Sue Storm Does Not Return For Next Week's Session

The tea went cold in the pot. Moonstone filled up her cup from the bottle of Johnny Walker black label in the bottom drawer of her desk. As she brought the liquor up to her lips, her mind replayed the events of the last session with the Invisible Woman—and the consequences that would ensue if Sue Storm decided not to continue their association.

"She is not coming," Doctor Doom's voice broke the silence of the office.

"Last week was an intense session," Moonstone said, as a holographic projection of Doom's cowled and masked head appeared above the desk. "And she has a busy life. Something may have come up. Superheroics. It doesn't mean the operation has failed."

"And if she does not show up next week?" his voice had a faint metallic echo to it.

Moonstone slunk down in her chair and pressed the cool cup against her forehead. Eyes closed. She took a deep breath.

"If she doesn't show up next week, I'll have to reach out," Moonstone's lips drew into a thin line. "The options at that point get unpleasant. I can't make her come to therapy."

"There are recordings of the last session," Doom said.

The blonde villain shook her head slightly.

"The process needs to be voluntary. **** won't effect permanent change, it'll just build resentment and resistance to the process," Moonstone said, and took another sip.

"You underestimate the effect of your refined gravitic powers," Doom observed after a moment. "They will continue to affect Sue Storm regardless of her will to resist. Direct manipulation of her brain bypasses emotion, willpower—"

"—and excessive use of those powers can lead to brain damage, Victor," Moonstone growled. "It's one thing to put her in a suggestible state, it's not much different than if she polished off a bottle of wine by herself. Trying to do more than that, one slip, and she could be lobotomized."

There was a tense silence. A cold fear slipped into Moonstone's soul as she realized that Doctor Doom was considering the possibilities if that happened. How it would affect the Fantastic Four if their key member suddenly became incapable of caring for herself.

"She'll be here next week," Moonstone insisted.

"For your sake," Doom said. "She had better."

The hologram winked out, leaving Moonstone in the darkness.