The Nature of Evil

By Donovan Dau

Here's an image of a femme fatal (Vanessa from M.A.S.K) to help visualize the protagonist

Introduction

I never write villains—at least not under normal circumstances. There are several reasons for this.

First, I often find the evil deeds they commit more cringe-inducing than compelling.

Second, if a villain's motives become too understandable, you risk sympathizing with them to the point that the line between good and evil becomes blurred. I've seen this happen in works such as with Syndrome in The Incredibles or the Zeon in Mobile Suit Gundam.

Third, villains have historically been used as vehicles for offensive caricatures and propaganda. At best, this makes them feel clichéd; at worst, they become hateful stereotypes. The American villains in Tintin, which are never depicted in a positive light, come to mind

On the other hand, you can also make a villain so charismatic that evil itself begins to seem glamorous. The Galactic Empire from Star Wars and Gordon Gekko from Wall Street come to mind, as their aesthetics and confidence sometimes overshadows the moral lessons they were meant to represent.

A particularly disturbing villain can also disrupt an otherwise lighthearted adventure when included simply because the story feels obligated to have one. For me, We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story is the worst offender of this; it would have been a much better movie without Professor Screweyes.

Most importantly, however, I primarily write slice-of-life stories. My stories simply have little room—or need—for traditional villains.

That said, as a Christian, one of my favorite books is The Screwtape Letters. It cleverly turns many of these conventions upside down. Rather than glorifying evil, it examines it from the perspective of a demon, exposing its pettiness, self-deception, and ultimate futility. Screwtape offers an unusual way of thinking about temptation while, paradoxically, teaching the reader how to resist it. Even more amusing is the fate of Wormwood. He embodies nearly every cliché we associate with evil, yet all of his efforts end in complete failure when his intended victim ultimately reaches Heaven.

This story was inspired by The Screwtape Letters. Instead of presenting a realistic demonic hierarchy, I approached the subject through the lens of a stereotypical Saturday morning cartoon villain organization, using it as a humorous case study on the nature of evil.

I can't honestly say I'm particularly proud of this work. It's simply not the kind of story I want to tell as an aspiring children's author. There are creative decisions I would make differently today, even if I still find many of them amusing in retrospect. More than anything, the project consumed a significant amount of time that could have been spent on developing The Donoverse.

Still, I'm glad I tried it. Experimenting with stories outside my comfort zone taught me something about both storytelling and my own creative interests. If nothing else, it confirmed that the kinds of stories I truly want to tell are those centered on ordinary people, everyday life, and the quiet goodness that often goes unnoticed.

That out of the way… onto the story…

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Part I — Origin

We open on the Joseph H.B. Williams high school Mystery Club investigating the robbery of a solid gold artifact at a museum. They quickly find out Fatso and Lank are the culprits and subdue them… only for Veronica Venom to bust through the ceiling window and steal the artifact. In her getaway, she ditches Fatso and Lank, promising to bail them out of jail afterwards.

A helicopter chase ensues between her helicopter, piloted by the crossdressing Queenie Von Dragg, and a Task Force Seven Helicopter being piloted by Gloria and Roadblock. Veronica’s helicopter is downed, forcing them to crash land it on the city streets. In her getaway, she ditches Queenie, promising to bail him out of jail afterwards.

She steals a car but is this time being pursued by Tess Garrett of Speedway. She manages to outmaneuver Tess, escaping on a freeway median while Tess gets stuck in rush hour traffic

Back at headquarters, the von Dragg siblings are bickering like usual. Anton von dragg criticizes her sister (priscillica von dragg) for her latest scheme to steal a solid gold artifact from a museum just to melt it down. He arrogantly brags that his schemes (money laundering, embezzlement, insider trading, ponzi schemes, etc.) have kept the estate alive, and that his older brother (the muscular eugene) only leads the organization because of outdated social norms. Gertrude (the de facto boss) dismisses the idea, saying it is upholding a long standing tradition: For years, the ancient Von Dragg Estate has survived as one of the world's oldest criminal organizations—a decaying aristocratic empire that dreams of reclaiming its former glory that it lost in the 1800s thanks to the British Empire. Anton also denounces Priscilla’s “spoiled brat daughter of a son” for fowling up every mission, to which Priscilla aggressively defends her son lifestyle and calls her brother a bigot 

Veronica Venom suddenly returns with the artifact, to be congratulated. She dismisses the praise and demands she needs money for the release of their henchman from jail… as well as a “service fee”; to which the Von Dragg siblings begrudgingly agree

Veronica Venom (dolled up in a “girl’s next door” disguise) bails Queenie, Fatso, and Lank out of the police station. Fatso and Lank are relieved, but Queenie’s cell mate is more relieved that Queenie is being bailed out than Queenie is. On the car ride back, Fatso fears “one more successful heist and they’ll lock us up for good”, complaining about their string of Pyrrhic Victories. Veronica gloates that she swindled their bosses with a “service fee”; to which fatso innocently complains “didn’t your mother teach you better”. The comment sets off Veronica. She points a gun at Fatso and warns him that she will blow his head off if he brings up her parents again. Fatso stays quiet the rest of the car ride back.

Later that night, Veronica Venom looks at the stolen artifact. She criticizes the idea that The Von Dragg sisters would melt down the statue rather than just keep it as is. A mysterious dashing voice from the shadows agrees with her. Enter Bandit, the elusive and charismatic masked gentleman thief. Realizing that he is the Von Dragg Estate’s biggest enemy, she challenges him to a duel. After minutes of sword fighting and exchanging comments, Veronica disarms Bandit, thinking she won. Suddenly; her dress, having been unknowingly cut up by Bandit in the duel, falls apart leaving her in her black bra and panties. In embarrassment, she accidentally drops her sword; leaving it to be picked up by Bandit. But rather than take advantage of her (as she expects… and somewhat hoped), he tosses away the sword and shows chivalry. He asks Veronica how a “beautiful woman like you” ends up working for the world’s most incompetent villains. Veronica reluctantly gives bandit her backstory:  

Veronica Sanchez grew up abandoned by her mother, verbally abused by her father, and relentlessly bullied throughout school by mean girls. Searching for identity and purpose, she accepts an invitation to join the mysterious Von Dragg Estate, believing she has finally found belonging. Reinventing herself as the glamorous Veronica Venom, she believes life among master criminals will finally give her the respect and excitement she never found growing up.

Instead, she discovers that evil is far less glamorous than she imagined. Behind its grand castles, expensive suits, and sinister reputation lies an organization crippled by arrogance, bureaucracy, and infighting. Although the Von Draggs' schemes often succeed, each victory comes at tremendous cost, revealing cracks beneath their polished image.

As bandit disappears into the night, he gently suggests that she “get out of Von Dragg while you still can, you deserve better”

The next morning, President Conrad Mitchell is advised by his national security advisor that the Von Dragg Estate caused another big scene in Metroville. Conrad Mitchell responds with an annoyed “not again”. Trying to back up those who stopped the crime from The National Security advisors comments, The President acknowledges that Task Force Seven and speedway is doing the best they can to protect the innocent and stop Von Dragg’s “hare brain schemes”, but laments the family keeps getting enough money to bail them out. He calls in FBI director John Pendergrass to investigate the family. Pendergass says he’ll try, but you cant “reason away insanity”

After Pendergrass leaves, the Secretary of Defense Powers enters the room. President Mitchell already knows what he’s about to say. Mitchell asks Powers to brief them on the situation in Talaq

tensions have risen between the dictatorship in the Greater Arab People’s Republic of Talaq and the Kingdom of Mehrabad, With Talaqi President [for life] Mommar Hafez al Hussein threatening to invade the country. Mitchell laments that while Talaq was off getting into a debt crisis over expensive wars with other neighbors and with the ethnic minorities in the mountains (to which he used nerve gas bombs on), Mehrabad was helping to raise the living standards of its people and be the biggest champion of women’s rights in the region next to Israel. Powers recommends military action, but Mitchell initially declines; saying “we need to wait to fight a war, not start one”. He also comments that while Von Dragg is committing public nuisances at home, a real monster is committing truly evil attacks abroad 

Back at Joseph H.B. Williams high school, the Mystery club laments that the goons they subdued yesterday still got bailed out. Megan tries to cheer everyone up that the student body thinks we're “righteous”, only for Lawrence to lament that “the teachers and principals think we’re fools”. Likewise, Task Force Seven also laments that the thug they apprehended yesterday got out scot free. Tess also laments to her family that she lost Veronica, but her family tries to cheer her up saying that it’s better that she got back safe

Later that evening in metroville, Veronica Venom, Fatso, and lank have managed to infiltrate the Museum of art admin office and subdue the museum head and his young woman secretary, stripping them to their underwear and tying them up with their mouths covered. She makes an announcement impersonating the assistant on the loudspeaker, telling museum patrons that the art museum will close early due to unforeseen circumstances. After the last visitors leave, The henchmen (Queenie, Blockhead, Deadweight, Crusher, shades, and a gang of other mooks) bust in through another entrance. Upon arrival; queenie announces to the goons “Gentlemen, its time to get……HUNGRY!!!”, proceeding to blast Duran Duran’s Hungry Like the Wolf on a boom box as the goons flamboyantly dance and party while looting and vandalizing the museum. The museum head and his young woman secretary watch in horror on the CCTV, while Veronica dismisses Queenie’s over the top antics.

As the get away truck seems to be loaded up and ready to go, they are intercepted by Task Force Seven. In the ensuing chase, they crash the truck, causing a 12 car pile-up. No one is hurt and the goons escape, but the loot is left behind

Part II — Escalation

The glamour quickly fades. Back at the Estate, Veronica returns exhausted and frustrated as the other henchmen are surprisingly celebratory. As usual, the bosses are arguing. She angrily confronts them, saying that their Henchman’s antics not only cost them the job but left a trail of destruction of valuable pieces of art in their wake. The Von Dragg siblings casually dismiss the situation, especially Priscillica who takes pride in her son’s showmanship. Veronica snarkily comments “be careful using the word pride to describe your so-called son”, as she walks away with everyone speechless. 

The next morning, the botched heist is all over the news 

Veronica watches in frustration while at a cafe with Shades, Fatso, and Lank. Though nobody recognizes them in the cafe, Veronica feels utterly humiliated as Shades looks on quietly impressed. While in the cafe, a girl scout innocently asks Veronica if they would like to buy some cookies. Veronica dismisses her offer, to which the girl scout smiles and says “thats ok, ill convince you later”. Veronica and the henchman try to discuss more practical plans for another heist in the cafe garden. She proposes a simple operation to steal the Metroville statue of george washington and hold it for ransom, under the condition they keep it in good condition so they can return it. As they wrap up the meeting, The Girl scout returns and begins to sing 

“The sun on the meadow is summery warm…The stag in the forest runs free… But gather together to greet the storm….Tomorrow belongs to me…”

She begins to Sing “Tomorrow Belongs to Me” [from Cabaret] as she holds up her girl scout cookies. Soon, everyone the entire cafe joins in (even the boy scouts) to sing with her; saluting up their cash and credit cards as she salutes up her cookies

“Now Motherland, Motherland, show us the sign…Your children have waited to see…The morning will come When the world is mine… Tomorrow belongs to me ”

Veronica is seduced by the song and decides to buy a dozen boxes as the song goes on

Back at the mansion, Veronica indulges in her cookies before preparing to leave for the heist in her black dress. As she walks by, she doesn't notice that the von Dragg siblings are surprisingly calm. Anton confides to his siblings that Mehrabad is standing on top of vast oil reserves that the Talaqis are dead set on taking over, and that he took the initiative in investing in the dictator; that way they can loan him money in exchange for securities and dividends from the Oil. For one the siblings are in agreement.

That night, Veronica leads the heist, only to be thwarted by Bandit. Things go awry and the henchmen start to foul up the plan as onlookers arrive. Then, Shades accidentally launches the George Washington statue into the air, causing it to shatter to pieces on impact. The onlookers, shocked and enraged, begin to pummel the von Dragg getaway vehicle as they make their escape.

Veronica escapes separately in her car, only to be intercepted by Tess. After a lengthy pursuit, Tess nearly crashes only to stop in time. Veronica doesn't and crashes into a station wagon with a mother and her son. The mother and her son are ok but Veronica suffers minor injuries and is taken to the hospital. On discharge, she is confronted by the mother & her son. But instead of seeking retribution, they decide to forgive her, citing that a man who goes by the name of “bandit” said to do so. Similarly, she sees the garret family comforting Tess after she is distraught from the recent near accident. Veronica is relieved but humiliated, thinking things can't get worse

Then the unthinkable happens. In an arrogant attempt to intimidate President Mitchell, the Von Dragg siblings accidentally confess their financial dealings with Talaq during a recorded White House video call. President Mitchell warns them that if they don't get their money back, they will face lengthy prison sentences if America goes to war and wins. When Gertrude sarcastically asks “if?, Mitchell sadly replies “When”, causing the Von Drag Siblings to start feeling discomfort”

Veronica soon realizes from shades of The Von Dragg siblings' dirty dealings with Talaq, and is furious. Despite Shades and Queenie’s dismissive comments, Veronica knows that the organization is dealing with someone who is a truly evil psychopath. Realizing the legal disaster unfolding around her, Veronica reluctantly begins damage control.

Part III — Crisis

With the organization in freefall, Veronica proposes quieter, more practical operations to keep the Estate alive. Anton Von Dragg rejects her advice; Convinced that instilling fear and awe is the answer. Veronica snaps and says that “Apparently Hussein has rubbed off on you, hasn't he?”. Rather than try to confront her, they just gaslight her and try to tell her “we don't know what you are talking about”. From this point on, the von Dragg siblings try to pretend they have no connections to the Husseins, and Veronica pretends to believe them. 

On a video call, the Von Dragg estate boasts to Hussein that their business deals are going to pay off greatly for the both of them. Publicly; Mommar Hafez al Hussein agrees with them. But once the call ends Hussein secretly confides with his military advisors that has no intention of repaying the enormous loans that financed his military ambitions. Meanwhile; his son and minister of the economy, Abdul Akbar Al Hussein, brags that they will get the oil while the Von Dragg will probably take the fall and go to prison. A lone advisor, Mohammad Al Suari, comments to the Hussein family and to the military commander (General Ali Aziz al Fakkadi) that this is all madness, calling out General Ali for his use of chemical weapons and torture and calling out Abdul for his sexual assults on women and girls. Mommar tries to console and calm down Suari, acknowledging his sons actions but insisting that what they are doing is for the good of Talaq   

And Yes, Mommar Hafez al Hussein of Talaq was inspired by Saddam Hussein of Iraq

As the story progresses; Each new scheme backfires. Public ridicule grows, Law enforcement agencies begin coordinating investigations, Task Force Seven expands its pursuit, and Bandit repeatedly outmaneuvers the Estate. Every failure brings more and more ridicule. Meanwhile, Veronica becomes less and less involved in the estate’s antics. 

One night she goes out on a date with Bandit, now using his real life unmasked name of Harry Calloway. He confides in her that he himself was orphaned as a child, but decided to use his experiences for justice. Rather than admire villains, he admired heroes who fought for good regardless of the legality. It's a rare moment of joy for Veronica.

Then breaking news on TV: War erupts; Talaq invades Mehrabad. 

We see the reactions

Joseph H.B. Williams high school Mystery Club watch news reels. They are filled with casual hatred towards Hussein and wish the worst on him and Talaq. Yukiko (the Japanese exchange student of the gang), however, interrupts, saying there is nothing good about the coming war even if the US gets involved. She confides that her grandmother survived Hiroshima and, because of that, realized that war brings untold suffering to everyone. This causes the others to feel guilty

The group of task force seven watch news reels, trying to speculate how a man could become so evil, ranging from bad upbringing to supposed national humiliation or abuse by foreign interests. Crimson interrupts and dismisses their ideas, saying nothing could justify evil, proposing the idea that one man's victim soon becomes another man's oppressor... (speaking from her own experiences growing up under Soviet oppression) 

The Garrett family, however, is just deeply saddened. They just decide to pray for those who are and will be affected by the war

Veronica is saddened but Hank comforts her

The von dragg just observe it as whether it will be an asset or liability

The president realized that Hussain will not want peace, nor that, despite getting on his nerves, the von dragg estate will seek redemption (feeling pity for them), despite his advisors' consolation. He makes it clear he will leave the door open to Hussain for peace in show, but that he will have to lead the US into a war. He ends the scene saying "God Forgive me".

The president later addresses the nation

“Tonight as we speak, A coalition of 28 nations have forces in the gulf area stand shoulder to shoulder against Mommar Hafez al Hussein” 

In the final scenes, a thermobaric guided bomb is being loaded onto a US Air Force B-1 bomber named “Air Force Brat” (which the pilot named after her daughter to remind him who he was fighting for). The bomber takes off along with…

• US Air Force B-1 bombers armed with powerful guided bombs 

• US Air Force B-52 armed with cruise missiles 

• US Air Force F-15s, Israeli and NATO F-16s, RAF Tornados, and US Navy F-14s and F/A-18s 

• US Air Force E-3 AWACS radar planes

• KC-10 Tankers

En route to Talaq

Part IV — Final Battle

As Talaq invades Mehrabad, the U.S.-led coalition launches a massive military campaign to liberate the kingdom.

In the early morning hours, Abdul lounges in his mansion hot tub. Suddenly the air raid sirens go off. He looks outside and is terrified at what he sees. A massive squadron of US Air Force B-1 bombers rain havoc on the oil refineries and government buildings using powerful guided bombs. The industrial zones begin to look like hellscapes while panic erupts in the lesser damaged city streets. Earlier, US Air Force B-52 launched a massive cruise missile attack  on military bases, ground control, and radar stations. US Air Force F-15s, Israeli and NATO F-16s, RAF Tornados, and US Navy F-14s and F/A-18s knock out Talaqi air force’s migs and mirages one by one, half of them before they even leave the ground. While his father and advisors seek shelter, Abdul attempts to escape on his Mil-8 helicopter with his wealth.However,the B-1 drops the guided thermobaric bomb on his mansion, killing him instantly. Talaq is now under siege 

Within days, the situation began to deteriorate for the Talaqis. Partisans led by Mehrabad prime minister Marijane Hassan have prevented Talaqi forces from taking the capital, Coalition ground troops have dealt a decisive blow to the Talaqi Army, and now the Talaqi armed forces are in retreat as the remaining air force flees to Syria (outside of the coalition reach)

The von Dragg estate watches in horror while Veronica mocks the bosses. Arguments begin to break out between the siblings again

Believing one spectacular victory will restore their prestige, the Von Dragg Estate attempts its greatest operation yet: The seizure and ransom of the tallest skyscraper in the city. They call upon their resident mad scientist, The Professor, to assist in the plot. Although Veronica has emotionally checked out by now, she begrudgingly assists believing the henchmen will need a get away driver 

As the plan unfolds, things start to go awry. Finally, the professor’s grand invention fails and a six-hour citywide blackout follows. The President is informed. Too preoccupied with the ongoing war to bother with yet another gimmick, he casually tells Task Force Seven (and the power company) to handle the situation. Task Force Seven soon arrives and dismantles most of the Estate's forces.The Garrett Family destroys Fatso and Lanky's getaway vehicle during a frantic chase. The remaining henchman and the bosses get away on their own, leaving Veronica stranded and on her own.

Bandit meets Veronica one final time, convincing her that the organization she once admired is beyond saving.For the first time, Veronica seriously considers walking away.

Part V — Downfall

Within days; Mehrabad is liberated and Talaq's dictatorship collapses. Mommar Commits suicide while Ali is summarily executed by defecting generals. Watching the news as coalition forces surround Talaq's capital, the Von Dragg Estate erupts into panic and blame. While everyone argues, Veronica quietly gathers decades of financial records, operational files, and evidence. Without anyone noticing, she walks out.

She secretly meets with FBI Director John Pendergrass (with the help of Bandit, who was working for the FBI all along), agreeing to testify against the Estate in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Reflecting on her past, she confesses:

"I joined a circus expecting to be an acrobat...

only to find myself surrounded by clowns."

Her testimony dismantles the organization.

The Von Dragg bosses receive lengthy prison sentences.

Their remaining associates face justice according to their crimes.

• Henchmen: regular prison sentences 

• Fatso and lanky: house arrest at their parents home, mandatory counseling, community service 

• Queenie: prison sentence; enjoys it a lot more than he should 

• Professor: institutionalized in the state psychiatric ward 

Veronica receives probation and community service for her cooperation.

Months later, she reinvents herself as a stage entertainer, transforming the glamorous "Veronica Venom" persona into an act rather than a criminal identity. She is also happily married to Hank

Her confidence remains, Her elegance remains, But now, the mask serves to entertain instead of deceive. The series ends not with revenge, but with renewal, as Veronica finally finds the purpose she had been searching for all along—not in power over others, but in choosing a different path.