Life at H.I.V.E. may have its attractions after all, Otto thought. Friends, as they say, may come and go, but high-powered laser weapons are forever.

We have nothing to fear but fear itself, Otto replied. Oh, and a megalomaniacal headmaster, the world's deadliets assassin, giant mutated plant monsters, an international cartel of supervillains, and the security forces of every country on earth, but other than that...just fear.

Keep an eye on that boy... he has potential, Dr Nero.

Darkdoom? Darkdoom did this? Nero was visibly surprised. He placed a hand on his forehead, rubbing his temples. Oh, why is it always the bald ones?