Cortex had it bad. No matter how many times he tried, that stubborn Bandicoot always stood in the way. And what's worse, he found himself face to face with Uka Uka once more after his banishment to the end of the Universe. Clearly that bandicoot's too much for his intellect. Cortex didn't have much to register before finding himself in an unfamiliar location. Paintings and a luxurious carpet were the most noticeable features of the room, alongside a giant fish tank. Near the back of the room, someone was sitting at a wooden table with Uka Uka floating near him. Whoever this guy was, Cortex had the feeling that he was being replaced somehow.

• So, this is the total failure of an evil scientist I was told about?

• Yes, it is true, my faithful vassal. Uka Uka replied.

• What, who is this? Can somebody tell me what's going on? Cortex asked.

The menacing figure stoop up and approached the cowering Cortex.

• So you really have no idea who I am now? Not a surprise considering how soon you cut off contact with me early on in your career. I am Dr. Thalamus and as of today, you shall work for me, Neo Cortex.

• Work for you? Now listen here, you cretin! If there's someone worthy of achieving world domination, it's me! And if you truly insist that I serve under you then I insist in return that you help me to get rid of those pesky bandicoots, no further.

• Worry not, you can be assured that they will be rid of in due time as well. You see Cortex, given your track records, I think it's better that you leave the world domination to someone who's actually competent at it

• Alright fine, just tell me what's your plan already.

Dr. Thalamus gave a little smirk. After all of the failures he has suffered, it was delicious to see him cowering before him and Uka Uka.

• The world has plenty of powerful artifacts besides the Crystals just awaiting to be found, you know. Long ago, there existed a tribe that lived in peace and harmony. But that peace came with a terrible price. For the Orb of Silence kept the tribe pacified and content. Until one day, a rival tribe attacked their holy city and broke the orb into several pieces. Now free from their brainwashing, the tribesmen attacked the priests that have denied them free will. As for the pieces, nobody knows where they ended up. And that's where we come in. I've invented a device that can detect the signature resonance emitted by the pieces.

• And lemme guess, by gathering those pieces we can control everyone on this planet, correct? Cortex inquired.

• Indeed. Even the bandicoot and Uka Uka's 'feeble' brother can't stop us. Dan and Bob, c'ere!

As if on cue, two beings entered the room. One was a tall bear and the other was a small fennec fox. And they each wore matching uniforms.

• By the by, who are they? Cortex asked.

• The tall one's Dan, the short one's Bob. They are my elite operatives and shall be joining us for this expedition.

• Howdy. Said Dan.

• Nice to meet'cha. Bob joined.

Cortex inspected these two henchmen closely. Unlike Tiny and others, they actually seemed to give a more competent vibe overall.

• You sure they are up to the task? Cortex asked.

• Of course. You have my assurances that they can get us through any mission.

• I see. And what's the status on the bandicoots?

• According to latest recon, they still appear to be relaxing on the island. It's possible they might catch wind of our activities eventually which is why it's advisable to be as discreet as possible. By the time Aku Aku notices something's wrong, we should still have the advantage.

• They better be. The I... ahem WE need is them foiling an yet another evil plan. His creation was clearly a mistake. If only I have stuck with the wombat...

• Are you done? Uka Uka's commanding voice permeated the room.

Everyone present gave the mask their utmost attention.

• It is time to begin. Dr. Thalamus, get your airship ready. The time retrieve the fragments of the Orb of Silence has come at last.