3.08

The Undersiders, a team of supervillains, found themselves in the middle of a bank heist, executing a plan they’d rehearsed meticulously. Tattletale, spinning the vault’s wheel, finally cracked it open. Inside, Grue, Bitch, and Skitter secured harnesses on one of Bitch’s monstrous dogs, Brutus, while Tattletale monitored the situation from a bank computer.

The vault was filled with stacks of cash and drawers containing important documents. As Bitch and Skitter stuffed cash into bags, Grue used a crowbar to force open the drawers, revealing deeds, liens, and other valuable paperwork their employer desired. They worked quickly, loading bags onto Brutus. A staggering amount of money was being collected, along with sensitive documents.

Bitch displayed a disturbing, toothy grin, unsettling Skitter. They loaded three bags onto Brutus, who then moved to the front of the bank. Angelica, another of Bitch’s dogs, joined them, and Skitter learned she was a rescue with a troubled past. A tense exchange between Bitch and Skitter followed, with Bitch accusing Skitter of being a coward. Grue intervened, restoring order.

Tattletale reported that the “white hats”—the heroes—had arrived and the situation was unfavorable. Outside, the Wards were lined up: Aegis, Vista, Clockblocker, Kid Win, Gallant, and a new member, Browbeat, a close-range telekinetic with enhanced strength and healing. There was also a seventh hero on the roof, possibly from the Protectorate.

The situation was more dire than anticipated. Grue, furious, confronted Tattletale about the inaccurate information. Bitch suggested fighting, but Grue insisted on sticking to the plan: grab the money and run. Tattletale pointed out that the heroes were positioned to intercept them, no matter which exit they chose, especially with Vista’s ability to distort space.

Staying put wasn’t an option either, as it would force a confrontation inside the bank and risk the arrival of the Protectorate. Using hostages was suggested by Bitch, but Skitter worried about the implications, especially since she had tipped off Armsmaster about a potential incident.

Skitter proposed a change of strategy: instead of running, they should fight face-to-face, catching the heroes off guard. As masters of the getaway, a direct confrontation was the last thing the heroes would expect.