Gina's great intellect was moving at light speed processing the new data while projecting the risk versus benefit projections to her planned scenarios as well as various modifications and additions to those scenarios that take advantage of this new information.  It was a daunting amount of strategies that would have taken a team of highly intelligent people a week to accomplish yet she had her answers in less time than it took to lab entrance.  The sexy scientist stopped before leaving the lab and placed her hand on the Star Spangled Avenger's muscular shoulder.  She was careful not to make skin to skin contact as this might activate the powers she engineered from Mandrill's DNA and point suspicions on her.  She couldn't risk even accidentally using her artificial powers on the Avengers, at least not yet.

Gina's move was not aggressive, but Cap's defenses were wary as he turned to face the petite beauty.  Experience told him that the woman would try to use her looks for advantage over him, but what he saw in her eyes was deep concern. He could feel genuine emotion in her voice as she said "Please, Captain, I understand your concerns and wish to cooperate but the rest of the Fantastic Four are quickly approaching the portal home. I'm sure you are well aware that if the preparations are not completed then Reed will have to divert course and the Negative Zone is no place to be in a holding pattern as the more time they spend near the portal entrance, the greater the chance that someone will find the weak point between universes it creates. We can't risk anyone exploiting it to invade Earth so it will take days to safely return and days in that hell are *anything* but safe! Please, someone who understands these systems *must* be here to make the preparations, maintain servailance for hostiles, and bring our team home!"

Steve Rogers measured his response as he replied "Understood ma'am. In our opinion the risk of anyone capable of controlling the Fantastic Four is greater than the personal risk that Reed, Ben, and Johnny are facing and they would be the first to agree with me.  Trust me, they are heroes in the truest sense and knew the dangers before they entered the Zone."

Gina's eyes pleaded with the hero as she said "I have an alternative.  Roberta can perform the function.  If you have additional concerns with that then Iron Man's AI can interface with our systems here and assist if you feel its necessary. If nothing else they need to be warned of the issues that you have found.  Yes, they are heroes of the highest calibre but lets not place them in more danger than necessary!"

Steve could feel the sincerity in her voice and body language, but he was no fool.  This was more than team loyalty or friendship that drove the young woman.  She had a romantic tie to someone on that ship. As Cap tapped the bluetooth in his ear he said "Tony, did you get that? She wants Roberta and Jarvis to bring Reed and team home." Cap looked directly in her eyes as he conferred with his partner but soon he replied with a reassuring smile "Jarvis and Roberta are already interfacing.  They have the ball now and will bring our boys home safely.  You have nothing to worry about Dr. Rodriguez."

Gina's face showed relief as she smiled slightly and continued her escorted walk to the Fantastic Four's living quarters.  The vixen thought 'Oh, I have plenty to worry about, dear Captain, but fortunately its not Roberta performing a function to ensure the safety of the team.  In fact, as long as I am doing things that helps safety of the team it drops odds of another hidden program in her causing a tip off of the situation here. Now that she and Jarvis are linked it might even give me some limited visiblity to Iron Man's systems but best not to pursue this for now. What I've seen in our rescuers' subconscious is far more than enough to work with!'

************

As soon as Captain America left Susan seemed to relax considerably. Tony couldn't help but appreciate the changes he saw in Mrs. Susan Richards.  It was true they were never the best of friends.  The first time they met his best charm and charisma earned him a quick and frosty response; not unfriendly, simply not the least bit interested in playfulness from a rich playboy. Later, after his working relationship with Reed had grew to a true and lasting friendship, Reed had confirmed that Sue had little tolerance for Tony's arrogance, sophomoric humor, or randy flirtations.  She warmed up some after he started dating Pepper but this new openness and playfulness was quite refreshing. It didn't hurt that she gave Cap a cold shoulder that would have given Ymir chills.  Tony could help but think of all the fun they could have had before he met Pepper.

The blond heroine smiled wickedly as she purred "I'm getting real tired of this mask, Tony. You knowthe building has cutting edge filtration systems you helped design."  The sexy heroine looked up and away as she called out "Oh ROBERTA... Come out, come out wherever you are."

Instantaneously the halographic avatar for the building's AI appeared and replied "Hello Susan.  Is there something I can help you with?" The prim and proper female form smiled sweetly at the heroes as she waited for response.

Susan nodded "Oh yes you can my friend.  I'm sure you are aware of the contaminant Iron Man discovered, correct? Well I would like you to seal each room in the suite and perform a complete cleansing of the environment.  How long will it take to do that?"

As Roberta raised her arms, a loud hissing could be heard.  She then responded "Of course, Susan, I have already started decontamination.  The original readings were at about 15450 particles per billion.  In 47 seconds that percentage will drop to 37 particles per billion or less than or less than 0.185% needed to reach minimum influence threshold." As the hissing lessened Roberta announced "Decontamination complete Susan.  Is there anything else?"

Sue smiled wickedly as she took her mask off and replied "Yes.  Please put an active scan and filter on in the elevators and this suite for the contaminant and..." The blond beauty winked at Tony before she continued "Add tobacco smoke to that filter as well. You do still smoke, right Tony?" As the Golden Avenger gave a quick nod, Sue continued "Wonderful.  We wouldn't want our guest uncomfortable would we? One more thing, Roberta; if the contaminant reaches 250 parts per billion please raise an immediate alarm both here in this suite and in Iron Man's armor.  Thanks."

Tony verified the accuracy of Roberta's statements before he opened his face mask and replied "You know, Sue, I could really wait on that.  I know how you and Reed feel about smoking in your home."

At the mention of Reed's name, Sue smile faded for a second as she responded "Yeah, well I'm not concerned about a little smoke or Reed's objections." Her playful smile returned as she continued "In fact I wouldn't mind joining you."

For the first time, Tony noted slight signs of agitation and anxiety in the heroine.  Without even a word of command Jarvis began reading the list of bodily functions that were askew.  Blood pressure, nerve conduction, activity in the pain centers, endorphin production, unusually high levels of brain activity in some areas and drastically low levels in others.  Some of her symptoms pointed to early stages of withdrawal from a strong addiction and others pointed to a powerful emotional trauma. Oddly Captain America's presence aggravated the situation and even the mention of Reed's name was catastrophic. Even odder, her flirtatious behavior seemed to ease the symptoms slightly but not nearly as much as when Tony flirted back. As a panel on his right side opened up, Tony pulled a pack of cigarettes an lighter out and offered them to his hostess.  Her immediate improvement in bio reading showed he was on the right track.  As Sue let out a long plume of smoke Tony prepared to light one for himself and said "Well, that's a relief, but I didn't know you smoked."

Sue laughed as she opened up the liqueur cabinet and responded "Well, Tony, there's lots we don't know about each other."  She turned and presented two glasses with three fingers of aged bourbon and said "He's to getting to know our friends better.  Cheers."

Tony knew that he, as a recovering alcoholic, should turn down the drink but he needed to keep Sue in a good humor if he were to find out what was going on.  At least that is what he told himself.  As he sipped the beverage, he sat down next to the blond bombshell on the love seat he smiled boyishly and said "I can't tell you how long I've waited for this."

Sue laughed as she accepted the appreciation.  Her left hand ran idly through her golden locks as she pulled the wavy mass away from her angelic face and returned his smile.  Her every move was as erotic as if it were choreographed by Venus herself. Just as Tony was getting lost in the moment, Jarvis's spoke over the private ear piece "Oh, well done Sir! Mrs. Richards is actually showing sings of euphoria and pheromone production consistent with immanent breeding.  Shall I send for one of your earlier models?  I believe we still have a few that come with a condom attachment."

As Tony blushed and turned off his ear piece Sue chuckled "Relax Tony, I didn't say I was going to fuck you. It's just.." Her face took a more serious expression for a second before she continued "It's been a bad day.  Hell, what am I saying? It's been a fucking bear of a month! But that's OK.  We'll get by. It would just be easier... To get by with a friend."

Tony's own heart was racing now.  Despite what she said, his old playboy instincts told him that Suzy's virtue was well within reach.  He had to be honest with himself that on a pure emotional level he never wanted to fuck anyone more than he wanted Susan now but He really needed to stay on focus now.  He was here on serious business.  She was the wife of a close friend and colleague.  Even considering screwing around, let alone screwing a friend of hers, would destroy his relationship with Pepper and he just couldn't live with that. As if all that wasn't enough to deter him, Jarvis dropped the temperature of the crotch area of the suit 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 'help' him keep it in his pants. Tony reach out and grasped Sue's hand as he replied "I hope you know you can always count on me Sue.  Look, I'll be 100% honest with you. I can definitely see a big difference in you." The billionaire flashed his trademark roguish smile for a second as he continued "I mean I'm having more fun in our conversation now than I have in a long time and no one is a bigger flirt than me, but I can see something is wrong too. Whatever else is going on there is some major friction between you and Reed.  You don't have to say a peep, but if you want to I'm here for you and would never betray your trust."

Sue's expression was one of deep appreciation but her words were rife with anger "Yeah, well betrayal is a fuckload easier than honesty isn't it?"  She gritted her teeth an sighed before she continued "Fine, your right.  Sorry, that had nothing to do with you.  You have always been up front with me and I need that more now than ever.  I haven't spoke to anyone about this but really need someone to talk to. A few weeks ago I found something and it changed everything for me.  I found a security tape of Reed screwing around with Gina."  Her grip tightened around Tony's hand as she continued "It wasn't like she threw herself at him and seduced him.  He kissed her and they fucked right there in one of the labs."

Tony gasped "My God Sue! That's unbelievable! I never would have suspected... Reed?"

Sue growled "Yeah, you and me both.  I went nuts.  I crushed the console that I saw the video on.  I left the building and... I met up with some people... Some real heavy duty partiers.  I wanted to piss Reed off and party until it was all a dim memory but..." Tears began to form in her eyes as she pushed out more "Drugs were... used... and it got out of hand. I don't know how to put it.  I was lost... for a long time.  I kept taking the drugs... Anyway, it was Gina who looked for me.  She found me and brought me home. If not for her I'm not sure where I would be or if I would ever find my way back."

Tony took the woman into his arms and let her cry it out.  Now wasn't a time for words. He understood substance abuse and he knew that acceptance and support was what this beautiful woman needed.