15584/Returning Home!

Returning Home!
Date of Scene:	09 August 2023
Location:	Four Freedoms Plaza - Midtown
Synopsis:	Reed, and Franklin have a nice conversation though the police are involved
Cast of Characters:	Franklin Richards, Reed Richards

---

Franklin Richards has posed:
On this ordinary day at the Tower, the transition from day to night unfolds gradually. While a few individuals remain on the first floor, going about their tasks, the foot traffic dwindles as most shops close up and people prepare to depart. The atmosphere is tranquil, a natural quietude settling in after a full day's work. However, this tranquility is disrupted as a police car pulls up to the front entrance.

With a stern countenance, the officer at the wheel disembarks and proceeds to open the rear door, releasing Franklin from the vehicle. The officer's gaze is unyielding as he delivers a warning to the young man. Though they lack concrete evidence this time, he makes it clear that they have their eyes on Franklin.

To his advantage, Franklin responds with a faint smile, his head tilting slightly as he regards the officer. He questions the officer's tendency to confront him whenever an accusation arises without substantiating proof. Franklin also acknowledges the officer's attempt to assist by driving him back, despite Franklin's insistence that he could manage independently. An unspoken exchange hangs between them, pregnant with tension, before the officer requests a conversation with Franklin's father, Reed.

Without breaking his stride, Franklin calmly notes that, lacking a warrant, the Tower technically qualifies as his residence, rendering it off-limits to the officer's intrusion. He suggests that the officer should leave, as his patience is wearing thin. Despite the firmness in his words, Franklin's cheerful smile remains unaltered. Predictably, this response riles the officer's ire anew. He raises his voice, asserting his certainty of Franklin's guilt, even though he's bereft of concrete evidence. The officer threatens to incarcerate Franklin, alleging various charges, including kidnapping and assault.

And so, the scene unfolds on this early evening, an ongoing dialogue between Franklin and the officer transpiring outside. Franklin's demeanor, however, does not betray any signs of distress. Instead, he regards the officer with an icy gaze, fully aware that the officer's efforts are aimed at provoking a reaction. The officer's persistent taunts and threats, intended to manipulate Franklin, only serve to fortify his resolve. In response, Franklin chooses not to fall into the officer's trap. Instead, he counters by taunting the officer himself, recognizing the officer's motives as all too transparent.

Reed Richards has posed:
Meanwhile....

Reed Richards was studying a micro-organism in his laboratory. One of several experiments he was running simultaneously. The other was seeing if he could make synthetic adamantium. Thus far, he has had no such success. However, to focus on the micro-organism, it really is a fascinating sample of brain-eating amoeba found in midwestern lakes. However, while he had his eye on a lense, HERBIE interrupts him.

"Good morning, Mr. Richards-"

"Just a second-." Reed suggests to the caller in question, no doubt one of the guards at the front who is taking notice of the event. "I'm studying this fascinating piece of biology. Naegleri fowleri. It attaches to the nervous system of a host and degrades it completely. I've developed several methods that could slow down, perhaps even cease function of this-"

"Sir, it's Franklin."

A steady pause undertakes Reed as he takes a slow sigh. His eyes leave his microscope. He turns to HERBIE. "HERBIE, you know my methods, please continue these experiments and log any changes, quantitative or qualitative." he rises from his seat and makes his way towards the entrance.

He's wearing his 'super suit' at the moment, the dark blue bodysuit of unstable molecules with a '4' on the chest, a white coat worn atop it to reveal his status. A beard covers his face and hair keeps him somewhat distinctive, his eyes revealing a deep intelligence that rivals all of Franklin's cosmic capability.

"Officer-"

He looks at Franklin specifically. "Son."

He doesn't know if he should be upset at Franklin yet, but he keeps an open mind. "May I ask why my son is under your attention?" He asks the officer.

Franklin Richards has posed:
As Reed approaches, the officer appears to dismiss Franklin, directing his attention towards someone he hopes will prove more reasonable-Franklin's father, Reed. With a swift beginning, the officer addresseAs Reed, his words flowing as Franklin offers his father a sincere smile, in stark contrast to the artificial one he shared with the officer.

"Father," Franklin utters in response, a simple acknowledgment as the officer commences his discourse. "Apparently, your son has been teleporting people to a location in Tahiti without their consent," the officer asserts, prompting Franklin to interject with a cautious "Allegedly." The officer persists, recounting the claims of a new hero who witnessed the event. This hero reported that Franklin refrained from returning the teleported individuals, despite their requests. Again, Franklin interjects, this time correcting "Demands," eliciting an annoyed expression from the officer who seems increasingly perturbed by these interruptions.

Franklin lets out a sigh accompanied by a nonchalant shrug, but the officer presses on. "I don't care if he's part of some super group. You can't simply subject people to such actions," the officer declares, indicating that Franklin had been taken in for questioning. The officer turns his gaze toward Franklin, who offers a simple nod, as if conceding that point. The officer then shifts his attention back to Reed, conveying the perplexing situation. "Supposedly, all the surveillance footage has vanished, and the victims are nowhere to be found-possibly not even within the United States. But despite his belief that he's outwitting us," Franklin interjects playfully with, "I do have my moments," prompting the officer to halt and confront Franklin. "I'll have you arrested, young man. Keep pushing," the officer warns, directing his finger at Franklin, despite Reed's presence. Franklin's response-a smile and casual shrug-seems to be getting under the officer's skin.

Franklin understands that pursuing charges or attempting legal action against him would be futile, leading the officer to a dead end. This realization empowers Franklin, leaving him unfazed. After a brief pause to ensure the officer has concluded, Franklin turns his gaze to his father, conveying his innocence with a straightforward statement. "I have nothing to regret," he asserts, his words concise and purposeful. His gaze unwavering, Franklin then addresses the officer directly, offering a pointed critique. "You've stated your concerns. Shouldn't you exercise caution before taking a new hero's word as gospel?" Franklin muses, briefly contemplating involving Spiral in the matter but discarding the idea due to potential repercussions.

The officer's frustration mounts, leading him to make a motion towards his handcuffs, seriously contemplating the prospect of arresting Franklin. However, he hesitates, realizing Reed's presence once again, before halting his intended action. He addresseAs Reed with a final, heated remark, "You'd better rein in your son or he'll find himself behind bars." The officer's words drip with anger as he vents his frustration, the tension palpable in the air.

Reed Richards has posed:
The longer Reed is forced to listen to this altercation between Franklin and the Police officer, the more Reed realizes that in both circumstances, they are right and wrong. It is likely wrong if Franklin did indeed teleport individuals outside of the states without their consent and refused to return them without their approval. Granted, it was also likely the right thing to do if leaving would keep them safe and refusing to return them would guarantee said safety against a threat. If Franklin's superhero group was genuinely trying to help, it's most likely true that they were trying to do just so and this policeman is being...

Well, as Ben would put it, an absolute jackass.

And of course, the Officer is abusing his power by believing that taking Franklin to a jail for the evening will suddenly cause a behavioral shift...when in fact, it will most likely encourage it. Though Franklin's supreme confidence gets a /look/ from his father that suggests behaving even in the face of ignorance. Even if Franklin is adding his turn of events to things. However, it's when the police officer threatens his son in front of him that Reed's features turn from open-minded to...well, a bit more serious.

"Sir-"

His voice was deep. It's this that keeps many others in line when they step out of it. Reed is many things. At times, he's been a terrible father. A terrible teammate. A terrible leader. But he has /never/ allowed blatant moral disregard to run free.

"It would be extremely beneficial for you to avoid threatening my son - and telling me how to parent."

He meets the officer's look cleanly. He was far away from the nerd who was pushed around. "If my son has made a flaw, I will correct it. As it stands, any hope of pursuing a charge against him would be futile even if you were to testify in court. There is a supreme lack of evidence and therefore, a lack of reliability in your work. I recommend continuing to protect and serve than accuse and berate."

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin's smile remains in place as he nods at his father, his demeanor calm as he quiets down and attentively listens to the unfolding conversation between his father and the officer. The officer's frustration becomes evident as he stammers out a begrudging concession, "F...Fine! But I am watching." His irritation palpable, the officer opens the trunk and retrieves a bag, tossing it to the ground in front of Franklin. As if attempting to compound the situation, the officer adds, "Oh, you should know?your son was also seen with a known criminal," his tone laced with an attempt to add weight to the accusation against Franklin.

The jovial expression on Franklin's face takes a swift turn, his countenance shifting from a composed smile to a serious frown. His voice, now stern and commanding, holds an underlying threat as he warns, "I advise against bring her into this." His hands gesture with intention, though no supernatural powers are invoked. The officer visibly flinches under Franklin's gaze, hesitating for a moment before retreating to his car. The warning struck a chord, a sobering reminder of boundaries crossed. Without further delay, the officer speeds away, leaving a lingering tension in the air.

Silence reigns as Franklin watches the departing car, his breath deep and measured as he regains his composure. "Sorry," he finally concedes, his tone a mix of remorse and self-awareness. "You're right, of course, but it seems I let my temper get the best of me at the end," he admits with a sigh. He reflects on his emotional reactions, acknowledging room for growth, particularly in situations involving his friends. His voice remains steady, measured, and analytical.

With a purposeful stride, Franklin retrieves the bag from the ground, draping it over his shoulder with ease, noting its light weight. He turns his gaze towards the entrance, contemplative. "I'm sure you have questions, but it's been quite a day," he remarks, directing his attention to his father. "How about we talk and take a walk? I assume you have your own matters to attend to," he suggests, gesturing towards the door and opening it courteously for Reed. A mischievous grin graces his features as he quips, "I hope we still have Jennifer on retainer, just in case."

Franklin's words shift slightly, evoking the notion of calculated precautions. He subtly implies his preparedness, an ability to anticipate potential pitfalls. In a swift attempt to steer the conversation, he adds, "By the way, do Mom's leftovers still reside in the fridge?" The question is lighthearted, perhaps an attempt to introduce a change in subject and alleviate some of the lingering tension.

Reed Richards has posed:
This was Four Freedoms Plaza.

And Reed was its mastermind. Every corner and security detail was designed by Reed and implemented by the Four. This officer - well or ill-intentioned as he may yet be - fails to recognize in this institute to whom he speaks and about what. Reed makes no more efforts to remove this man from the premises. No more efforts to change a tiger's stripes. Instead, he watches silently, his eyes noticeably hardening as Franklin moves to seemingly defend the honor of a friend, eyes shifting to gesturing hands.

...yet as no powers are flung, no action is taken to interfere. The officer speed away and leaves the father and son to converse. Slowly, an exhale leaves Reed's mouth as he turns to regard Franklin, who has reigned in an apology and a concession before Reed could utter a single word about it. "Plenty." Reed utters calmly about having questions as he begins to walk, stepping through the doors that Franklin helpfully opens for him.

"I'd ask your mother before touching those. You know how passionate she gets about her leftovers."

Yet, easy to distract as he was, this isn't Reed's first rodeo. "What happened, Franklin? I doubt even if legal action were obtained that you would be found guilty of anything but trying to help. Did you send people to Tahiti?" No doubt the first question of many.

"...and this supposed criminal? What's that about?"

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin releases a slight sigh, nodding in acknowledgment as he contemplates the delicate matter of raiding the fridge for his mother's leftovers--a task that requires a measured and stealthy approach. As they walk, a brief moment of silence envelops Franklin before he launches into an explanation, laying the groundwork carefully. "Let's discuss this purely in theoretical terms," he begins, his intention clear--to provide his father with plausible deniability should the situation escalate legally. "Imagine a scenario where a pickpocket, potentially tangled up by stealing from some drug dealers, finds themselves in trouble. If, let's say, she faces harm due to her actions, and others refuse aid due to her criminal background, stepping in to assist might seem reasonable."

Franklin gazes at his father, his expression revealing a layer of subtlety in his communication. He continues, "In such a theoretical situation, the involved hero might confront me, demanding the return of those affected. And even if I had already rectified the situation, allowing them to believe otherwise could lead to police involvement since a physical confertation is impossible because of my location." He advances, painting a picture of a calculated response. "Criminals tend to avoid law enforcement, focusing on self-preservation rather than accountability, so they won't talk, and strangly all the cameras seemed to stop working." he remarks with a chuckle, highlighting the intricacies of the situation.

Shrugging lightly, Franklin shifts gears. "Now, onto the criminal in question her name is Spiral," he begins, his tone softer as he introduces the enigmatic figure. "She and I have a complicated connection. We're helping each other out." Franklin's gaze drops for a moment, his voice tinged with a mix of emotions. "I may have brought her along when I met with the Shi'ar. You see, even those with criminal inclinations seek companionship, and Spiral is integral in my efforts to confront someone who wronged Val." The mention of his sister elicits a trace of anger, underscoring the personal stakes involved.

He sidesteps into a lighter tone, his grin returning. "She's quite the character, albeit with a penchant for, let's say, direct methods," Franklin remarks, an air of amusement evident. "Her moral compass may not always align with the legal framework, but I trust her to make sound decisions when it truly matters." A mischievous glint dances in his eyes as he adds, "Our joint mission to take down Mojo is a testament to that. though to build that alliance, I've been cultivating our friendship."

As Franklin's gaze shifts forward, he reaches into his bag and retrieves a photograph, displaying it to his father. The image captures Franklin and a well-dressed Spiral standing side by side. Franklin is attired in a suit, while Spiral's six arms are prominently showcased in her nice dress. It is know that Spiral held a prominent position within Mojo's ranks, a chapter that Franklin knows has long been resolved. His smile conveys a sense of accomplishment as he allows his father to infer the evolution of their dynamic.

Reed Richards has posed:
Delicate.

Franklin was pulling all the stops, though his use of theoretics to avoid any legal obligation from or to his father is a wise move. As they walk, Reed carefully listens as he's walked through the story bit by scenario-like bit.

1. Franklin's actions were an effort to help a supposed pickpocket with questionable relations with a certain group, with not many good samaritans in sight except for Franklin.

2. Cameras were deactivated, either by Franklin or the one he helped. Police were involved, but the situation was rectified, supposedly, by Franklin.

"Spiral?" Reed asks Franklin. "This that her mutant name or her real name?" Reed is familiar with mutant commonalities, namely the choosing a of new names once they discover their individuality. Or at least, Spiral's mutant status is an assumption, especially when Franklin seems to be rather infatuated with the girl. And if someone had wronged Valeria...one might forgive criminal association.

He waits in silence until Franklin produces a picture of them together.

A hand reaches out to accept it, looking over his son dressed in a fine suit and the woman dressed in such a way her extra appendages may be comfortable and easily seen. A slow breath leaves him.

Naivete is Reed's first thought, associating with someone with a skewed moral compass is hardly a brilliant way to fall in love. He seems to pick his words carefully for a moment, not out of fear for how his son may react, but more in careful concern of his son's feelings and he's attempting to say this in a way that builds, not destroys."

"Be careful, Franklin-" He offers ye photo back to him. "That admiration and infatuation don't set you up for a rude awakening."

"That being said...you are blessed with great capability, a tremendous gift. If you are able to safely help others, you should. For that, I'm proud of you."

A soft sigh.

"Be careful. The law is a dangerous thing. You're young and brave, but that can bite you if you think yourself capable of avoiding consequence." A warning. He dodged this bullet. Might not dodge the next.

At least he doesn't disapprove of his son's relationship!

Franklin Richards has posed:
Franklin gazes at his father thoughtfully, considering the perspective offered. "Perhaps you have a point, Father," he concedes, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Taking risks in trusting others is essential for forging meaningful connections. I understand there's a chance of manipulation, but there's more to it than that. She's genuinely a kind person, and though she's attractive, it's not about that," he explains, a touch of bashfulness coloring his expression. "She's a victim of someone who wields reality-warping abilities, and I'm wary of exploiting her circumstances for personal gain."

He dismisses the notion with a casual shrug. "But she's intriguing, you know. She possesses the ability to create portals and is a formidable fighter, perhaps even on par with Batman himself," Franklin adds, a hint of pride evident in his tone. He acknowledges her remarkable skillset, acknowledging her prowess in battle.

As he returns the photograph to his bag, Franklin's demeanor takes on a hint of sadness. "However, her time on Earth is limited. She'll eventually return to the Mojoverse, where she'll remain indefinitely. A lasting romantic relationship is out of the question," he confesses with a tinge of regret. Despite the circumstances, he seems resigned to the notion of maintaining a platonic bond.

His gaze drifts upward as he contemplates the future, acknowledging the potential risks. "You're right, Father. One day, my actions might catch up with me. If that occurs, I'll confront it head-on. I have a few options for hiding places, although I must admit the Hellfire Club's insistence that I'm welcome there is quite amusing," he adds with a chuckle, clearly teasing about the unlikely choice.

However, Franklin's tone shifts as he broaches a more delicate topic. "Can we agree not to involve Mother in this matter? I'm not entirely sure she would comprehend the situation, and I'd rather spare Spiral any potential embarrassment from Mom's well-meaning but spirited inquiries," he suggests, a playful grin playing on his lips. "You and I are cut from the same logical, reasonable cloth, but you know how Mom can be. Her maternal instincts might kick in, and I'm certain that wouldn't be an easy situation for anyone involved," he muses, a mix of affection and amusement in his expression.