Oh, Natasha. The way you lie excites me so. (She shows her a folder revealing photos of her, and a certain clawed mutant.)

(her whip cracks, the bullet deflected by the strong leather as a crazed grin comes over her lips.) The Wolverine - and the one whose extremely likely to compromise our plans. She's tenacious, just like you...so I'm truthfully unsurprised.

(she's angry - her life is flashing before her eyes even as she lands successful, brutal strikes. All she could do is laugh.) Oh, Nat...truly you ADORE this game we play.

(it grazes her. Blood strewn over the shoulder. Viper's grin remained.) Remember what you said, my dear? Loyal to 'me?' (...in her other hand, an exposed syringe with an odd, yellow liquid had been shown. She punctured her on that last punch.) Let's cement that, shall we?

Oh, my beautiful blade. If you had only not resorted to such plain practices... You'd see that you can still fit in my grand design. But now I'll have to fix you. (Did she even have to chase? This was too amusing.)

look at the way you struggle. and all you had to do was hear my proposal. (catching up and kneeling over her now collapsed prey, injecting another shot into her body.) when you come to, we will have this conversation.

(she could only shake her head at the display. a fighter to the bitter end...and that still has value to an opportunist like Viper.) (One more shot to put her under.) sleep.

...sigh. You there - get her back to her quarters. And keep the beast chained while I find something cleaner to wear. (Bothersome, very bothersome. Pity it's come to this; but she still needs the Widow for her plans.)

(her voice boomed through an intercom.) Don't overdo the dosage. We need her cooperative, not docile. Make this the last shot and then leave - I will handle the rest.

(it'd take time for Viper to arrive, and when she did she'd been in a sneaking suit not too different from Widow's. Another folder in her hands to present to her captive.) ...are you quite finished. I still need you.

a classic from the cold war. I only play the hits for you, after all. ...sigh. suppose I start with a question; do you have any idea as to why I assumed control of this haberdash of an organization?

Then you only make this harder on yourself than it needs to be. I've no interest in reciting the same song and dance when it's clear that you aren't going to cooperate. We are running out of time.

The destruction of our opposition. AIM. Beyond. Hellfire. We are at our lowest point, led by inbred luddites that flaunt their mutant gifts irresponsibly. We are at the cusp of extinction, Natasha. That is why I need you.

It will make sense when you come to. (A hand came down to brush away the hair over her face. she grimaces.) betrayal is just another opportunity. I will see to it that you are useful.

You have nothing for me to hear. But you will act. You will see to it that my targets are eliminated. There's still too many in your web that are liabilities. Too many that are too easy to kill.

(She doesn't even flinch. Only laughing at her desperate display.) Oh, how I truly love you and your tenacity.

(hand wrenching away as her blood dripped over the captive widow's face.) We've done this song and dance time and time again. You'll see to my ways eventually. Now rest, spider.

(Wasting in darkness over her mistake, Viper's facade of confidence left the moment the other side of the door shut. Frustration and above all, a disappointment over yet another betrayal.) Do not bother guarding this room if you wish to live. I'll be attending the cameras.

(she awaits her escape. Viper hadn't slept in the days passed - simply hardened on the cameras to see who would make the first play.)

(Not quite.) (The room she emerged in had an exit - a small door to the corner that led towards a hidden atrium in her base.) (But the Viper awaited her arrival. Whip wrapped between her knuckles as she observed her with an indifferent gaze.) ...my final request. I need you.