Mole Man Travels Back To Before The Fantastic Four Formed To Influence Sue Storm

Past

"Good morning, Miss Storm," the short man in the impeccably tailored suit shook Sue's hand. "It is good to meet you at last."

"Likewise, Dr. Elder," Sue said. "When I got your offer, I was surprised."

"Not at all, my dear," he smiled, eyes hidden by the heavy glasses he favored. "Your coursework shows a genuine aptitude toward the biological sciences, and I'm well aware of your family's financial situation. Arranging a scholarship for yourself and your brother is the least I could do in exchange for your asssistance. And I could use some help, categorizing the subterranean life forms I've run across."

"I'll do my best," Sue promised, smiling down at him.

Present

Sue Storm blinked as she flipped through the old photos from university. There was a photo of her with Dr. Elder. That was before she had met Reed. Before the trip into space that had created the Fantastic Four, or he ever became the Mole Man. The assistanceship had come at a critical time. The family finances had dipped, her mother dead, father in prison, and Johnny was...well, Johnny. Sue knew that she might have gotten the scholarship anyway, but Elder's influence had smoothed the wheels.

"You weren't always bad, were you?" she whispered aloud. "I remember."

Past

His eyes focused on the tight little ass of his assistant. Sue Storm was bent over the table, sorting fungus samples. The Mole Man enjoyed the view for a few moments. Counted the seconds. With those samples, at this temperature, it should only take three...two...one...

A puff of pink spores erupted from the tabletop. Sue straightened, coughed, waved her hand. She took a step back, wavered. The Mole Man stepped forward and caught Sue as she fell.

"Oh, be careful Susan!" Dr. Elder said. "Those samples are unstable at these temperatures."

"I...I'm okay, doctor," she said, her voice oddly thick. "I just need a moment."

The Mole Man's face was a mask of concern as he carried the young woman toward a couch.