A private power play in the lounge, the acting director's bid for permanent appointment
The door to the lounge was locked from the inside.
The soft "click" sound was exceptionally clear in the quiet of the night, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake.
Lynn paused for a moment in mid-air with her teacup in hand, then casually brought the now-cold tea to her lips.
The tea was cold, but the atmosphere was warming up little by little in silence.
Natasha did not speak.
She changed out of the gray uniform that symbolized her new power, into a black, tight-fitting combat suit that perfectly accentuated her physique as a top agent. There wasn't a single unnecessary embellishment, yet it exuded a dangerous tension.
She walked slowly to Lynn's large desk and gently placed the black hardcover report on the smooth surface. Her movements were very light, as if she were placing a precious work of art.
After doing all this, she didn't back away, but stood there, calmly looking at Lynn.
Those green eyes, which always held countless secrets, were now as clear as a deep pool, reflecting only Lynn's image.
"Director, you've reviewed the report."
Her voice was low, with a unique huskiness, which sounded particularly penetrating in the private lounge.
"Seven days, seven Covert Operatives, not one missing."
Lynn placed the teacup back on the table, the bottom of the cup making a crisp, light sound as it struck the surface. He didn't look at the report; his gaze remained fixed on Natasha's face.
"The work efficiency of the Inspection Office is very high." He used a declarative sentence, an objective evaluation without personal bias.
Natasha's lips twitched slightly upwards, but it wasn't exactly a smile.
"This report wasn't approved by the Stability Maintenance Office, nor was it copied to the Department of Technology." She extended her index finger and lightly tapped the black cover. "From beginning to end, only you and I know its contents."
This highlights the exclusivity of this achievement and also hints at a tacit understanding that belongs only to the two of them.
Lynn leaned back, sinking into the wide back of the chair. He interlaced his fingers in front of him, a typical defensive posture, and a position often used by superiors when listening to reports from subordinates.
"So?" he asked, using only two words.
Natasha leaned forward, placing her hands on the edge of the table. This action instantly closed the physical distance between the two, but also broke down the proper safety boundaries between superiors and subordinates.
A faint fragrance, mixed with the smell of leather and gunpowder, permeated Lynn's breath.
"Director," Natasha's voice was even lower, "Is the 'acting' in my title 'acting' Director a bit too jarring?"
The true intentions are revealed when the map is unrolled.
All the groundwork and all the credit ultimately converge on this core demand.
She wants to be promoted to a permanent position.
She wanted to transform this temporary power, Wanda Hela.
This locked lounge, and the Top Secret report known only to the two of them, were her bargaining chips.
Lynn's expression remained unchanged.
He did not back down as the other person approached, nor did he lose his composure due to the ambiguous atmosphere.
"Comrade Romanoff," he began, switching from the previous abbreviation to the full, more organizationally charged title, "Your abilities and efficiency are recognized by the organization. This report is the best proof."
This is affirmation, this is praise.
A hint of anticipation flashed in Natasha's eyes.
"But precisely because this report carries so much weight, it must withstand rigorous procedural scrutiny." Lynn smoothly shifted the topic, instantly turning the conversation from private deals back to public rules.
"An investigation report that could bring down a TVA special consultant, if it only stays between the two of us, then it's not a merit, but a scandal, a conspiracy that can be easily overturned."
Natasha's hands, which were resting on the table, tightened slightly at the knuckles.
"According to the Management Committee's regulations," Lynn's voice was calm and measured, like an experienced law professor interpreting legal provisions, "Investigation conclusions of this level must be submitted to the Standing Committee for review. The Stability Maintenance Office, the Department of Technology, Liaison Office will conduct a joint inquiry to confirm the completeness and legality of the chain of evidence."
"After review and approval, a formal resolution will be formed, stamped with the official seal of the Management Committee, distributed to relevant departments, and copied to the TVA Coordination Office for record-keeping."
"Only after completing this entire process can this report be considered a truly irrefutable case. And you, Comrade Romanoff, as the organizer, will have your achievements officially recorded in the archives."
Every word Lynn uttered was precisely aligned with the logic of the system. He did not deny Natasha's contributions; on the contrary, he elevated the importance of these contributions, and thus, he placed an even heavier and more insurmountable procedural constraint on them.
He skillfully transformed a potentially ambiguous private confrontation into a serious work-related conversation.
Natasha slowly straightened up, the glimmer of expectation in her eyes fading. She looked at Lynn, as if trying to find even the slightest flaw in his calm, expressionless face.
But she failed.
"As for the issue of becoming a permanent employee," Lynn brought up the topic, "The ' Management Committee Cadre Appointment Regulations ' clearly state that acting cadres must undergo at least one quarter of assessment and a pre-appointment public announcement period of fifteen working days before being formally appointed."
"It's only been seven days since you took over as acting head of the department."
Lynn stood up, calmly walked around the desk, and went to Natasha's side.
He didn't stop, but walked straight to the door as if the lock didn't exist.
"I've heard your request. I hope you can understand the organizational procedures," Lynn's voice came from behind her. "The work of the Inspection Office has only just begun."
He stopped in front of the door, but instead of touching the lock, he turned around and looked at Natasha.
"Now, there is something more urgent that the Inspection Office needs to handle immediately." His tone shifted from explanation to an unquestionable command.
"This report is just the beginning. If we don't kill the snake, it will only cause more harm. We must remove this thorn in our side before TVA reacts."
Natasha's body tensed instinctively, entering a state of receiving the mission.
"Order: The Internal Affairs Inspection Office must immediately place TVA's special consultant, Ravonna Renslayer, under mandatory isolation and investigation." Lynn's gaze was sharp as a knife. "She must be under control. All her communications with the outside world must be severed immediately. All her terminal devices must be completely seized."
"I'm giving you one hour. In one hour, I want to see her in the Interrogation Room of the Inspection Office."
"This is a test of the Inspection Office's rapid response capabilities, and also another assessment of you, the acting Director."
Lynn has finished speaking.
He didn't mention making her a permanent employee again, but instead gave her greater authority through his actions.
Natasha was silent for a few seconds, then stood at attention perfectly.
"Yes, Director."
She turned around, walked to the recycling table, picked up the black report, and headed for the door. Her movements were swift and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
Under Lynn's watchful eye, she unlocked the door herself.
The door opened, and she walked out without looking back.
The light in the corridor illuminated her departing figure.
Meanwhile, inside the Residence the specially appointed consultant in the Negative Zone C-13 Residential Area.
Ravonna stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, a glass of red wine in her hand. Her Private Terminal hadn't received a single security alert from her Covert Operatives for over three hours.
An ominous premonition rose in her heart.
She put down her wine glass, walked quickly to the corner of the room, lifted the carpet, and revealed an inconspicuous metal cover.
She placed her palm on it, preparing to initiate the Emergency Formatting Protocol for the Terminal Core Data.
"Boom!"
With a deafening roar, the gate of the Residence, made of Special Alloy, was blasted open from the outside by an irresistible force.
Amidst the billowing smoke and dust, several laser sights, flashing red light, precisely locked onto her brow.
Ravonna froze on the spot, then slowly raised her head.
At the entrance, Natasha, dressed in a black combat uniform, stood with the fully armed Enforcement Team from the Inspection Office behind her. She looked calmly at Ravonna, her voice icy.
"Negative Zone Management Committee, Internal Affairs Inspection Office. Ravonna Renslayer, you are under arrest."