"This is April O'Neil reporting for the Daily Bugle, coming to you live and I am right now standing in front of the Von Doom Industries building, where CEO Victor von Doom is going to deliver some exciting news."
"Our sources suggest that Lucas Watson, the esteemed CEO and President of Watson Group and my very own boss, may also grace this press conference with his presence. I think, seeing America's most eligible bachelor in person is exciting enough."
"As the press conference commences, stay tuned as we bring you live coverage of this momentous event."
---
"... the sampling of the plant species in this environment..." Doctor Reed continued his explanation to a visibly weary crowd.
"Ahem." Victor interjected, sensing the waning interest in the impromptu lecture that had dragged on for the past 10 minutes. He felt regretful for asking Reed to explain their mission.
Victor proceeds to take the microphone back from Reed's hand.
"What my esteemed colleague, Dr. Reed Richards, is endeavouring to convey is that our research into this Cosmic Cloud holds immense potential for the betterment of humanity. And rest assured, Von Doom Industries stands ready to lead the charge in sharing these discoveries with the world upon our triumphant return!" Victor von Doom concluded the press conference to the sound of polite applause from the journalists.
Whether the applause was for the conclusion of the lengthy discourse or for the promise of groundbreaking discoveries, no one seemed particularly bothered to discern.
---
As the conference wraps up, I descend from the stage and make my way towards the building.
"Mr. Watson, Mr. Watson, over here! Just one question for our viewers."
I glance over to where a group of reporters are being held back by security and immediately spot April from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, signalling for my attention.
Noticing that she is from the Daily Bugle, I approach her, and she greets me with a charming smile.
"This is April O'Niel from the Daily Bugle ... Boss, Mr. Watson, or should I call you Doctor Watson?" she inquires with a smile, her eyes glancing towards the camera.
"Well, as your boss, I am pleased to see my Daily Bugle employees working so diligently. But let's keep it at 'Mister,' please. My doctorate hasn't been approved yet," I reply, injecting a bit of humour into the conversation.
"For all the viewers at home, Mr. Watson has applied for a PhD in both robotics and electrical engineering from ESU at the young age of 18, which, if approved, would be another remarkable achievement in his long list of accomplishments," April states confidently, addressing the camera.
"Let's keep the questions brief; I have limited time today," I interject, sensing that April might delve into a comprehensive list of my achievements.
"Of course. My first question is: why are you here, Mr. Watson? Is this a joint operation between Watson Group and Von Doom Industries?" April smoothly transitions into her serious reporter mode.
"No, this operation is primarily led by Doctor Reed and is financed by Von Doom Industries. I am here representing SpaceX, as the research team will be utilising our rocket to reach the orbiting space station, where further research will be conducted," I explain calmly.
"Is there a particular reason why the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, couldn't attend today's press conference, and instead, one of the company's partners had to come?" April inquires directly.
"I also serve on the board of directors at Von Doom Industries, so my friend Elon thought it best for me to handle this," I reply effortlessly.
My watch buzzes, reminding me that someone is calling.
"Alright, sorry, this will have to be the last question," I say, glancing down at my watch to see the caller's name— the one I had expected.
"Do you think this space voyage will be successful?" April asks, her eyes fixed on mine.
I pause for a moment. "Success and failure are secondary in cases like these. The important thing is to make the attempt and strive to understand the nature of our universe. It's imperative for the advancement of the human race, so I certainly commend their efforts," I reply, trying to be tactful.
"Thank you for such a thoughtful answer, Mr. Watson. We won't keep you any longer," April says graciously, extending her hand.
I shake April's soft hand with a smile, feeling something like a card slip into my grasp. As I meet her gaze, I notice a fleeting, seductive narrowing of her eyes.
Maintaining my composure, I discreetly pocket the card, knowing it likely contains her personal contact details.
A private interview with April O'Niel—who could say no to that?
"See you soon, Boss," April says with a professional smile.
"You too," I reply, returning the smile before making my way towards the building.
"That was Lucas Watson, who just six months ago turned 18 and assumed the helm of the multinational conglomerate Watson Group as its CEO and President," April announces with a hint of pride in her voice. "Next, we will attempt to interview Dr. Reed Richards, who boasts multiple PhDs in various fields, to hear his views on this mission."
---
As I enter the building, I spot a beautiful woman waiting for me.
Susan Storm, the future Invisible Woman.
"Sue," I call out to her.
She smiles when she sees me and steps into my embrace. I lean down and claim her sweet lips.
Yes, she is also my girlfriend.
The kiss is short, since we are in public, but she keeps her head resting against my chest.
"I was calling you just now—at least today, you shouldn't ignore me!" she mumbles softly.
I sigh mentally. Although she's older than me by two years, most of the times it feels like I am dealing with a needy child.
"Alright, I'm here, aren't I? When do you have to start your preparations?" Knowing it's hopeless to explain things, I try to change the subject.
"They are starting to transport people to the rocket's site. Where's Pepper? Didn't she come?" Susan inquires, pulling away from the hug.
"I had her handle something for me," I reply with a smile as I keep my hands on her waist.
"Don't keep ordering her around. You know how much she has done for you over the years," Susan chides, her annoyance evident.
"Alright, alright, I will ease up on her. Now, let's get going," I concede, taking Susan's hand and letting her lead the way.
---
After a short two-hour flight to Florida, we are en route to the station where the launch will take place.
Seated in the back of an armoured car with Susan, I can feel her glued to my body.
"Thank you for doing this for me," she speaks gently, her fingers tracing my abs. "I know you don't like Victor and Reed much, but when I expressed my desire to research this cosmic cloud, you went above and beyond to get involved in the project."
"Well, you are the Director of Watson Labs—how could I ignore your request?" I reply with a small smile, enjoying the feel of her thin waist in my arms.
"Is that all?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
I chuckle. "I was kidding. You are my girlfriend, and your requests will always be a top priority for me," I reassure her with a wry smile, caressing her back.
"Okay, then why weren't you replying to my texts or answering any of my calls last night?" Her tone is flat, and she avoids meeting my gaze.
I try to maintain a neutral expression. "I must have fallen asleep early."
"I have known you since you were 10—when have you ever gone to bed early?" She pinches my waist lightly, and I endure it silently. "I heard you threw a party for Felicia last night," she adds, finally meeting my eyes.
Susan's also at ESU, working on her second biochem doctorate, so she knows Felicia Hardy.
"She's still affected by that incident three months ago. I just wanted to cheer her up," I reply, my expression innocent.
"Ugh, I don't want to fight right now. Let's talk about it when I get back," Susan mutters, and I release a breath I had been holding.
"Is your brother Johnny really going with you? Isn't he a bit young to be flying a spacecraft?" I change the subject.
"He is the same age as you!" she retorts, rolling her eyes. "And whose fault is it? SpaceX allowed him to be a co-pilot for this mission," she says, her tone accusatory.
"It wasn't my decision. Somehow, he convinced Elon," I reply, sidestepping the blame.
"But you could've said no."
I can't admit to Susan that a part of me doesn't want to change anything major about this event.
"Well, he is qualified for sure. He's just a bit hot-headed and lacks experience," I say, choosing my words carefully.
"That's true. And Reed and Victor have handled all the preparations, so it should be a straightforward trip and a valuable addition to his résumé," she acknowledges.
We both fall into a comfortable silence, enjoying each other's embrace.
---
At the launch pad, I catch sight of Susan again as preparations for departure are underway.
"You look smoking hot, baby," I compliment with a smile, pulling her into my arms and planting a fierce kiss on her lips.
"Okay, people are looking," she scolds, punching my chest lightly.
"You should have told me you had such a skin-tight suit with you. I have been missing out!" I tease.
"This is a suit made from unstable molecules for the flight, and we have a prototype at our lab too. So if you behave really well for the week I am gone," she leans in close to my ear, "then I can wear it for you in the bedroom."
I gulp, eyes flicking to her cleavage accentuated by the tight suit.
"All right, you lovebirds, we have to start the launch," Victor's voice interrupts from ahead. He is already in his flight suit, heading toward the shuttle.
I shake my head, ignoring him, and refocus on Susan. Gazing into her blue eyes filled with love, I hesitate.
"Maybe… you shouldn't go," I voice, feeling a pang of apprehension.
"Don't worry," Susan reassures me lovingly, pulling me into a tight hug. "I will be back before you know it, perfectly fine."
Hope so, I swallow the words in my mouth.
"Maybe some time away from me will show you how good I am for you, so you can stop ignoring me all the time with the excuse of work," she complains with a huff.
"Sure, just come back to me safely," I chuckle, offering a reassuring reply.
"You don't have to worry, her brother Johnny here will make sure that she stays safe," I hear Johnny's voice. Looking back, I see Johnny, Ben, and Reed, who have arrived in their flight suits.
"You're just a backup driver, so don't brag," Ben chimes in from the side.
Ignoring the bickering duo, I turn toward Reed and nod in acknowledgment. He returns the nod with a confident smile.
Having studied under Reed when he taught classes at my university, I know he is always very confident in his work. However, this time, the mission is anything but simple.
As Susan releases me, I lean down to steal one more kiss, feeling a surge of emotion.
"When did you become such a worrywart? Maybe I should go on more of these space trips if that's all it takes to bring your attention to me," she teases, a blush colouring her cheeks.
"Take care of yourself," I say softly.
"You too," she replies with a lovely smile.
Taking a deep breath, I reluctantly let her go and watch as she boards the shuttle with Reed, Johnny, Ben, and Victor.
As the rocket launches into the sky, I give a silent prayer that everything goes according to plan.
My watch vibrates, and I accept the call, recognising the caller immediately.
"Purrrr Lu~uke, where are you? Come back to the room, I'm waiting," Felicia's sultry voice purrs through my earpods.
"I'm in Florida right now. It will take me some hours to get back. You should rest and tell D.A.I.S.Y. whatever you want to eat; she will take care of it," I reply, watching the rocket disappear into the sky, getting smaller by the second.
"O~okay, this kitty will wait for you patiently. And I loved your birthday gift; you got me such a pretty bracelet, and it's black too, my favourite colour," she purrs.
"It's not just a simple bracelet; it's a Personal Force Field Generator. I will explain it to you when I get back," I say with a small sigh.
"Y~es, come back soon; your pussy is waiting for you!" With that, she ends the call.
In my head, I imagine her soft, naked body, and that image wakes up my little brother from his slumber.
However, first, I have to catch a flight to New York and visit one more place before heading back.