Questions

Natasha's stomach twisted into a knot. Her "position" was something she had been trying to ignore for years—the fact that she was being groomed to be the next Madam Hydra, second in command to the Red Skull. The thought of wearing the golden-green latex outfit, with its firm choker that reminded her of her servitude, was almost too much to bear. But she had to keep her feelings hidden, even from the woman who had become a cold, hard mentor.

"I understand, ma'am," Natasha said, her voice as steady as she could make it. "I will be more careful in the future."

The Baroness studied her for a moment longer before releasing her grip. "See that you are," she said, her eyes lingering on the book. "Your curiosity has earned you an opportunity. The Red Skull wishes to speak with you."

Natasha felt a chill run through her. The Red Skull was a mythical figure, a legend within Hydra, feared and revered in equal measure. To be summoned by him was both an honor and a terror. She followed the Baroness through the dimly lit corridors of the facility, her thoughts racing. What could he possibly want with her?

The Baroness led her into a grand chamber, its walls adorned with the banners of Hydra and the skull-faced visage of the Red Skull staring down from every corner. In the center of the room stood a man whose very presence seemed to suck the air out of the space around him. Dressed in a crimson outfit with a gleaming skull mask, he was the embodiment of the organization's dark power.

SUMMARY^1: Natasha is warned by the Baroness about her curiosity but is also granted an audience with the Red Skull, causing her anxiety as she wonders what the infamous leader could want with her.