“Yep. Rapid starvation.” Famine explained. “Like turning a grape into a raisin in five minutes… a terrible way to go.”

Bernie nodded his approval to Famine and an implied recognition of a good fight to Slaughter. He silently shook Fiendish’s hand, the grip both acknowledging his assistance and implying they would see each other again soon, but not too soon. He exited the coffee shop, onto the still quiet side street. As he passed the line of police vans, an invigorating chill climbed his spine, imagining the silent carnage to be discovered within them. He jumped into a taxi and directed the driver to the police station. Bernie took out his cell phone and made the first of many eventual notes on the matter: “1. The Villain’s Union… 2. The Collective… 3. The Grand Legion of Super-Villainy”

Bernie put a check mark next to the third.