Pretty Well - They Seem To Be Paying Attention

"Gentlemen," Sue Storm gave her most winning smile. "Thank you for coming here today."

Spider-Man, AKA Miles Morales, looked like he was about to quip. Before he could say anything, an invisible hand stroked his neck. Sue smiled and winked at him.

"You had the same look in your eye that OTHER Spider-Man had," she said. "His spider-sense doesn't perceive an invisible caress as an attack either. I think that's how his wife keeps surprising him."

That got a few chuckles. Despite the skin that Sue was showing with her costume, she knew that she needed to do more to reach these young heroes than just appeal to their baser instincts. She had to treat them as equals, get them to see her as something other than a mom.

"As you know, there's been a rash of mutant growth hormone use among the superhero community lately. Even young heroes, feeling the pressure and responsibility of their power, are feeling the urge to use it. I've asked you here so that we can identify and crack down on the major dealers—roll up the distribution networks, and then go after the producers."

"Easier said than done," Patriot said. The star-spangled young man's voice had a hard edge to it.

"Yes," Sue acknowledged. "You used to use MGH. But you overcame your dependency. That's why we need you on this team. We're not here to bust users—we want to go after the source of the problem."

Speed sighed. He was fidgeting like the Energizer bunny on ADHD. Sue had seen similar behavior from his genetic uncle, Quicksilver.

"And what do we get out of it?"

"Other than the feeling of doing a good deed and making the world a safer place?" Sue Storm said. "You get respect. There are people watching this operation. If it achieves results, the world will stop seeing you as sidekicks and teen heroes, and as heroes, period. Maria Hill and Nick Fury will start approaching you when you have problems. The Avengers will look more seriously at recruiting you, not to fill some demographic gap, but because of the demonstrated abilities and skills you bring to the table."

Amadeus Cho—currently in his Hulk form, scratched his chin. A strange look came into his green eyes.

"I personally wouldn't mind working closely with the Invisible Woman," he said.

The other young men seemed to catch his drift. Neither did Sue miss it. She struck a pose, chest puffed out.

"And I, gentlemen, look forward to working VERY closely with each of you," she said, not caring where their gaze lingered so long as she held their attention. "For now, I've got some actionable intelligence. Let's go over it and formulate a plan, starting with..."

The meeting went well. The young heroes paid attention, and each contributed their knowledge or insight. A plan was concocted, a meet-up scheduled for tomorrow night, after Sue Storm finished with her therapy appointment.