200 gems = bonus chapter
Fully support the story at:
patreon.com/FanFictionPremium
***
17 December, 2013.
Empire State University.
Peter Parker.
- So, Mr Parker, have you got everything? - Questioned the man, adjusting his glasses.
- Yes, Professor Hale," I confirmed, closing the text of my diploma.
- Then we'll leave to make a decision," the man nodded and the panel of five scientists, including Dr Connors, left.
Curtis gave me a reassuring nod.
As soon as the door closed I exhaled and walked over to the nearest row, sitting down on a bench.
The lab assistant sitting at the computer smiled at me and I returned the gesture of encouragement.
After the story with the Punisher and Blade, I'd realised that too much was demanding my attention, and these months had been extremely stressful.
The biggest headache was, of course, HYDRA.
I was invited back to the Aircraft Carrier two days later, just as I was immersed in Morbius' research and beginning to create the rudiments of a future "vampire-stabilising" serum. I wanted to involve Maria, but I thought that was too cheeky.
The stable flight on the Quindjet and the walk to the punishment cell was diluted by a non-trivial event: I was pushed by a pretty blonde and ran away, apologising nicely.
My escort had no questions, and I fumbled in my pocket for a small device.
A meeting with Firs, a conversation and an unambiguous hint to press the button.
As it turned out, this device quietly looped the cameras so that the HYDRA scientist could give me the CU.
In the compartment, nothing complicated, standard information retrieval, contact with some agents and all that sort of thing.
To my own surprise and greatest disappointment I discovered that the "twins" Rick and Rachel are double agents. Too bad. I liked them. Seemed so...nice.
So far the squids haven't bothered me with anything big, yet in their eyes I'm a rookie agent who doesn't stand out except for the interest of a high-ranking scientist in the organisation. If they find out that I like to dress up in red-and-black tights...I will not be able to avoid hundreds of super-important operations. And at the very least, a complete failure in my personal life as a human being.
I think I'll be given a more difficult mission soon.
But that will come later.
After all of Fierce's "welcoming" of me as a newborn squid, I returned home and suddenly realised one thing: the second fucking year of training had begun.
It was at that moment that I realised why, in the comics, Prime Parker had dropped out of university. How can you not drop out, with a pile of superhero questions/topics/problems? And at least I'm still at least not in financial trouble, misunderstandings with my family, personal life and whatnot. At least not major ones.
Speaking of personal. Mary is seven months pregnant and I'm so excited to find out the sex of our baby. I don't know how I'm gonna make it another month. I thought about using magic, but the doc put me on hold.
Actually, I had to solve the problem with my studies. Once again, all the power of my intellect and Spider stamina came to the rescue. Everything I needed to prepare for three courses of exams, plus a diploma.
Doc Connors was almost impossible to convince. If it hadn't been for my, lately since returning from HYDRA, responsible approach to spending my time in the lab and our research with the Lizard serum, he never would have agreed. But Kurt came to my rescue, so I focused on getting ready.
Of course, my hero routine suffered a bit: the search for Michael, who had gone underground, was stalled, much to the displeasure of our brave vigilantes in black. Gathering an "army" to fight against HYDROA, but here everything is not so terrible, still squid nischuchim squidov, but later.
The most upsetting thing was that I had almost completely interrupted my incipient contact with the X-Men. Thankfully, Cain had my back here.
Though I even missed the moment that made me freeze with surprise for a few seconds as I simply flipped through the news reports, letting my brain not swell with the abundance of training information.
"Erik Lehnsherr stands up for mutant rights"; "Genosha Island ruler makes statement at UN podium"; "Mutants, your home awaits you" and other headlines and excerpts of Magneto's words.
I never thought Eisenhart would begin his emergence into the political arena, at least not after that story of the battle between the X's and the Brotherhood.
Maybe it was an initiative of his cronies? Why, Mystique is quite capable of playing behind the back of even a mastodon like Eric.
Another case put on hold due to time constraints.
It wasn't all bad though, as Spider had my back on the streets or in working with George, who was joined by Captain Yuri Watanabe's clones after his promotion.
Ben, Cain, and Del have become so indispensable to me that I've decided to expand their influence and talents. Just in time for today's meeting.
I was interrupted from my musings and reminiscences by the return of the committee.
Everyone had taken their seats.
The chairman of the meeting, Professor Hale, rose and coughed dryly.
- So, Mr Parker, the department has reached a decision," the man adjusted his glasses. - I must admit that when Professor Connors informed about your unusual request it was hard to agree, still for us there are not rare cases of absentee graduation, but usually it concerns the fourth year, rarely the third, you expressed your readiness to write a diploma and pass exams from the second year.... it is unusual, - the professor again shone hemispherical eyepieces and looked at me. - However, taking into account your scientific activity in the laboratory and work on projects under the wing of Dr Connors, we agreed and, I admit, your work on the intertwining of neural filaments of the human brain and evidentiary encephalograms....it is amazing, Mr Parker," the professor said approvingly.
- Thank you," I modestly incline my head.
- Due to your brilliant exams, especially in organic chemistry and higher biology, as well as your impressive defence, the committee is happy to credit your work and you can pick up your certificate of completion and your diploma tomorrow," the man smiled warmly. - I don't know why you accelerated your graduation in such a hurry, but we hope that you will think about doing postgraduate studies in our walls, such specialists are worth their weight in gold.
- Perhaps in the future, Dr Hale," I said, not hiding my winning smile as I approached and shook the palm of my hand.
- One last thing," Doc said, not letting go of my hand, "just out of idle curiosity, why did you decide to graduate so quickly? You could have had a lot more time to write research papers and build up your portfolio, which would have cemented your budding academic status at the very least, so why?
- I'm going to be a father soon, Professor, I'd like to be near my beloved and help with the child, - I answer calmly. - And there will be time to write scientific papers.
It's not nice to cover myself with Mary and our baby, but you can't tell me about spider activity, can you?
- Oh, well, it's a young thing," the professor laughs softly. - Congratulations, Mr Parker, and good luck.
- Thank you.
The scientists get up and start to leave the room, when the lab assistant leaves, only Doc Connors and I are left in the room.
- Yeah, I thought I'd be congratulating you on your graduation in a more festive atmosphere," Doc laughed, rubbing the back of his neck nervously.
I could detect a slight note of sadness in his voice, though.
- Let me guess, in the company of other students in pointy hats?
Now we're both laughing.
- I'm glad, Peter, I really am, and I'm very proud of you. The day you stepped into my lab I knew you were an exceptional young man," the professor sighed at the end. - It's just a shame that now I'm going to lose such a treasure trove in my lab.
- Doc, do you really think I'm going to stop coming? - I arch an eyebrow.
- Don't you? - Kurt asks dumbfounded.
- Professor Connors, I'm no longer your student, but I promised you a long time ago that until we stabilised the Lizard formula I would help, and I still stand by my word.
- Thank you, colleague," Doc extended his left hand to me with a smile.
I return the handshake.
***
About this time.
Oscorp plant, Director's office.
Osborn was sitting at his desk with his palms crossed thoughtfully. His computer monitor was broadcasting from several sources. A line of screen divided the space into exactly two halves.
The recording on the left side showed a very colourful room. A man in his fifties sat at a white table, wearing a pink suit, poring over several dozen fabrics.
- Richie, everything doesn't fit, bring me Stephanie, now! - shouted the grey-haired man and his pale assistant scurried out the door.
Kingsley got back on track quickly, Norman reasoned, watching the focused fashion designer again.
To the Goblin's surprise, Roderick was causing more trouble than one might expect. Even though the supervillain had collected all the evidence that could sink the old man's criminal modelling empire, Kingsley continued to resist Norman, not accepting his leadership. Sometimes it's impossible to measure the hubris of some people. Even though Kingsley's lust for power and authority outweighed his own and he agreed to accept Norman's slightly modified Green Globulin formula, the Hobgoblin would occasionally raise his head, which infuriated the Green Goblin. The fashion designer was no match for him. Although he was annoying.
What could not be said about the second candidate.
Norman focused his gaze on the second part of the screen.
A young man was sitting in a small room that looked like a prison cell, as confirmed by the iron bars, and was meditating.
Funny, despite his arrogance toward McIndale, Kingsley hadn't been able to locate the cameras in his office and home, but Jason had.
The former secret service agent had given Osborne back his confidence in the decision he had made. Norman had high hopes for his second handler, and he'd even agreed not to leave their secret training centre and concentrate on honing the same glider skills.
Smart kid.
Unlike Roderick, who was so eager to return to the fold of his fashion empire.
The goblin turned round in his chair and stood up, walking over to the window from which he had once set off on his free flight.
The fall probably wouldn't kill him, but it was necessary to test the weakness of his enemy.
The workers could replace the glass and Norman would never have noticed that the window had ever broken, but he ordered all the shards to be collected and the window moulded anew. Now, the usual smoothness of an equally flat reflective surface was diluted by a large chunk of ugly assembled material.
The goblin looked at his uneven, mangled reflection and grinned. It was a reminder of his promise.
Since Spider had come to his office, Norman had kept a low profile, not provoking in any way, even suspending plans to run for mayor and cutting back on interviews. He waited, watched, studied.
The Spider clones, Osborne had guessed them long ago, the very weapons he was to get out of the hands of the idiot Warren, Stenolaz had intercepted them and turned them to his side!
The memory of one of the Spider's most unpleasant victories caused Norman's emotions to swirl. The man lowered his head, glanced at his hand, and frowned. The limb was beginning to take on a greenish hue.
Osborn sighed, getting his emotions under control. This wasn't the first time this had happened.
Well, power is not given without consequences.
And his time is getting closer.
The main underlings are ready, even if Kingsley makes him worry about a stab in the back.
Maybe get Alistair to design some sort of micro-explosives to put in the Hobgoblin's head?
For control.
Oh, young Smythe, a storehouse of technological genius. Norman's plan worked just fine. After all, what motivates a man better than revenge? Once again, the Chameleon had fulfilled all expectations.
And now, the young man has spent many months working on his future army of robot goblins.
The time is drawing near.
***
Later this evening.
Spider-Man.
I release two strands and swing up into the air with a spirited shout of victory.
I can't believe I'm done with such an important layer of life as training, Raj.
And yet I hope that in the future you will return to become a doctor in your field, I know you may have a great future in the scientific field, Bearer.
I will, brother, maybe five years from now?
Letting out the cobwebs, heading home to Queens.
The girls are probably waiting for news, but I need to meet the Web Warriors.
Sending my clones a psionic message, I headed towards the meeting place.
It's better to talk to my family at home.
I get to my home neighbourhood and crawl through the window.
I change and open the wardrobe, taking out a small gift for one of the clones. I grab the package and leave the room.
My gut tells me my brothers and sister are waiting downstairs.
And they are. I walk into the living room. Ben and Delia are sitting on the couch, and Cain is propped up against the wall, as always. Sometimes I think he's also got Parker's distinctive sense of humour and is deliberately trying to play the sullen lone wolf. It's Logan 2.0.
- Hello, everyone," I said, moving toward the chair and nodding separately to Cain.
- And to you, fearless leader," Ben said, but I could hear a hint of displeasure in his voice. - You know, this telepathic connection of ours is a bit of a strain sometimes, and I was out of the flat before I could even explain myself to Lizzie.
Another thing that had happened over the months, Ben had revealed himself to his girlfriend, both as a Spider and that he was a clone.
I remember when Cain was foaming at the mouth at Reilly and had to be dragged away. Though Delia wasn't far behind in her displeasure with our wild brother.
I, on the other hand, was as calm as a boa constrictor. It was hard to imagine not checking out the circumstances of Miss Elizabeth Tyne's early existence, especially recalling her life story in the comics. And yes, she had a history here as well. That's why I was calm. She wouldn't reveal our secrets unless she wanted hers revealed, which I was quick to inform her of. But I didn't need to, Miss Janine Godby is very fond of my brother.
But insurance is never a bad thing.
- I agree with Ben, it's strange that sometimes we can't resist your call," Delia added thoughtfully.
Cain stood quietly against the wall. He probably didn't care, despite his violent temper, the scarred twin was the most "loyal" of my clones.
- I'll let Elizabeth know you had your reasons, and I'll take your remark into consideration, Del," I said, sitting down in my chair. - But you know I would never force you to do anything against your will, right, sis?
Del nods slightly embarrassed.
- 'Anyway, I wanted to talk to you, my Web Warriors.
After the 'thunderous announcement' we quickly went from family talk to seriousness.
- Most importantly, I wanted to say that I am very proud of you and extremely grateful. You came to my rescue when I went missing and have been a pillar of support since, bailing out not only Peter Parker, but Spider-Man as well.
- Come on, Pete, it's our pleasure," Cain finally spoke up.
- I appreciate it anyway," I nod at the slightly embarrassed genetic double. - So I thought it was time to formally introduce you to the most important heroic authorities, and it'll be helpful.
- Um, what exactly do you mean, fearless leader? - Ben asks, interestedly and impatiently.
To this, Cain gives a rather intemperate wince. I've always loved how differently they show their personalities.
- I'd know it if you hadn't interrupted me," I said with a smile. - Now I don't even know whether to give you this new piece? - I examine the package thoughtfully. - Okay, here you go.
I tossed my gift to Ben.
My brother rips open the package and pulls out an object.
- What's this? - The blond looks at the fabric in his hands in surprise.
- Your new suit,* don't thank me," I explain with a smile. - I've improved it to resemble my original perfect suit and added your own assistant, I'm no Tony Stark, but I think you'll like her.
- She?
- Name's Janine," I couldn't stop myself from being a little mean.
- That's cool, but where are our new costumes? - "I'm sorry, brown-eyed, new costumes.
- I'm sorry, brown-eyed, but I like your Red Widow costume in its original form," I winked at the blushing brown-haired girl. - And seriously, your images are developed and I think I'm the only one who likes to change outfits so often, enough, many people are even teasing me for it, - I notice with a certain degree of irony.
- Yeah, the YouTube comments," Reilly smirks.
- Right. So, back to our discussion," I put my hands together. - It's time for you to move on to a new arena, you've been a hero on the streets for a long time, the residents know about you from the footnotes, George, Yuri, even some of the Shield agents, including the Director, my substitution with Cain has yet to be explained to us, but now it's about starting to work with our colleagues.
- What are you talking about?
-I'm saying you're ready to play in the big leagues. Del already knows the Fantastic Four in absentia thanks to Johnny, Cain's a fish out of water for the Shield and Black Widow, now I'm gonna introduce you Ben to the Defenders.
- Wow, that's certainly cool, but why do you want it, Peter? - Reilly asks.
- Because because of my stint in HYDRA, you're much freer than Peter Parker as the Spider-Men and I need you to stay on top of what's going on.
- Is that why we headed to the X-Men a month ago? - Parker clarified.
- Bingo. Plus, because of the power of your, abnormally close to mine, Sense, you're the perfect candidate if our wheelchair-bound Johnny Sins and Miss Grey decided to get into your head.
By the way, the news of my clone was received by the X's as something they were quite familiar with, especially Logan. So, X-23 is already here?
Wow, it's funny what thoughts went through Cain's head at the mention of Gina.
Interesting.
- You did a good job relaying information from the mutant camp," I praised my brother again. - Ben, you can try the suit on patrol, I'll introduce you to the Defenders tomorrow.
- I got it, bro, you're mega-cool," I said, and Reilly jumped out of the living room and ran upstairs.
- Del, I really appreciate you spending a lot of time with the girls and helping Mary.
- Hela, I'm the best future auntie in the world, how could I not be," the brown-haired girl smiled.
I'm glad things are settling down with Del, by the way....
- After our trip to FCH, we can stop by the Aircraft Carrier and I'll introduce you to Fury and Natasha, for real.
- Brother, you're adorable," Delia's eyes lit up at the mention of the redheaded spy, and she jumped up in her chair, giving me a peck on the cheek.
I'm glad Del has found herself.
- I'm going to get ready," the brown-haired girl shouted up the stairs.
And that she had decided to take this fortress by force.
Cain and I were the only ones left in the room.
- What about me? - prepared for instructions from my most efficient clone.
- You're good, Cain, you're staying where you are, except that we'll legalise you in Shield and Team as Tarantula, - the clone nods. - Oh, and another thing," the brown-haired man arches an eyebrow, expectantly. - What do you think of redheaded telepaths?
Cain's surprised face and my lewd face had to be seen.