Gina gave her love her best heartfelt smile as she presented the tray she was carrying but the look on Reed's face melted her good mood.  As she put the lasagna dinner for two down, she asked "What's wrong Reed? Is there some problem "

The handsome adventurer put down his scanning device as he turned toward her.  The look on his face showed deep concern "No... No, the formula wasn't that hard to accomplish but I actually abandoned that hours ago.  I came up with a better solution".  Gina had to smile at the brilliance of her man.  Only to Reed Richards would juggling the cosmically enhanced chemical composition of his wife's body in conjunction with her drug addictions while instilling healing properties to combat the damage caused by repeated drug use into a injectable solution not be 'that hard' and prompt him to develop a more elegant solution. Reed took her hand as he continued "I have actually designed and constructed unstable molecule nanites to deliver the same effect.  With these we can target any number of aliments in both average people and cosmically powered individuals.  They would have to be renewed periodically but potentially we could even solve Ben's problem... Give him the ability to change form at will."

Gina hugged the man warmly and gushed "Reed, that's marvelous!  Think of all we could accomplish! I'm so proud of you darling." It soon became obvious that Reed was not hugging back and as Gina stepped back, Reed lowered his gaze. Confused, Gina asked "I'm sorry, but what is the problem?  We could have found a cure to uncountable aliments. Why is this not a good thing?"

Reed leveled his gaze back to her eyes as he replied "The problem is... How we are using it now. I realize it would relieve the discomfort of Sue's addictions and reverse all bodily damage accrued to date, but the way we were looking at it seemed to be more of an... Enabler... Than a cure.  With this there would be no need to give up drugs. It does *nothing* for psychological addictions; it just makes harmful effects mute.  In fact, it maintains the intoxicating effects while blocking the need to use ever increasing doses to achieve the same result. It essentially makes drug use cost and health effective for users. Each high would be as effective and long lasting as their first use."

Gina was afraid of this. She was pushing Reed too hard. As she gently stroked his face she smiled compassionately while she tried to assess how much damage had been done.  Although she still held much to herself, when Gina answered she spoke the truth "Reed, darling, we're trying to help Sue and you know that we can't do it directly. I understand the concerns about the use of the treatment.  Your wisdom and ethics are part of the reason I love you so much, but honestly I realized that the psychological effects are not countered in the treatment we have been working on.  I didn't really think it was anything to worry about... Because Susan Richards is a strong woman.  Without the physical effects of the withdrawal, do you really think the psychological effects could hold her in the drug's dark embrace?"

As Reed pondered his answer, Gina evaluated his state of mind. Obviously his incredible mind has shook off the effects of her power due to what he perceived as a serious logic flaw. She purposely hadn't used her power on him this time. She hated using her manipulation powers on him.  He was the man she loved and now that he admitted his love of her, she swore she would only use her powers on him when absolutely unavoidable but she knew it was a necessary evil until Sue was completely out of the way. 

It only took seconds but it felt like hours before Reed responded with a sigh "I know, darling, I know. Sue would never accept our direct help. We are part of the problem so we can't be the solution. I get it, but this doesn't help either. I just... I just don't know..."

Gina hugged the man hard and this time he hugged back. Inwardly she breathed a sigh of relief. At least the other compulsions were holding.  She would wait until they slept and hopefully repair the damage in his dreams but for now she needed to let Reed recover a while. As they pulled back Reed could see the tears forming in her eyes as she said "I'm sorry Reed.  I pushed you into this and I didn't think this through. I guess... I guess I'm desperate to help Susan. I..."

Reed brushed her hair from her beautiful face as he interrupted "I know, my love.  I know. I know you were friends with Sue and you feel disloyal for 'stealing her man'.  Neither one of us wanted this, but we can't help how we feel." Reed leaned in and kissed her sweetly before he continued "That is part of why I love you too."  As Reed looked over at the warm meal she had brought with her, he continued "Why don't we take that back home.  I think we have done enough for today."

As Gina picked up the tray, Roberta spoke into Gina's bluetooth "Data saved mistress. As soon as you and Doctor Richards leave I will copy the specifications to your private lab." Gina smiled contentedly as she and her man left the lab for a quiet afternoon alone.

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

Silver Sablinova, looked out at the New York skyline as she sipped her tea in her office in the former Symkarian embassy.  Since her the revolution in her country, it was now her home and the base of operations for Silver Sable International.  As the approaching fire trail indicated, it was time for her 3:00 appointment.  Johnny Storm was a foolish boy fawning over the trappings of fame and fortune, but the man that called her had focus and steel in his voice. Whatever had happened, this boy made the noises of a man now and an angry man at that. Her sexy lips curled up slyly as she thought 'Mr. Storm's money is as good as anyone else's. We shall see if this is worthy of my time.'

Soon there was a knock on her door as her uncle Mortimer brought the perspective client to her office.  Silver turned and looked her visitor over as she greeted him "Good afternoon, Mr. Storm. I see you value punctuality.  That is good and, from your reputation, a bit of a surprise.  Please, have a seat."  The mercenary never let a bit of her emotions show as she dealt with the young man. Of course the rise in his pants told her sharp eyes that at least not all she had heard of his reputation was in error.  She allowed herself the slightest of smiles as she sat behind her desk and asked "So, how can I be of service?"

Johnny's face flushed red at the lovely woman's words.  Normally there is nothing she could have said that would have surprised or embarrassed the hero, but right now he was in the frame of mind to handle business and she had the beauty of a supermodel. Even the way she moved, like she owned the world and simply allowed us to exist on it, was unbelievably sexy. For the first time in his life, the young stud thought 'Focus Johnny... Your here for business... Business first... Long hot sweaty sex later... Damn it.  Business... *Focus*... *BUSINESS*!'  His erection made sitting uncomfortable but he managed to find his seat without much more embarrassment.   He gritted his teeth as he replied "This is a matter of... It is highly personal and can not ever be exposed."

Sable's steel blue eyes didn't so much as twitch as they bored through to his soul. There was much going on in this man's heart and mind.  Much he had to resolve and much he did not want to say. The one thing she knew he did not have in there was deceit. Her response was as crisp as her greeting "I'm sure you have heard my reputation as well, Mr. Storm. I am not know for being caviler in anything, let alone my client's private affairs. What you say will stay private.  I will not share with friend, foe, family, or media.  You can have utter confidence in that."

Johnny nodded solemnly as he spelled out the happenings of the last few months; at least as he knew them.  He told of the machinations of the Purple Man and and how he reacted out of rage and revenge. He told her all about the people he sent to deal with the bastard and how they were causing a bloodbath in that war torn nation. Finally he confessed how his desire for revenge had sent several already to hell, possibly even one of the people he asked to intervene.  All through the dialogue, the seasoned mercenary evaluated his eyes and body language.  Here was a man truly sorry for succumbing to his rage, a state she knew all too well. She could see that he wished to atone for his sins and seemed that Johnny Storm may have grown up significantly today.  After he completed his speech, she replied evenly "I have worked with Ghost Rider before, Mr. Storm.  He can tell the difference between one driven by an all consuming need to rid the world of predators and the scum that victimize people, but you are right to fear what he might do in that din of sin. In the heat of battle Johnny Blaze might harm the Punisher, but Frank Castle is not an idiot.  He will do what he can to avoid the Rider. Still, I find your cause just, but I'm sure you know that I am not a charity worker.  I do know the country of Slorenia well. It is so close to my native Symkaria and I have been there many times.  I will take your case but it will cost you $20,000,000."

Johnny replied "Done... At least as long as you realize that I am coming with you.  I owe it to family and the people I put in harm's way to deal with this personally."

Silver smiled slightly as she waved a hand "As you wish, Mr. Storm, but understand I do not give discounts for such assistance as you might provide.  You will remember that you have hired me, but in the field I am the leader. If you are there it is as my subordinate and you will follow my orders. Are we at an understanding?"

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

Dylan tried to calm the female fury in front of him but it was a fruitless effort. Alicia broke free of his grasp and turned to the assembled gang "I fuckin *told* you... That was Starr, not the Richard's bitch and she is workin that Stark guy! She is playing them for something... I *know* it.  We've gotta get in there and hook up with her. We have to find out what she needs and help her before they mind control her into being a zombie maid for them again."

Dylan spoke for his boys "Yeah, we all saw how she carried the bum right into her building.  He's drunk off his ass! If she wanted to she could of hightailed it and be turnin tricks right now. Instead she carried him right back to her home.  Looks to us like that's where she thinks she belongs."

The blond beauty snarled as she turned her backs on her friends and growled "Fine! You can sit her on your safe lazy asses while I go in there and rescue my friend!"  As the boys tried to call her back, Alicia approached the secret entrance Sue had told her about. With a flip of her thumb, she exposed the hidden keypad and entered the code to open the door.  As the solid old door creaked open she looked over her shoulder and sneered "Later guys.  Tell Daddy not to wait up for me."

Some of the boys surged forward to stop her, but the door slammed shut in their faces. Once inside the hallway looked like any other back entryway of the older buildings in the area, but Alicia knew that it was just cover.  This was one of several doors that the team used for private jaunts into the city.  Most uses of these entryways were not nearly as covert as Susan's occasional trips to dance clubs.  In fact the main reason for their existence was emergency evacuation and for potential rescue operations, but in reality everyone occasionally needed to come or go in complete privacy.

As she walked down the quiet corridor, the girl ran through the things that Starr had told her.  This entrance, like all the other secret entrances, was actually in an adjacent building.  The building was occupied and had tennents.  Of course, most of these people had no idea that this building was owned by the Fantastic Four or that the Superintendent was actually a LMD subservient to Roberta.  All one had to do was find the Super's appartment and perform a seemingly routine set of motions to gain access. As she moved to the basement, Alicia spotted the painting of a bridge in central park and knew she found the next control to gain entry. She subtly ran a finger down the full length of the bottom of the picture frame as she walked by and immediately grabbed the handle of the door next to it. As she pulled gently on the handle, she rotated the knob counter clockwise half a turn before sharply giving a full turn clockwise. She held the handle for 30 seconds in that position before she let go and waited to see if she was right.  After 10 seconds, the door opened itself.

As she warily entered the apartment, a gravely voice from the kitchen said "Look here, missy, this is a private residence.  I'm afraid I'm gonna haveta ask ya ta leave."

The wily vixen winced as she looked the old man in the eyes and said the pass phrase "Excelsior! Trespass negated. Nuff said!" her face flushed red as she wondered 'Who the hell comes up with this shit?' If she had to guess, she would have blamed the hothead, but the human rock pile was a close runner up. The old man nodded as he stepped aside and made room for her to pass. As she entered the kitchen, the pantry slid out of the way and revealed the transport tube. 

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

After lunch, Gina and Reed retired to their living room.  While the dishwasher handled the post meal mess, the couple held each other lovingly and enjoyed a nice glass of wine together.  With the events in the lab, the sexy vixen had no intention of letting Reed think anymore of work or Susan.  He needed to simply relax with her.  When her phone lit up, she wanted to ignore it, but the ringtone told her it was something important from Roberta.  Gina looked her lover in the eyes and purred, I know this is bad timing, but this will only take a minute. Do you mind if I take this call hon?"

Reed gave her a gentle kiss before he replied "Of course not darling.  I'll just be relaxing here when you get back."

As she left the room, Gina answered the call in a low growl "This had better be good Roberta!"

The AI cooed "Of course Mistress.  It appears that Miss Alicia is more resourceful than we thought.  She has gained entry through Emergency Vector 107."

The petite woman stopped in her tracks and replied "Really?  That's unexpected.  Where is she now?"

Roberta replied "Right now she is locked in the private elevator in between floors 10 and 11."

A sinister smile crept up her face as she continued.  "She is a resourceful one.  She might be of use to me. Give her 10 minutes.  If she escapes the elevator and then let her either try to get to Susan or leave as she herself chooses.  If she can't escape or tries to go anywhere else in the building use the intruder system knockout gas jets to deal with her and have the droids deposit her covertly in lab 2933 where I can deal with her later."

  

  

As Gina turned to return to her lover, Roberta replied "Yes Mistress, I will take care of it." The vixen smiled evilly as she contemplated what she was going to do with her sweet loving man.  Perhaps a nice blow job would relax him more.  Maybe, just maybe a slight push of her power to help him take a nap while she deals with the intruder; that is if she has to.  As it is, the odds were good that little miss Alicia was going to be helpful in getting Suzy to do just what Gina wanted her to do.