Doctor Doom Is Concerned

In Latveria, the armored monarch replayed the telemetry from Sue Storm's latest session. This time, he focused less on the Invisible Woman's brainwaves, the subtle measurements of bioelectricity and gravimetric flux, and more on Moonstone's own biomarkers. The implants that allowed her to hone and direct her powers in novel ways also served as sensors, permitting him to monitor her closely. If he wished, he could partially direct her powers. Or turn them off entirely.

Yet what concerned him most were the readings from her brain. The release of dopamine, vasopressin, and oxytocin. Hormones associated with pleasure, sexual excitement, pair bonding. Karla Sofen was not simply enjoying her work. She was forming a relationship with the subject. Falling in love.

Doctor Doom tapped the tips of his gauntleted fingers together in a rhythm he had learned from Atlantean mystical texts; it helped stretch his perception into the possibilities of alternate timelines. He sensed that this project was at a nexus-point; a decision here would have grave ramifications for its success or failure.

Failure was not an option that Doom found acceptable.

On the one hand, Karla Sofen's personal investment in this project would increase her dedication to the seduction of the Invisible Woman. On the other, it presented a possible blind spot in the woman's scheme. If Sue Storm rejected her—or if events precipitated to prevent the relationship from meeting Moonstone's desires—the emotional backlash could cause his "partner" to react in unpredictable ways. And an unpredictable tool was an unreliable one.

On the other hand—an affair would play into Doom's larger plans. It would help fray the relationship between husband and wife. The resulting drama would hamper the Fantastic Four's effectiveness and, with the application of proper stress, could tear the team asunder. Once, Doom had entertained the notion of having Namor perform such a task, but the Atlantean mutant's ego and chaotic nature made him a poor puppet for such a plan.

Moonstone, on the other hand—the implants were already in place. All Doctor Doom would need to do was press a button, and the slow, natural infatuation would become either an absolute obsession, or the sexual desire for Sue Storm would be stripped from her brain entirely. He would not even need to consult Moonstone; she was utterly unaware of how thoroughly her nervous system had been compromised when she accepted Doom's enhancements.

The gauntlets came together with a metallic clack, as the meditation sequence ended. Doom had looked into the future, and saw the path he would take.