Shalla-Bal

By Serena Kenobi

Author's note: Wow, I didn't expect this much of a positive reply. You're right, I wanted to do something completely different and out-of-the-blue, and I thought that Shalla-Bal and Norrin made a good pair, despite their not getting together in the comics, and although I'll always love Sue/Norrin, I think Shalla needs a chance, too. The possibilities are endless here!

Okay, does anyone know what's up with Ff (dot) net? I can't make anything bold-type! It's so irritating!

Disclaimer: I don't pretend to own Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, or Fantastic Four.


ONE MONTH LATER

Susan Storm sighed and flicked off the TV. Didn't people have anything better to do that gossip about her and Reed's upcoming marriage?Guess not, she thought miserably. If someone had told her a year ago that she'd be engaged to the smartest man on the planet, a world-wide famous superhero, and able to turn invisible, she would've laughed. Now, she wouldn't be surprised by anything.

"Miss Susan?"

"What is it, Roberta?"

"There's a lady here to see you. Says it's important."

Susan rose to her feet and grinned. "Good! Must be the wedding planner," she muttered under her breath. Into the intercom, she said, "Thanks, Roberta, tell her I'll be right there."

Upon meeting the supposed wedding planner, Susan felt this odd 'other-worldly' sense from the young woman. In truth, Sue supposed she looked ordinary for a human being – no claws or horns or anything unusual, but the woman had such a presence, an aura about her that Sue, despite her stature and place in the world, felt almost insignificant. Maybe the woman had been some kind of ruler or was connected to another family in a past life, she mused jokingly. "Hi, I'm Sue Storm," she smiled, holding out a hand.

The woman was about her height, had an almost jealously slim waist, dark, flowing hair and deep sea-green eyes that seemed to see more than most. She was, to put it bluntly, gorgeous. She reached out and shook Sue's offered hand. "I'm Shayna," she nodded, returning Sue's smile with an even more fabulous one. "Shayna Balt."

Sue frowned. "You're not the wedding planner I hired," she said.

Shayna laughed. "I hope not," she answered, smiling. "I'm incredibly disorganized."

Sue couldn't help but laugh as well. "So, Miss Balt," she said, "I'm a little confused. If you're not the wedding planner, then who are you? You said it was important."

"It was - is. I'm actually a scientist of sorts, and I was wondering if I could help you and Dr. Richards here in the labs of the Baxter Building. Kind of as an assistant. I'd do whatever was needed."

Sue was perplexed but curious. "Is there anything in particular you wanted to work on?"

"Well, actually," Shayna blushed, "I'm rather new to this, but I'm interested in astronomy and physics. I know Dr. Richards is incredibly smart, and I just thought… well, if you don't want an assistant…"

Sue shrugged. "I'd have to see if Reed would like it. I'm perfectly fine with it. Personally," she went on, ushering Shayna further into the home, "I think Reed could use the help right now. He's got so many different things he's working on – and I've got the wedding – that I think it would be great to have a helper around. You say you're a scientist?"

"Yes, but I could use the training," Shayna said. "I've heard Dr. Richards speak on occasion, and I think he's the only person who can help me find what I'm looking for."

"Well, Reed's not here right now, but would you like a cup of coffee? We can talk about what you want to do here."

Shayna nodded and smiled softly. "I'd like that."


Reed Richards came home from a conference later that evening, tired and irritated. He'd just met a General Hager who apparently disliked him immensely. For what reason he didn't know, but he felt that the man didn't like him. At all.

"Hey, Stretch!"

Reed sighed and didn't bother to turn around as he entered the elevator. "Hey, Johnny."

Johnny, smiling as always, slipped into the elevator with him and watched Mr. Fantastic silently for a moment. "What's on your mind?"

"You wouldn't want to know."

"If it involves sciency things, no, I wouldn't."

The doors opened, and they stepped out. Reed plunked his keys down on the front desk and tossed his jacket onto the back of the sofa as he entered the lab. To his surprise, Sue was chatting away with an extraordinarily beautiful young woman about the wonders of astronomy and math. "Sue?" He said uncertainly.

Sue turned and smiled. "Reed, you're home!" Reed came forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Oh, right, introductions. Reed, this is Shayna Balt – Shayna, this is Reed."

"Pleasure to meet you," Shayna's low, pleasant voice said as the woman nodded.

"Shayna's a scientist looking to be an assistant here," Sue explained. "I told her you might be able to help her out."

Reed was surprised at Sue's willingness to let someone else into their quartet of sorts, but he knew that he could use the help, and he voiced that declaration to the women. "I'd be happy to take on an assistant," he smiled. "I love teaching."

Shayna beamed. "Thank you," she said in a sincere tone, "You don't know how much I appreciate it."

"Where are you staying?" Sue asked.

"Actually I'm looking around…"

"Well, why don't you stay here?" Sue said. "Plenty of room."

Reed was getting more and more flabbergasted at Sue's welcoming behavior. Maybe it was the whole… engagement thing.

Shayna looked abashed. "I wouldn't want to intrude."

The woman sounded like she was a well-bred lady from the eighteenth century, Reed mused.

"Nonsense!" He found his voice. "You wouldn't be any trouble at all. We'd be glad to have you. It'll give me the chance to get to know you better, see what you want to do with your career. I can help more that way." He threw her a reassuring smile, and Sue nodded at him, pleased.

Shayna bit her lip. "Well, if you're both sure it's all right – I don't want to get in the way of your wedding planning or any such thing like that…"

"Of course you won't," Sue said firmly. "Actually, I insist. It'll be nice to have another smart girl around. Maybe you can help me by bringing Reed out of the lab once in a while."

Reed gave her a chagrined look.

There was a loud whistling from behind, and all three people turned to see Johnny staring at them. Or, more specifically, Shayna.

"Where have you been all my life?" He asked dreamily.

Shayna Balt, previously known as Shalla-Bal, merely smiled.


If you're wondering about Draskis, don't worry, he's still around... we'll catch up to him in the next chapter. Until then, leave a review to let me know what you think!

- Serena Kenobi