Panic has gripped the Underlings Union, a group of Underligns for villains from all regions of Nequam, follow an unexpected break in last night. Investigations are still under way, but the crime was discovered this morning, when the Union's vault was opened to reveal several hundred SANA units, a man who has been identified as John Deadsea, and a note, addressed to “Rat”, offering an opportunity for future collaboration “once this has all blown over”. The Union has also had several online bank accounts drained at the same time. It is believe both incidents took place during a celebratory party held to commemorate the successes of the Union last night.

Investigators have not officially named any suspects, though many believe one of the Union's treasurers, Elizabeth “Red Beth” Cope was behind the scheme. A reward is being offered for anyone who has any information on her current whereabouts. John Deadsea, Cope's former Captain, claims she mutinied and took over the ship, a couple of weeks before this incident.

One Union member, who did not wish to be named, said “I'm not surprised to be honest. I feel like this is kind of on the Union for electing a pirate as treasurer. I mean seriously what were we expecting?”

There is speculation that Red Beth may lose her committee position, both due to this incident and no longer being an Underling. The Union Committee have been unavailable for comment.

The Union and the Owner continue to have a deliberately undefined relationship as the years and decades persist. The Owner doesn't meet much with anybody from the Union, with the occasional exception of Tiffany or Victoria. It seems that it is by mutual agreement that the Underlings Union is invited to mingle upstairs in The Club even while they blur the line between Villain and Underling. The Villains have certainly learned to treat the Union representatives with respect, for they were invited by the Owner after all. It seems almost by coincidence that the presence of the Underlings Union at The Club has curtailed some of the more collaterally damaging plans being drawn up.

Almost a coincidence.

“Thank you everyone for joining us to celebrate 50 years as a Union. Needless to say you've all achieved so much over the history of the Union, and the rights and protections we've been able to negotiate for our fellow members cannot be overstated.

“We of course welcome all the new members who have joined up with us this year. Someone of you I'm sure will know that we still have a handful of members knocking around from our first Union Meeting. Don't worry - some of us do get to retire before working for that long as an Underling!”

A few chuckles ripple across the room

“Now, without further ado, I'm going to hand over to the rest of the committee, and a few special guests. Rest assured all the treaurers have been accounted for!”

This joke draws a bigger laugh from the crowd

“So let me hand over to Roseanna for a presentation on the first Union meetings.”