"We’ll be taking our annual retreat a bit earlier this year,” Dark, the leader of Villains Corp. said, “and...we're going to the tropics!”

The whole office let out an assortment of cheers, whistles, hoots and growls. Dark beamed at the enthusiasm.

“You can thank Miss Bell for making sure we were able to reserve such an impressive location. Now, if anyone needs to make arrangements for family members who rely on your presence at home, speak to Shelley, who will help you with arrangements for the duration of the trip.”

Dark’s pleasant voice took a cool tone, one that still had a hint of friendliness to it.

“Remember, this trip is mandatory.”

Dark dismissed everyone, and stepped down.

I picked up my binder and followed behind him. A couple, ‘thank you Miss Bells’ followed me, and I smiled in acknowledgement.

When we were out of the conference room, and away from the others, Dark groaned.

“Miss Bell, the Hero Union has been upping the pressure recently, and I’d like you to schedule some extra raids during the retreat in retaliation.”

“Using the skeleton crew?” I raised an eyebrow.

“Yes.”

Now it was my turn to sigh. The skeleton crew were literal constructs of bone, and having them perform something as coordinated as a strike needed to be, well, coordinated by someone capable. “Can’t we just leave someone behind? Metality? Ice Warden?” I glanced at Dark, hopeful he’d acquiesce.

He grimaced, “There’s a reason we’re having the retreat earlier this year. Some of our people have been acting...erratic.”

I stayed quiet for a moment. It must have been Red Scar. The man did love chaos, and while that was appropriate for a villain, causing chaos within the corporation? Reeducation would be needed about who, exactly, was in charge. Thus having the retreat earlier than usual.

“How about I stay behind?” I said. The skeleton crew really wouldn’t be able to make a raid without proper guidance.

Dark paused and turned toward me, “But you haven’t been on active duty for some time.” That was a polite way to put my situation.

“I’ve been keeping myself in shape. This could be a good opportunity to put me back in the field. I’ve always meant to go back out there.”

Dark frowned, “Let me think about it. We’ll talk tomorrow morning.”

“You have an opening from 9:00 to 9:30. Bennett said he’d cleared up the issue in the Basement.”

“Then we will talk then.”

“Very good, sir.” I wiped my face of any expression as I said this—Leonine, our most excitable junior, had just approached us.