He is also one of the few men who can occasionally beat me in a game of chess. I'd invited him and his associates to Wakanda for a scientific conference for the super elite. Hush-hush science that would give us the edge against Gallactus and the Skrulls, the Dollmaker and, of course, Doctor Doom. Hey, they have scientists teaming up for them and pulling their resources, it just makes sense that the forces of good do the same thing. What is it those American football coaches preach? The best defense is a strong offence, or vice versa. The point remains the same.
In any event, Reed showed up with a new and promising device that was sure to revolutionize the superhero game IF he could get it working consistently. In theory, it was brilliant. On paper, it was flawless. In the prototype stage, it worked maybe three out of every two dozen times it was tested. As I and the others explained, "Reed, it's brilliant, but unreliable. I certainly wouldn't trust my life to it.'
You don't tell Reed Richards no. He became all defensive and stalked back to his cabin in a huff carrying the device. He would prove us wrong if it killed him. Now, I admire that tenacity, but obsession is never good. Especially if it distracts you from what is truly important, family, friends, and spouses. And when your spouse is Sue Storm, you really should not allow yourself to be distracted.
If there is anything of Reed Richard's universe that I envy, it's his bride. Not only is she beautiful, but she's also intelligent, funny, has a bubbly personality and is the strongest member of the foursome. Yeah, I know, cliché -- huge black guy aching for trim blonde, white babe. This was more than that. I'm a king. I have never endured a shortage of women. Women of every shade of the human rainbow and persuasion pass through Wakanda. Sue Storm is not a babe you glam to in passing! This was like only her second or third trip to my kingdom. Her lovely blue eyes lit up at the wonders of Wakanda. My country is beautiful in so many ways, the pure clear rivers, the phenomenal landscape, the exotic wildlife. Everyone says its romantic. I could tell just by looking at Sue earlier in the day that she wanted, indeed needed Reed to look after her in a husbandly way.
Now, I can't attest to the exact nature of the conversation that went down in the Richard's cabin, but I have a very good idea. I do know it was 12:06 A.M. when Sue Storm stormed out of her cabin. How do I know the exact hour and minute? No great mystery really, the entire compound was surrounded by security and surveillance cameras. Not that you or I, or even the most gifted electronic engineer would notice. In keeping with my kingdom's tradition of camouflage, every camera, every microphone, every bit of surveillance was built into the trees, the leaves, the grass. Only my experts know where they all are. The compound was under surveillance because Wakanda could afford no accidents befalling this collection of brilliant minds.
Sue had not left her cabin to talk to her brother, because Johnny had made it very clear that he intended to prove just how much hot stuff he was to the local ladies. I'm sure some of them found his frat boy persona endearing. At the very least, they'd humor him for a while before letting him flame out and return to his cabin alone. As for Ben Grim? Earlier in the evening, he had gone drinking with some of my generals. One of them bet that The Thing could not successfully wrestle a rhinoceros. Tanked to the gills, they had some lowly private drive them in a jeep out to the jungle to rustle one up.
In any event, from the control center I watched an angry Sue Storm take a hurried lap about the compound. Calmer, back where she started, she stared at the crystal clear and inviting river. The moon was nearly full. I had an excellent view. Sue looked around, seeing no one, and blissfully unaware of the cameras, she began to strip off. I could lie and tell you that I darkened the camera at that moment to preserve Mrs. Richards modesty. In the comic books that's exactly what I would have done. It's details like that that truly make comic books fantasy literature, not trivial details like Superman being able to fly! No, I paid rapt attention as her spectacular body came into view! Long shapely legs, flat toned belly, blonde, thatched nest, perfect buttocks, prominent breasts with light brown areolas and chance pink nipples, killer butt, angelic face, cascade of straw-yellow hair and that alabaster complexion went all over! I was in instant undeniable lust!
She looked around a second time before stepping into the water like some sea nymph. This was too good an opportunity to pass up. Reed is a good friend, but Sue is... Quietly I made my way to the riverbank. I was naked in seconds. While Sue was facing away from me, I slid into the water and said, "Behind you!"
Sue turned; her eyes grew large. She hastily determined that no indelicate parts of her were open to my view before smiling and waving at me. That was all the invitation I needed. The comic book has the general gist of our conversation. In is Sue and I flirt but she's a married woman and I'm a king with responsibilities and nothing happens. That's the canon. If you folks that collect the comics are satisfied with that B.S. I won't dissuade you. As for the rest of you? What really went down you ask?
After exchanging pleasantries and mutual, "Funny meeting you here!" Our conversation turned serious.
"I love Reed but sometimes he makes me so furious!"
"How so?"
"Oh T'challa, your country is so beautiful. It might be the single most romantic place Reed has ever taken me."
"Seriously?"
"Yes, science conferences and seminars tend to occur in boring hotels in boring landscapes, in inclement weather. Wakanda is like paradise or Eden if mankind had never been kicked out."
"Why thank you Mrs. Richards."
"When have you never not called me Sue?"
"Thank you, Sue."
We treaded water for a moment or two.
"Anyway, tonight, Reed wanted to only focus on his damn invention, again! I packed this sexiest black nightie..."
