Dr. Victor Von Doom, king of Latveria and self-proclaimed world's smartest man, sat in his study in Castle Doom, and typed on his laptop. Clad in his usual armor, metal face mask, and cloak, he was updating the latest developments of his plan to conquer the world.

Doom was forming an army of super-villains who would, under his leadership, wipe out every super-hero on the planet, thus eliminating the only obstacle to Doom's conquest of Earth. Once the super-heroes were gone, the governments of the world would easily fall to the genius, the strategy and the technology of Dr. Doom.

The world's super-villains were to be his footsoldiers. They'd do the fighting and take the risks. They'd die for his cause, and he'd claim the prize. Most of them were easy to manipulate, bribe or trick into serving him. True, a few had turned him down, but those cretins would pay for their impertinence when Doom was the supreme ruler of the world.

He'd gotten about two dozen super soldiers in his cause so far. And he was just getting started. Over the next few weeks, he calculated he'd have at least fifty, if not more. With his brilliant guidance, his army would be invincible!

The Shade was the only villain who was invited to join Dr. Doom's army without a test. Doom had his new super soldiers put the word out on the street in the Shade's home turf of Opal City. The message was that the Shade was welcome to join Victor Von Doom in his castle in Latveria, to be his second in command.

When Doom was searching Europe for his destiny, he worked for a criminal named the Boss Man. Boss Man used to brag about his relationship with the famous super-villain, the Shade. The stories of the Shade's exploits were part of what gave Doom the confidence that one man, with the proper intelligence and a bit of power, could do anything. Much of the money Doom had inherited from Boss Man after his death was received from business dealings with the Shade. Later, when he was attending Empire State University in New York, the hated Doc Savage named the Shade as the most cunning and classy foe he had ever battled. Doom admired people who were cunning and classy, especially if they fought Savage. After Doom had overthrown the tyrants of Latveria and became king, he was amazed to receive a note of congratulations from the Shade. Doom did a lot of research into the history of the Shade. Doom always felt that he and the Shade had much in common and that the Shade would make a great ally. So he invited the Shade to join him without a test.

The lives of the Shade and Victor Von Doom had crossed paths many times, although the two of them had never actually met. Long ago, the Shade had a business associate in Europe who used to fence stolen goods for him. He called himself the Boss Man. The Shade occasionally accepted Boss Man's hospitality when he was in Europe. Boss Man had told him about his young protege, a brilliant young lab technician named Victor Von Doom. A few years later, while in New York, the Shade heard about a nearly fatal accident at Empire State University. The only reason the Shade's attention was attracted to the story was because the victim was a student of one of his old adversaries, Doc Savage. But when he read the name Victor Von Doom, he knew that this unfortunate science student must be the same over-eager lab tech he heard about in Germany. Months later, he heard about a metal clad inventor calling himself Dr. Doom who slaughtered some arms dealers. The dealers were about to sell weapons to a south American tyrant who had a grudge against the Shade and would probably have used them against the Shade eventually so he was glad to hear of their deaths. And soon after that, this Dr. Doom conquered Latveria. The Shade even sent him a letter, congratulating him. Since then, Doom had become a world leader, taking his impoverished homeland from the depths of despair to surprising prosperity.

The Shade did as much research as he could into Doom's life. The Shade had many resources and found out quite a lot. Doom has had an interesting life. The Shade always knew that fate would bring them together one day. But he was very concerned about this latest turn of events.

Doom's entire life had been one vendetta after another. He was always seeking to settle old scores or to find his newest destiny . . . which was always something very grand indeed.

The Shade thought of an appropriate quote, "When Alexander saw the width and breath of his domain, he wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer."

The Shade nodded. Yes, that was Doom. Even if he ruled the world, he wouldn't be happy. He would always want more and more. And if there was no more, he would turn his attention to those already subjugated. Everyone would pay for his lack of new triumphs. Doom is deadly enough when he has a goal. But without one, he would go insane. And an insane Doom was the worst possible scenario.

No, the Shade decided. This can't be allowed to happen. Doom was not fit to rule the world. Maybe the heroes would stop Doom but the Shade couldn't take that chance. Since he was invited to castle Doom, he would accept the invitation. He couldn't fight Doom, but maybe, somehow, he could find a way to stop him. Doom wouldn't be as easy to outwit as so many others have been. This would be a challenge. That, alone, was reason enough to go.

The Shade opened a doorway to the Shadow Realm, the source of his power. That was how the Shade traveled, by taking a shortcut to anywhere in the world through the shadow realm. He put on his frock coat, his top hat, grabbed his walking stick and entered the doorway of shadows and darkness. Next stop--Latveria.

When he reached the red hall, his royal guards and his robot sentries already had the intruder surrounded. Doom took one look at the Victorian gentlemen in the top hat and knew immediately that his invitation had been accepted. "The Shade, I presume."

The Shade bowed gracefully. "My dear Doctor. This is an honor and a pleasure."

Doom ordered his guards to dismiss and stepped up to the Shade. He pointed an armored finger at the Shade's forehead. "You have less frontal development than I had assumed."

The Shade smiled, "I must congratulate you on your instrumentality, Herr Doom. No one else has the technology to detect my arrival through the Shadow dimension."

Doom nodded, "The study of other dimensions, particularly the ones with different physical laws, was one of my earliest fields of interest."

The Shade nodded politely, but thought about the accident many years ago when Doom was trying to contact another dimension and ruined his face. But the Shade chose not to mention it now.

"Please," Doom said. "Come to my study."

Soon, the two men were sitting in Doom's private study, enjoying some wine and cheese. After some initial pleasantries...

"And now, to business," Doom said. "Have you come to accept my offer?"

"I must admit," The Shade answered, "that I have some reservations."

Doom put his wine down and stared at the Shade. "Do you indeed?" he asked, with a less polite voice.

"It's this army of Super-Villains concept," The Shade said. "It's been done before. The Injustice Society, the Legion of Doom, and others. They just don't work. These super criminals have ego and personality problems. They aren't conducive to unity of purpose."

"But my army will have something that those did not," Doom countered. "It has me. My entire life as been a series of strategic maneuvers in which I outwitted adversaries and survived. Not just survived but prospered. I conquered this country with my masterful strategies. I have an unequaled gift for it."

"You may be underestimating the heroes," The Shade said. "Consider Captain America who is probably the finest tactician I have ever fought. And then there's this mysterious Batman who seems quite intelligent. And don't forget the elder statesmen like Alan Scott and Doc Savage . . . "

Doom slammed his gauntlet onto the table. "Don't mention that name in my presence!" he bellowed.

"Ah, yes!" The Shade said. "That unfortunate accident. You blame Dr. Savage for it, don't you?"

"Are you implying that it wasn't his fault?" Doom asked angrily. "That it was mine? Do you imagine that Doom could make such a blunder?"

"No implications intended, Herr Doom," The Shade answered politely. "But in my experience, sabotage is not in Clark Savage's nature."

Doom leaned forward menacingly. "Are you trying to provoke me, Shade?"

"Not at all, doctor," The Shade replied. "Just a difference of opinion. Like our opposing views on this plan of yours to conquer the world. As I said, I have reservations."

"Why?" Doom challenged.

"Most likely, all my objections have already crossed your mind," The Shade said.

"Then possibly my answers have already crossed yours," Doom responded. "I sincerely hope that you are not thinking of opposing me. I like you, Shade, and I respect you. It would pain me to have to eliminate you."

The Shade smiled. "Do you like chess, Herr Doom?"

"Of course," Doom answered. "Chess is strategy."

"Shall we play?" The Shade suggested. "My mind always works best when my concentration is divided."

"What a strange coincidence," Doom said. "So does mine."

"What I enjoy most about chess," Doom said, "is that it reminds me of the world situation. The pieces each represent a country of the world. Each piece has only a finite number of moves it can make. It's capabilities are limited. What makes a great chessmaster is the ability to utilize the limited power of each piece to his best advantage. And a great world leader can take the limited resources of his country and make his nation a world power. Intelligence is the key. Strategy. I've never lost a chess game."

"But chess has rules," The Shade said. "The real world doesn't. The unexpected, the unprecedented plays a part. Once, as a boy, I was playing against a great chessmaster. I couldn't beat him. So when he wasn't looking I kicked over the table. I didn't lose that game. And he didn't win."

"I'm prepared for any eventuality," Doom answered.

"Even your own men?" the Englishman asked.

"I can handle them," Doom said. "They are no match for the likes of me. I am a superior man. The superior are meant to rule. Those like you and I should be in command of the mental pygmies we are surrounded with. Global rule is our destiny."

The Shade shook his head. "I never tried to take over the world. Never even considered it. My crimes were for profit or passion. Why do so many people want to conquer the world? I just don't see the appeal."

"I can't speak for the others," Doom said. "But in my case, I feel the call of destiny. It is what I was born to do. And I can do it better than anyone else. I realized it not long ago. I had an epiphany. I know what I am meant to do. Doom shall not wander aimlessly through life like so many others. I shall march unerringly towards my fate, like an arrow from a bow."

"Arrows from the bow don't always hit the target," The Shade said. "And they can be knocked out of the air if the interceptor is skillful enough."

"Was that a threat, Shade?" Doom asked.

"Just some helpful advice," answered the Shade.

"I don't need your advice," Doom stated sternly. "I invited you here out of courtesy but your welcome is wearing thin. I am disappointed."

"I don't see why," The Shade replied. "Great minds don't always think alike. I thought that someone as brilliant as yourself would welcome a debate, an exchange of ideas and opinions. You didn't call me here to be a Yes-man, did you? If you did, then I am disappointed in your low opinion of me."

"Touche," Doom said.

"Well, that's settled then," The Shade commented. "We can be civilized. I hadn't expected to get you so flustered. Usually, from what I've heard, only the mention of Doc Savage gets you so vexed."

Doom stared at the Shade and folded his arms. "You're trying to bait me, Englishman. Do you think you can manipulate me merely by saying the name of my enemy? Is Doom some Pavlovian dog? But if you wish to name drop, what do you think of the name Culp?"

The Shade let a hint of surprise slip onto his face for a moment. He regained his composure but too late.

"So," Doom began, "I've struck a nerve. Are you surprised to find that I've researched you. I know that another man with shadow powers appeared in England at exactly the same time you did, one hundred and twenty years ago. That could not be a coincidence. What secret past do you and he share? Why do you hate each other? By my observations, you've been fighting a war with this man all over the world ever since. We all have our raw nerves, Shade. Savage is mine, Culp is yours."

"My compliments," The Shade said. Doom nodded, accepting the compliment.

"However," The Shade added, "The situation is a bit different. I've battled my enemy many times, but when he's not in front of me, I can forget him. I am not obsessed. Culp doesn't run my life."

"Savage ruined my face!" Doom said in a low, hostile voice.

"That's not the obsession I was talking about," The Shade said. "It‘s your desire to expand your power. You've always been compelled to increase the scope of your rule. Never satisfied. Not with the Boss Man's fortune. Not with ruling Latveria."

"Why should a man be satisfied with less when he is capable of taking more?" Doom answered. "Is it obsession to challenge one's self with reaching new heights? Would mankind have ever reached this stage of technology if no one had ever strived to achieve the impossible?"

"There are many plans that should not have been followed," The Shade said. "The Japanese government thought Pearl Harbor was a good idea. Years later, after Hiroshima, they looked back with somewhat less enthusiasm at that plan."

"Are you saying I should give up my plans to conquer the world?" Doom asked.

"I think you should take a closer look at this particular plan," The Shade said, "and particularly at your partners."

"I can outwit them," Doom said. "I can outwit anyone."

The Shade made a move on the chessboard. He took Doom's rook. Now, only two pieces remained . . . the two kings.

"Stalemate," The Shade said. "You didn't outwit me. There are still some surprises left in the world, aren't there, Herr Doctor?"

Doom stood up. "Walk with me."

"You obviously came here to talk me out of my plan," Dr. Doom said. "It's a pity. I thought a man of your intelligence would jump at the chance. Perhaps you're not what I thought you were."

"What did you think I was, doctor?"

"A superior man, much like myself," Doom said. "A man of class, foresight and intelligence. A man who would grab his destiny when he had the chance. A worthy second-in-command when I rule the Earth."

"And what do you think I am now?"

"I think," Doom said. "That you are an underachieving fool. You are a coward who is so afraid of losing that you would rather not take any great risk. You're content with petty theft and murder but don't have the vision for anything grander. You're so afraid of your rival Culp that you hide in your secret lair, only showing your face when you see easy profit, and scurrying back when danger threatens. And worse, you have collaborated with your enemies--these super-heroes--when you have had a difference of opinion with another member of your criminal fraternity. You inform the Avengers League or some other do-gooders and then you hide while they take care of your problem for you! Is that what you're going to do with me, Shade? Are you going to inform the noble heroes that Doom is out for their blood?"

"Isn't that exactly what you're doing?" The Shade said. "Using lackeys to do your fighting for you while you sit here and wait to claim the spoils of victory? Well be careful, Herr Doom. They just might steal the glory from you!"

"Doom will not allow that to occur!" Doom stated firmly.

"Are you so sure?" The Shade asked.

"Absolutely!"

"And have you never made a miscalculation?" The Shade challenged.

"Never!"

"What about the accident that ruined your face?" The Shade said.

"That would have worked!" Doom shouted. "I was sabotaged by Doc Savage!"

"My point exactly," The Shade said. "Your preparations may have been perfect but there is always that element of instability when someone else is involved. Whether it's Clark Savage or one of your super-villain lackeys. There is always the possibility of someone else not doing his part correctly, or of deliberately ruining your plan. Remember the old saying, ‘If you want something done right, you must do it yourself'? The reason that teams of super-villains have never worked before is that they always turn on each other! They can't be trusted. And you can't trust them to carry out your orders. They are too ambitious! They'll err, just as they always have! You will fail, not because of your planning , but because it will be executed with neolithic incompetence! Your plan to contact the afterlife all those years ago may have been prefect, but it failed due to sabotage. You've regretted it ever since. I would sincerely hate to see you spending the following years regretting this plan. If you want to conquer the world, Doom, do it by yourself. You're capable of it. You don't need to risk failure on unreliable partners. Forget this idea, Doom. You can do better."

Doom was silent behind his mask, but his body language spoke volumes. The Shade's words had reached him. After a long pause . . .

"I find these thoughts of your quite disturbing," Doom said.

"As do I, my friend," The Shade replied.

"Please leave me, Shade," Doom said. "I have much thinking to do! And I prefer to do it alone."

"As you wish, Herr Doom," The Shade said, bowing. "Until the next time."

The Shade disappeared into another shadow portal. The portal closed behind him and Doom was alone.

On the monitor appeared the words: 'Are You Sure You Want To Delete The File WORLD DOMINATION VIA SUPER-VILLAIN ARMY?'

Doom pressed ‘Yes.'

The file was erased. The super-villain army was history.

Immediately, Doom began running possible scenarios for others plans with which to conquer the world.