Weakness
Baroness entered the Commander's office.
She firmed her posture. The head of Cobra was intimidating, mysterious, and raised the hair on her neck. Even though he was her boss, she always knew when to stand up to him.
Talking back to a man like the Commander was a death sentence, though he needed Anastasia's resources and expertise.
"I trust that the plans for the Bio-Viper bomb is on schedule?"
"Everything is going according to plan," Baroness affirmed. "Dr. Mindbender and Destro has made sure nothing will go wrong the day of the launch."
"Excellent," the head terrorist nodded. "We wouldn't want any weaknesses… would we?"
There was an unusual pause after he said 'weaknesses'.
"Of course."
"Baroness, I expect you to serve me well with the utmost professionalism."
"Of course I have, I have given everything to Cobra. Have had and will give my life for Cobra, I would never do anything to stray from and will do anything so Cobra can win."
"'Never do anything to stray from'?" Even though all his face was covered Anastasia couldn't help but feel he was smiling.
"Yes…" she breathed. It took everything for her not to crumble, and she couldn't show any signs of weakness. "When Cobra finally has the world in it's grasp, no one would be able to lead the world better than you, Commander."
After what felt like a long time, he spoke. "Perhaps you want to explain this."
On the screen was security footage of James and her in a corridor, holding each other in an embrace. The video showed her placing a hand on James' metal face. James' fingers reached for the base of her neck, touching the necklace he gave her that once belonged to his mother.
The same necklace that was in a leather velvet box, locked up in a safe in her apartment.
She couldn't make a sound. All the air in the room might as well have been gone.
All that work of trying to hide they were a couple, and it all went out the window.
If only James told Mindbender it was just the Scotsman in him to kiss a lady's hand and he was only being a gentleman. If only they were more careful when they had dinner at McCullen Castle, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
"Empires are not brought down by outside forces," began the Commander. "They are destroyed by weaknesses from within."
He walked closer to her.
"If you ever do try to stray away from me, Baroness, at least I know your weakness that will make you reconsider."
She felt herself slowly falling to her knees. She couldn't find her breath. Her eyes began to grow heavy, but she wouldn't give this man the satisfaction.
"I've given Destro the same lecture," he began to walk to the door. "Now get up! We have work to do."
Her hands moved so she could rise. "Yes… Commander."