Dr. Nightshade Can Wake Sue Storm Up, But...

"...the problem isn't biological," Nightshade said, as she prepared a syringe.

"What is the problem?" Moonstone asked.

"Information," the Black woman said, setting the syringe aside and digging through her kit. "Her body is physically fine, but something she saw or experienced caused a psychological collapse. You broke her brain."

Moonstone sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Can you fix it?"

The Black woman shrugged.

"Roofalin cocktail to cause short-term retrograde amnesia," the scantily-clad doctor said. "And a shot of adrenaline to the heart to reboot her system. That's not the hard part."

"What is the hard part?" Moonstone said, getting tired of asking questions. She knew that Nightshade did this deliberately, enjoying her position of power and authority. Karla appreciated that kind of personality. Game recognized game.

"What are we going to do when she wakes up?" Dr. Nightshade said, turning toward the blonde villain with a raised eyebrow. "I can get her conscious. I can make her forget whatever happened. But how are you going to explain that? She's going to feel like she's having a heart attack when the adrenaline hits her, then she'll feel like shit, and wonder why she can't remember the last couple hours."

Moonstone thought for a moment. Then she smiled.

Sue Storm jerked awake, gasping, blue eyes wide, heart hammering.

"Here, drink this," Dr. Stone said.

The Invisible Woman stared at the shot glass. She was topless. Dr. Stone next to her was also topless. They were still in Dr. Stone's office. Half-naked. Sue's heart beating a thousand miles a minute. Her chest hurt, there was a rush in her ears. Nausea gripped her guts.

"Drink," Dr. Stone said. "It's bourbon. You need it."

With two shaky hands, the Invisible Woman brought the glass up to her lips. She sipped. It was smoky, dry, with overtones that reminded Sue of rye bread and white wine. Yet it seemed to cut through her throat, and her heart hammered a little less.

"What time is it?" Sue gasped. "What happened!?"

Dr. Stone gave a little grin. It was time for the lie she and Dr. Nightshade had practiced all night.