Six sinister figures huddled around a rickety table in a shadowy, worn-down warehouse near the docks in New York City.

Doctor Octopus: "Gentlemen, that was a poor display indeed. Not only did we fail to retrieve the relic from the museum, but we were soundly beaten as well."

Electro: "Yeah, but that was the Hulk. Those Fantastic dorks we coulda taken, but it was the Hulk man..."

Sandman: "Well I say they got lucky. We almost had 'em. Besides, how retarted can they be? I mean, they just turned us over to the cops. Didn't check up on us or nuthin.' They're fantastic fools if ya ask me..."

Mysterio: "Don't be too cocky, Sand-head. Those were supposed to be Vault Guardsmen, not just 'cops.' So HOW did you pull off that scam anyway Octavious?"

Doctor Octopus: "Just be glad I did. Keep in mind that my resources to 'pull off' such last minute saves are dwindling. We need to do better. I was encouraged, though, that my plan seems to be working. You'll note that Spider-Man was not present, despite his recent association with the Fantastic Four. He was no doubt in upstate New York trying to discern what we are up to in that region. The idiot is so gullible."

Vulture: "Yeah, so what if Spider-Man wasn't there? They got the Hulk instead...how's that better? And I was looking at the museum's security tapes -- what the hell is wrong with those guys? They just walked in and stood there, all except that goofy, big-glasses-wearing guy, who seemed to really have to go badly, what with all the dance-hopping he was doin.'"

Doctor Octopus: "My investigations of the tapes reveals that they were simply trying to reactivate the alarm system and erase any traces that they had been there. Our appearance seems to have derailed that plan."

Sandman: "So, you're saying they weren't even there to try and stop us?"

Doctor Octopus: "No. It appears they were there for their own purposes and that it was just happenstance that we were there at the same time."

Vulture: "Grreeeaaattttt....."

Electro: "Hey, that reminds me. You still owe me a new bike Octopus."

Kraven: "They were worthy prey. I say we seek them out again."

Doctor Octopus: "No, Kraven. But you're headed in the right direction. Our reputation has been tarnished as of late. The Fantastic Four and the Masters of Evil before them have embaressed us. If my plan is to unfold properly, we'll need to enhance our reputation a bit. So, with that in mind, I've found even better targets. There is a new Super team in town, one backed by the government and possessed of very potent weapons and technology. They call themselves the Ultimates, and they should make very worthy prey indeed. I think we could use an extra hand on this one as well. It seems Hobgoblin's mental instabilities have begun to manifest a bit more profoundly. We'll need to keep an eye on him."

Electro: "Yeah, well, but what about my bike?"

Sandman, Mysterio and Vulture: "Shut up!"