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Armando Munoz had called ahead to the illustrious Baxter Building to see if he could somehow meet the famous scientist Reed Richard. The young man had pulled out all the stops- using his affiliation with Warrington Industries, mentioning several scientific notions and theories. He sent over a file on himself- a mutant, Darwin the Evolving Boy- someone who was in a constant state of evolutionary flux.
Armando steps into the Baxter Building wearing a tailored suit- he'll need it, as he's so very obviously a mutant. He's tall, almost as tall as Ben- his arms are overlong and his skin grey like ash. His eyes white, featureless. Bald- no hair, not even eyebrows.
*
For his part, Johnny Storm is 100% absolutely oblivious to the fact that someone has arranged to come over and meet with Reed, let alone someone so notable and interesting as Armando. To be fair, the last few days have had Johnny pretty distracted.
And that's probably still a fair descriptor.
"…'nt let it go to your head, but this place was falling apart," comes Johnny's voice, suddenly audible as the doorman opens the main doors for him and his much larger companion. "Seriously, it's — fighting. Just — constantly." He animatedly mimes cat-claws at Ben's arm, looking torn between amusement and genuine distress.
*
It hadn't actually ben that hard to get an appointment to visit— Reed does not protect his time very jealously, to tell the truth. Of course, sending along an impressive resume is great. NOT as great as presenting reed with the very interesting implications of Darwin's mutation, though.
"…spontaneous rapid evolution at-will! The mechanisms involved must be just… mind-boggling. How does a mutation like this even recognize a situation warrants intervention, much less determine an approprite response?" Reed comes off the elevator talking in an animated fashion, wearing a somewhat rumpled dress shirt over his uniform, a lopsided tie, and a pair of jeans. His companion, one Sue Storm… probably is dressed a fair bit better.
*
"Hmph." The big, rocky companion of Johnny intones. He shakes his head, taking off a hat as they enter the lobby. "Couldn't last even a week or two without me before the infighting started, huh? Why'm I not completely surprised?" Truth is, Ben seems more amused by Johnny's words than actually worried. Maybe it's just because he's relaxed from his time away.
"I wouldn't worry about it, though, if I was you. Probably just blow over sooner than later." Ben scratches his forehead with one of his big, rocky fingers. "If it's really bothering you, though, I say talk to 'er. I can sit nearby to make sure you don't get killed." He winks at Johnny and lets out a hefty laugh which shakes his whole body.
*
For her part, Sue, once more, looks immaculate: her dark hair is smooth and let down, her sunshine yellow dress (that has pockets! If there was someone around who would appreciate the pockets, she would've made a bigger deal of them than she already has) is perfectly pressed. That's two days in a row of maximum effort.
Not that anyone has noticed.
"It's incredible, really," Sue agrees. "It begs questions about how the brain processes that kind of information and how cells adjust on a molecular level." She grins in turn. "Plus I'd be interested in the permeability of cellular growth and regeneration — " Nerd alert.
*
Armando knows the Fantastic Four- how could he not? They're famous! And Reed is something of a superstar to a young man who reads scientific papers like most read novels. He's a genius himself, albeit not quite on the level of Reed Richards. Seeing Reed and Sue has the grey-skinned mutant grinning wide as he steps forward, "Doctor Richards, Ms. Storm!" he says, offering a hand. "A true pleasure, I'm Armando Munoz and let me say again it is a true pleasure." He then switches to Korean, surprisingly enough- and he sounds like a native speaker, <Allow me to thank you personally, Ms. Storm, for your time.> And then again in English, "Thank you, again, Doctor Richards for your time."
Darwin looks over as Ben and Johnny also approach- just a beaming smile for them both.
*
"No, no, we're okay — we're gonna be fine, I think," Johnny assures Ben, though the more he assures him, the less convinced he sounds himself. "I mean, I've stuck my foot in it worse before, right? It'll… it'll be okay." He nods once, firmly. Yes. It will be fine.
Whatever Johnny was going to add is immediately forgotten — hearing Korean spoken by a voice he doesn't recognize immediately snares his attention. It's probably good that Armando's back is initially towards him since his initial reaction to seeing him is to grab onto the sleeve of Ben's coat with a wide-eyed, startled expression. He's used to the Four's quirks, but he still hasn't met too many others who are Not Normal.
By the time he turns around, though, Johnny is able to flash him a winning smile. Even if he's still latched onto his friend's arm.
*
Reed , on the other hand… is delighted. Though he manages to curb his enthusiasm enough to be civil and polite, offering Armando a hand. "Just Reed, please. Do you prefer Armando?" His handshake is… a little squishy, but strong and friendly.
"If you don't mind my saying, I read the material you sent over, though I'd heard about you before. Fascinating stuff." He gestures at the rest of the Four. "You obviously recognize Sue Storm, and that's her brother Johnny over there. And Ben, you're back!" Today? Keeps getting better.
*
Armando earns the biggest brightest grin in Sue's repertoire - the polar opposite of how she'd been just days before. Her eyes sparkle at the Korean, and she replies easily <Please call me Sue, or Seo if you'd rather! I'm delighted to meet you!> From being mistaken for the secretary to this means Sue isn't exaggerating. She is delighted, and it's palpable.
This probably means good things for everyone. "Hey Johnny," her brother gets an oddly subdued greeting, but it's still better than it's been over the last day or two. "Ben!" her eyes light up further. "How was your trip?"
*
"Sure you've stuck it bad before, but just because a sewer rat got caught in a trap before, doesn't mean it ain't gonna get hurt from doin' so again!" Ben tells his younger teammate and friend. He's definitely going to have to keep an eye on the situation. He partly feels responsible for the hot headed younger man. Maybe if he'd been here, he wouldn't have gotten in trouble with his sister to begin with. Then again, it is hard to keep track of Johnny Storm all the time.
"What the fling-flangin'…" He gives Johnny a little confused look, then looks over toward the elevators. Ah. Well, that's certainly not their normal strange, here at the Baxter Building. Whatever 'normal strange' is. But hey, when there's something strange in your neighbourhood, who you gonna call? Reed Richards! But it seems like this tall, skinny, man, whoever he is, has already called Reed.
Gently patting his younger companion on the hand, Ben gives Darwin a flash of a smile as well. It's only fair to be polite. He's a guest in the building, and one who's not trying to attack it. If anything, that demands at least a little kindness toward the man. There's a glance to Sue and an even more gian smile crosses his face. "Ah, Sue. Reed." He greets them, lifting his hand. "It was good, Sue. Aunt Petunia was a wonderful host. Though I'm glad to be home!"
*
"Oh, yes. Armando is perfect." Armando says with a nod of his head- his own handshake surprisingly dry. "Of course, I know who all of you are. Its an honor to meet all of you. Thank you." he says, before giving a wide smile towards Ben. Unlike so many others, Armando doesn't stare at Ben like he was anything other than a regular guy. If anyone in this building knows what its like to look anything other than normal, its Armando. "And yes, I figured the studies performed on me in my school days might catch your interest. And I do have some answers regarding the conversation you were having when you came off the elevator."
"First, my mutation is always active and reacts nearly instantly to changing environments as they happen. Its not truly under my control, any more than your heart beat is under yours. For instance, if you put me in a particular environment, I instantly evolve to survive the environment. If I jump in the river I grow gills, and webbed fingers and toes. If exposed to radiation, I absorb it."
*
The pat from Ben is enough to remind Johnny to release his arm, but he can't just let go. He releases Ben's sleeve and swats at his arm almost as if it had been Ben who'd been cramping his style and not the other way around. He quietly clears his throat and offers Sue a slightly anxious smile. "Sue." A pause. "I like your dress." Olive branch: extended.
Johnny smooths out his oh-so-formal Fantastic Four t-shirt — yes, he's wearing their own merchandise — before striding forward to offer Armando a hand and his winningest smile. Only polite! "An honor? Pssh. Nawww. Thanks, man." And then, he falls quiet, casting a sidelong look at Ben. Uh oh. This sounds like… genetics. He knows diddly.
*
There's an odd edge to Reed's expression as he shakes Armando's hand and nods. "Yes… interesting reading with a number of profound implications. I hope satsfying curiosity wasn't an…" he takes a very quick moment to chose words. "…undue hardship." He's well aware of the current political climate regarding metahumans. Especially Mutants. "Regardless, we're happy to have you here for a visit."
*
Armando's explanation of his ability earns an easy, "That's incredible," from Sue. "So your body just does it — on a cellular level, it just happens whenever you need to adapt," she summarizes. "That's an incredible process." She loses some of her sparkle at Reed's assessment, but offers no further remark on the mutant-political tensions.
Her hands tuck into her pockets and her head tilts at the compliment from Johnny. "Thank you," it's not as bright as it would be, but then she adds, "it has pockets!" because that is a very important detail that she will not let escape from notice. And then with a title of her head she asks, "Are you wearing our merchandise?" Pause. "I bet that'll help it sell even better. You should try to get photographed wearing it — "
*
Letting out a little snort of amusement at Johnny, Ben gives him a little wave dismissively. To be the tender age of twenty-one again! His attention keeps focused on Armando again. "Oh, it's nothing." He tells Armando, reaching out his own rocky hand for the young man. "The honour is all ours, really. We're just you're average, everyday people. Honestly." He can't help but grin at his own words, chuckling softly.
"It is a very nice dress, Sue." Ben tries to support both Johnny and Sue at the same time. "Pockets?! On a dress?! Dare I say that that's a…Fantastic addition to them?" He laughs heartily, as if he believes his wit to know no bounds. Although, he knows it's a corny joke. But a good laugh never hurt anybody.
*
"Well, it goes beyond just physical changes. Unlike many mutants, I was born with my mutation active. There was never a moment that I haven't been like I am." Armando explains, before pausing to take Ben's hand and give it a hardy shake with a smile- he looks the other man right in the eye and that smile is genuine. He's pleased as punch to be meeting these people. "Of course! Average, though, I think is overselling it a bit." he says with a half smile, "You're all fantastic, I mean, its not just branding." he assures Ben.
"And a pleasure to meet you, too." Armando offers to Johnny as he shakes the man's hand, smiling brightly. He's clearly happy to meet them all. "Anyways, the initial evolutionary leap was caused by a stress incident- a desire to please my mother during an IQ test. As a result, I became much smarter." he says, "There are other mental changes, as well." He pulls a Korean-English dictionary out of his breast coat pocket. "For instance, I learned this on my way over."
*
Johnny's "Pockets?" comes out in perfect harmony with Ben's, though his tone is one more centered in genuine surprise than the big guy's more emphatic reaction. He glances at him sidelong at the joke and smacks him in the arm with the back of a hand — which, of course, makes him hiss and wince and shake out his hand.
"Of course I'm wearing it, I look good in it," Johnny tells Sue, blinking owlishly at her. Seriously, why would he not. He seems even more surprised by her encouragement, however, raising his eyebrows. "Do you think? Classes start tomorrow, I'm probably going to get hounded as soon as I get to campus…"
Johnny doesn't mean to ignore Armando and Reed. Really. He's just kind of… distracted. Again.
*
Reed is clearly used to it, and anyway, Armando has gotten his attention. "Really?" he muses, stroking his chin while eyeing the dictionary. "That's really something… would you say it's a byproduct of your earlier intelligence adaptation, or something specific for today? Do these adaptations typically persist, or are they more transitory in nature?" He'd resolved not to get so caught up in the obvious questions as to become tactless, but…
*
Sue glows when Ben mentions her dress and marvels over the pockets. Between Johnny and Ben both commenting, the dress is a win. But the glowing lessens as she absently glances towards Reed and then to the ground. Regardless, she's still pleased enough. Johnny gets a nod, "A photograph actually might be good for buzz. And maybe we can spin it back to the Science and Tech conference. Honestly, I'm not sure people understand how important it is. While an ideological war is happening and there's an Iron Curtain across the world, we're lagging in terms of human progress."
Ben is cast another lopsided grin and a quiet chuckle, "Ben, I missed you."
But then she hears Reed. She reaches out to squeeze his shoulder, a silent signal that he may or may not pick up on. "I have to say," she addresses Armando now, "I'm impressed and flattered you thought to even try," to pick up Korean. "I think most people either forget or conveniently ignore that we're," a glance is cast to Johnny, "immigrants." Pause. "And I think Doctor Richards," yes Reed, hear Sue call you Doctor, "is marvelling at the vast versatility of your ability. You said in water you develop gills, so theoretically, if you leave water, they disappear, correct?"
*
"Well, sounds like you've got an amazing mutation there!" Ben finds himself almost as interested in Armando's ability as Reed and Sue. "Here and I'm just a strong rock man!" He looks to Reed and says, "Hey, any chance of me turning in my boulder-like appearance and exchanging it for this guy's ability?" He laughs again, smiling. Gotta keep smiling. It helps!
"Right back at ya, Sue." Ben reaches forward and lightly pats her on the shoulder. Glancing at Johnny, he gives the young man a sympathetic look. Between being told to wear the Fantastic 4 clothes for the press, and hearing science talk that's way above his head, this is quite the gathering for him. Granted, genetics isn't exactly Ben's area of expertise, either. He can certainly relate to Johnny on that one.
*
"Most evolutionary changes do not persist if they don't help my continued survival. Evolution is, by its very nature, transitory to the situation at hand- for me, however, the question is a matter of nanoseconds instead of hundreds of thousands of years." Armando explains with a quiet smile- all too happy to explain himself to someone on the level of Reed Richards. "I can learn any language just by hearing it, or reading it- and I speak it by a native. I keep the linguistic knowledge." he offers, "I believe this has to do with the evolutionary advantage of human communication." Armando explains.
"Really, it was the only polite thing to do, Seo." Armando offers, "Its extremely easy to feel apart from others in today's American society. Many have forgotten that immigration is one of America's greatest strengths. That we, as an alloy of people, are stronger and more flexible than a purely homogenous society. Its an important thing to remember that an inclusive society- regardless of one's ethnic, genetic, national, or religious backgrounds we are stronger for inclusiveness than exclusiveness." Armando offers simply, "Its extremely easy to look at someone and make a decision about them based on one how one looks. Its also wholly unfair and completely illogical." Armando gives a grin over to Ben, "I like it, but of course, I don't know any other way. It gives me a lot of confidence that other people might not have- and it allows me to show that mutants are willing to put themselves into danger for humanity. To prove that I'm not worthy of their fear. That I'm just another one of the guys, you know?"
*
"Well, if it's for the conference…" Johnny smiles lopsidedly at Sue and nods his head once, stuffing his hands into his pockets. His eye takes on a very recognizably mischevous twinkle when he adds, "I will wear some of our merch to campus tomorrow." Oh, there better be a Clobberin' Time shirt in his size, because it is happening.
*
Wait, Sue's touching him. Reed knows that usually means he's Doing Something. Time to take stock— ah, yes. Getting too excited. Right. He settles down a bit and listens to Armando's explanation, nodding. "Now that you mention it, that makes sense," he agrees. "But I'm sure you didn't come just to be asked questions about yourself," he suggests, glancing at Sue. That's right, right? "Maybe he'd like to see the lab?" he suggests, as if asking Sue for permission. Or approval, perhaps.
*
"Good," Sue states towards Johnny. "Just be wise to get photographed in it and tie it back to the importance of the conference and the work." Because that is ultimately the goal, right? Or, maybe it's Sue's way of mending fences. Who knows?
Darwin's explanation of his position is met with a faint nod. "Your thoughts about immigrants mirror my own," she smiles softly, "but then, I suspect I'd be called quite biased."
Slowly Sue's hand drops from Reed's shoulder and she slides back a single step. The offered lab tour is met with enthusiasm, "Of course! Assuming you're interested, Armando!" her hands drift from her pockets and clap together lightly. "Reed has been working on a lot of projects that have some great applications. Johnny and Ben often make adjustments to our equipment in there. And… I'm working on a compound regeneration project. With mushrooms right now," Sue's already leading the way to the lab, even if the others aren't following. Her kitten heels lightly clap against the tiled floor.
*
"Sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders, then." Ben seems impressed by Armando. "The world is a dangerous place, and people need to know that there are good people out there, including people like us who don't exactly fit the 'norm'. If they see us doing good, they're more likely to accept us." He chuckles at mention of the lab. "Ah, the labs. Yes. I'm sure you all will have fun up there. It's an interesting place. I can't tell ya how many times I've stopped these two from blowing themselves up, though!" He laughs as he motions toward Reed and Sue during his last comment. "But really, for someone into science, it'll be a fascinating place."
*
Armando's eyes widen at that- those strange, featureless white eyes. "Interested, I'd be delighted!" he says, with a wide grin. "I'd like nothing more than to see where such great science happens. I admit, I'm no scientist myself, but something of a fan of all the sciences." he says, with no ability to wipe that delighted smile from his face.
"Oh! I'd assume you'd be studying fungal protoplasts then." Armando asks of Sue, his attention peaked on the science behind the Fantastic Four.
Still, Armando smiles quietly towards Ben. "Hey, if you ever want a place to drink where people won't stare, let me know. I know all the best places that concern themselves with a person's character and not their outward appearance." Its said in a way that tells he, too, has been stared at. All his life. If anyone in this room knows how that feels, Armando figures it be Ben. "That, and the Mutant Town bars tend to have the kind of liquor that could get even an elephant drunk with a shot." he grins at that.
*
Reed is pleased that the lab was a good idea, and tags along behind Sue, hands in his pockets, falling into step with their guest. "I admit it's a pretty impressive space," he muses. "When we had the money, we put together everything we could remember ever wanting back in school," he notes with a grin.
"Not a scientist? I'm surpised, you seem well-versed in the area," he says with a little bit of surprise. "Anyway, Sue does me too much credit, I'm just working with Johnny to get the last details of the new detector array inside our building logo installed and running." As if that's nothing. There's a 150-foot diameter Fantastic Four logo on the top corner of the building and apparently it's full of Science!
*
"Pffft! If you have questions, a sharp mind, and in interest in life, you are a scientist," Sue counters as she leads the group into the lab. "Formal or not, I'd like to think we're all designed for science, just some of us run with it more than others. Curiosity, interest, engagement… these are the makings of scientists."
"I am," Sue replies with a touch of surprise in her voice at Armando's assessment of her experiment. "I take it you know something about fungi?" She grins and shrugs. "It's the easiest access cell I can draw on to start considering my work. I'd like to eventually move up the evolutionary scale to more complex organisms, but I might be getting ahead of myself."
Ben earns a wry smile, "You kid, I've never come close to blowing myself up." Because she can contain explosions in force fields, and it's a good thing she can…
*
"Kid, if you can keep up with these two, you're a scientist by any means." Ben tells Darwin, patting him on the back lightly. "And hey, I may get you to write down that list before you leave. I'm always looking for a good waterin' hole." He mentions about the bars.
He grins widely at Sue. "Yeah, you've never come close to blowing yourself up because I'm always fidgeting with the machines to keep 'em in check! And don't you forget it!" He jokes with her.
*
"Well, unfortunately, my studies have been entirely on my own. Most universities are not particularly welcoming to mutants." Armando says, with a quiet shrug. "We'll get there- and I have nothing but time." he says, "And, luckily, I've made some friends in various university settings that allows me access to their libraries and material." Armando smiles, "If I'm anything, its creative in obtaining knowledge."
"Science, Doctor Richards, is a passion of mine. Something I find endlessly interesting- however, I lack the knowledge and experience to truly call myself a scientist. The Scientific Method, however, is as close to religion as I get." he offers with a quiet grin.
And then, to Sue, Armando nods. "I know a little of this, and a little of that." The grey-skinned young man offers. "I've read a number of papers in Columbia's library on the basics of fungal growth, and its potential use to mankind. I'm a voracious reader, and I love nothing more than expanding my knowledge. You never know when some shred of knowledge might come in handy." Particularly when you're a member of the X-Men and the Avengers.
"Gladly, Ben. Anytime." Armando assures Ben with a smile. A truly genuine thing.
*
"Degrees don't make you a scientist," Reed agrees, echoing Sue as they head up. "Inquiry, progress, discovery… following the scientific method to try and eliminate subjectivity and find truth… you're a scientist. Perhaps the best kind. Self-motivation shouldn't be under-valued."
The lab is expansive, crowded with all manner of worktables and devices of every size and shape. "Welcome," the the Chocolate Factory. "To the Lab." Close enough. "Please, ask about anything you want."
*