Reed looked at Arthur with a calm expression while the latter also did the same. They didn't talk for a few minutes except staring at each other to gauge what was other party was thinking but somehow even calm Susan felt irritated by their awkward tension.
" Ahem, why are you here? How is your life, Arthur?"
As an old friend of Arthur, Susan knew about their rivalry despite the age gap. Both of them were proud scientists who pioneered their respective fields yet when it came to their stance, they didn't tolerate each other.
" Well, I was here to greet you and check your bodies, but it appeared that Reed already finished examining you."
Arthur awkwardly showed the medical report of them and expressed his willingness to help. However, Reed who was suspicious of his motive, didn't buy his kindness.
" Arthur, I know you well. You are a radical scientist who believes in the weaponazition of science. I believe you have a second motive."
Arthur laughed dryly at his remark because he knew Reed saw him in a wrong light. Both of them were really inconceivable people.
" Reed, stop. You didn't tell the same to Tony who created a super armor."
Reed snorted at Susan's words since Arthur's work was much worse. He created countless weapons that could wipe out the human race and he even supported some terrorists like Punisher.
" Tony is different. He created countless weapons that gave us countless problems us. Now he wants our research, do you think he is a saint like people paint him?"
Reed didn't want to share his findings with Arthur and certainly, he felt Arthur could weaponize it. Victor was a single person, contrary Arthur was a leader of the largest alliance in the world with the most advanced technology.
If he wanted to use it for his benefit, nobody would be able to stop him. Thus, this was the last defense against his power in Reed's opinion.
" I understand your frustration, Reed. However, you have to trust me. I know cosmic power more than you. I can help you."
Arthur tried to persuade him but Reed didn't budge a bit. He rather gives his research to the government than Arthur.
" No, thank you. I can do it without you."
Reed refused him almost instantly to Arthur's dismay. He couldn't say anything to him because he was sure that he would refuse again which was irritating. Arthur wanted to bash him into a cement wall since he was stubborn like a mule.
" Fine do it your way, Reed. However, I warned you with kindness."
Arthur thanked Susan who was trying to apologize to him. He wasn't heartless like some fool in this room as he left with a huff.
" Reed, what was that? He was here to help us. We need his help to hasten your research."
Susan felt angry when she thought about Reed who was caught in his arrogance. She truly believed that Arthur could help them but Reed chased him away like he was some kind of villain.
" You don't know him well, Susan. He isn't a simple hero as the media tells us, he is one of the best scientists and businessmen in this world. It is true that he can help us but in the long run, we have to depend on him even more like others."
Reed wasn't worried about the integrity of Arthur, he was worried about their autonomy since he wanted to be independent. He wasn't interested in joining both sides, so this was the wisest choice that he got.
" I understand, Reed."
Susan didn't wish to defy his stance, knowing he had certain truth in his words. Although they were friends, Arthur wasn't a single individual. He represented the entire force's interest, thus it was impossible to get away from them completely after they cured themselves.
" Let's forget about that. I created something for us. Johny said the name, right?"
Susan's face went dark when she heard this, recalling her brother who named themselves with a childish name.
" Are you seriously thinking of using that name? It is too childish."
Susan protested his decision but Reed who had the worst naming sense, didn't know better names. Hence, he chose the best name for themselves which was ' Fantastic 4 '.