“You’re right.” Bernie admitted. “But a partnership isn’t exactly what I meant.” He slowly rose from the floor to his feet “Maybe something more like a union is feasible. We don’t have to hold hands and synchronize our menstrual cycles, but if we can agree to stay out of each other’s way and operate in a similar direction, governed by some sort of code, I think we all benefit from that. There’s a way to harness our strengths so that we lose fewer of our kind to prison and to the hands of the hero community. Let’s be honest; the collaborative efforts these hero gangs have made them stronger than us. We cannot keep fighting them one versus four or five and expect a different outcome than what we’ve seen. So, while we may not go to battle together, we should always be utilizing our collective intelligence and resources to benefit villainy in general.”

“An intriguing idea.” Said Slaughter, combing his facial fur with his claws. He started to go on but Bernie cut him off.

“No need to respond now. I’m going to workshop this for a little while and come back to you guys with a formal proposal. For now, I need to go turn myself in to the police.”

“You’re still going to do that!?” Said Fiendish, somewhat surprised.

“Yes.” Bernie replied. “I’m going to prison. I need a vacation.” The comment drew some laughter from the group. “So, if you’ll all excuse me, I’m going to go scare the life out of the Captain and Seargent for setting me up, then turn myself in to custody.”

“Actually, this wire is still intact somehow.” Said Slaughter. “They’ve been listening to this whole conversation.”

“Umm.” Famine cleared his throat with intent. “Not exactly.” He looked around to each of them, a slight smirk drawing up one side of his face. “I double-crossed them too. They are all dead by now, so you’ll have to go down to the station to turn yourself in.”

“You killed the Captain, Seargent and the entire task force they had sitting outside?” Asked Bernie.