Midtown High
First day back at school Peter joins his girlfriend Gwen, and the rest of their friends Flash, MJ and Liz. The group reminisce about their summer, MJ raves about LA, going to acting school and learning from professionals. Liz and Flash are inseparable and mention how great the lake was last weekend, MJ and Gwen join in excitedly recounting all the fun they had. Peter becomes quiet, he's missed out on a summer of fun, he's been hard at work earning money working at a supermarket, and secretly as a wrestler.
MJ sees Peter's disappointment as the rest chatter about all the fun they've been having and she gently puts a hand on Peter's shoulder, "Hey Pete, I think it's really great what you've been doing for your Aunt, if you need anything let me know" she tells him softly with sincerity.
"Hey MJ, don't you be hitting on my man" Gwen interrupts jovially, "Wouldn't dream of it" she quips back with a cheeky wink. The group head off to class, Gwen and Peter trailing behind, as they walk Peter notices some junior students picking on a smaller kid with glasses. Peter has a flash back to when he was that kid in glasses.
Peter intervenes and tells them to pick on someone their own size. The boy stands up and is taller and wider than Peter, "What like you? Puny Peter Parker" he replies smugly. Peter grabs the boys arm, spins him around and pulls it up behind his back causing him great pain.
"arrggghhh" the boy yells out, "Yeah like me, now you be a good boy and run off to class, OK?" Peter tells him finally letting him go and watching the boy and his friends sink away into the crowd. Flash looks back at Peter and laughs, "Who would have thought, Peter Parker's all grown up now." Peter walks back to his friends and Gwen gives him a big hug, "My hero" the group laugh amongst themselves as they head to class.
Abandoned factory - Queens
Peter and Harry meet at an abandoned Oscorp factory, as they have all holidays. Peter trains, testing his skills, climbing up walls and poles but having to take off his shoes as normal. The boys then begin testing out the newest revision of his web slingers, wrist mounted valves which shoot out a thin stream of adhesive. After months of refinement, testing and retesting the boys have finally got something that worked, a lightweight adhesive that can be stored under high pressure and has extreme tensile strength.
Slight variations in finger placement on the palm allow different shaped adhesive, or webs as they refer to it. As Peter places his middle and ring finger on his palm the web shooter spits out a short blob of web, it his the wall and spreads out like a pancake. Peter again presses the two fingers against his palm but pulls his hand away from his palm, opening up the valve. This time it shoots a wide web which stretches out across two beams forming a prefect net. Next Peter presses his ring and little finger on the edge of his palm, he cocks his hand to the side and shoots out a long web to a roof beam but he doesn't have the accuracy yet. Peter eventually connects to a roof beam and grabs the end of the web, he swings down like a pendulum but struggles to control himself, crashing into a wall. After Peter gathers himself together Harry realizes they are running late for Science class, the first of the year, they quickly gather their bags and run off to class.
Oscorp Building
Peter and Harry arrive to class late; Dr Connors has already started his class. The boys try and sneak in but Connors sees them and stops the class. He stares at them saying nothing, the whole class begin looking at each other then look back at the two boys. Harry begins to speak but Connors cuts him off, "Take your seats and I will speak with you after class." The boys join the class, walking sheepishly and taking their seats, Gwen looks back at Peter, they exchange a little smile and Peter waves to her, but quickly stops as Dr Connors glares at him.
Dr Connors continues where he left off, detailing how their experiments have been continued over the summer holidays with the help of Michael Morbius and Miles Warren. They will be enhancing their experiments further with a new generation of trans-genetic subject whose abilities will be beyond anything they've seen. Connors follows this with the news that the Oscorp Science Academy will be showcased at the Stark Expo. The students erupt in excitement; the Stark Expo is the largest science and technology exhibition in the world, and this year's promises to be the biggest ever. Connors explains how the Science Academy have been given a one month spot at the show to demonstrate their experiments and free entry to the show.
After the discussion and excitement dies down the students return to their stations to see how their subjects have faired over the summer. Peter and Harry test their spiders and see if their reactions have increased substantially. The students excitedly share each projects progress, the cuttlefish's ability to change color and shape, a beetle's enhanced strength and a cuticle 10 times stronger than previous, you can't even kill it with a hammer, the student demonstrates with a hammer, the beetle, though startled, continues walking. Students continue showing off their subjects, a scorpion that pulls an object 100 times its weight, a praying mantis with enhanced senses and a grasshopper that can jump 10 times higher than normal.
After the lesson Peter and Harry meet Connors in his office, Harry begins apologizing to Connors who smiles and waves it away, "Don't worry boys its fine, I wanted to speak to Peter about his abilities."
"I've been getting stronger, my ability to climb up walls is also improving" Peter explains.
"That's great Peter, what about your sixth sense?" Connors continues, "It's still hit and miss, though more miss than hit" Peter explains, "I haven't really had much of a need for it so maybe that's why?"
Connors nods his head, "That could be it, it's still remarkable how you've developed these abilities, I'll need to perform some more tests" Peter reluctantly agrees then asks "have you found anything in my blood? Are you getting close to a cure?"
"I'm making progress, but still a little way to go."
Harry jumps into the conversation, "Imagine when you do, you'll be able to grow your arm back sir."
Connors smiles and sees the boys out, as he sits back in his chair he looks down at the stump poking out of his lab coat sleeve. He begins daydreaming and remembering where it happened, the day that changed his life forever.
Smoke fills the air, all Curt Connors can smell is smoke, all he can see is black, and all he can feel is pain. Connors struggles out of his seat and stumbles out of an opening into the cold night air. His ears ring and eyes take a few seconds to adjust, its only then he turns to see the plane he was flying a minute ago burning, a large hole in the side where he just emerged from. As the magnitude of what has happened dawns on him the pain takes over, the flood of blood down his leg pulls his attention to his arm, or where it used to be. Connors looks down in horror, his face turns pale and he drops to his knees.
Oscorp Research Facility - Oscorp Tower
Late at night the halls of Oscorp's main research facility are empty, but for a single soul, Dr Otto Octavius. Octavius sits at his desk behind a computer, furiously typing away inserting variables into his equation. He finishes this round of variable and runs the calculation, the screen shows an estimated time of 12 hours. Octavius sits back in his chair, relieved to have finally finished this attempt at utilizing dark energy to power a wormhole.
"Ahhhh, I think that's it, I can't wait to see Dr Selvieg face when I out publish him in his own field," Octavius says to himself alone in his office. Octavius sits silently contemplating his achievements then his mind shifts to what he really wants to work on, fusion energy. Octavius looks down at his brief case and pulls out two USB sticks "Time to finish this."
Octavius walks across the main laboratory, looking around for any sign of activity but there is nobody else around. He walks over to a mainframe-networked computer, inserts the first USB a cloaking his activity, then the second USB. Octavius hacks into the secure Oscorp files and downloads schematics from body armour and plasma cannons. As he finishes downloading files he hears a noise in the background, someone else is in the lab. Octavius quickly takes out both USB sticks and rushes back to his desk. As he sits down in his chair, flustered and anxious, a co-worker Mary Alice Anders pokes her head in through the door.
"Hi Dr Octavius, working late again tonight?" she asks. Octavius immediately smiles and relaxes when he's sees her, "I'm just finishing up now, how are you Mary?" he replies.
"I'm good, just heading home, would you like to walk with me to the car park?" she asks, "I would like that" Octavius replies and quickly gathers his belongings, including the two USB sticks.
As the two take the elevator down to the car park Mary asks about Octavius work.
"My project is creating a space bridge, a wormhole from this point to another in space allowing instantaneous travel"
"That sounds… impossible" Mary responds, "My work is mostly theoretical, but it's definitely possible, all we need are the calculations and the power"
"How much power?" Mary asks, totally enthralled by the conversation, "A lot, more than we can produce, I'm working on a prototype, powered by a theoretical power source, they call it a cosmic cube, but it's all theoretical at this stage."
As they arrive at the car park Mary bids goodbye to Octavius, "Good night doctor, I look forward to seeing your prototype one day" Octavius smiles broadly, "You'll be the first."
Octavius sits in his car and takes out a phone taped underneath the seat, he sends a text message to Justin Hammer, [I have the data, lets meet].
Hammer Industries
Justin Hammer is working late again with his scientists, incorporating the propulsion technology into their battle suits. The scientists tell Hammer it will take months to get it to work, "I haven't got months, Oscorp is already there, they have it working, they have gliders, body armor, plasma cannons, what do we have?" Hammer complains rubbing his temples in an attempt to relieve the stress.
Hammer is furious, "Come on guys, I'm going to lose this contract to Oscorp unless we get this working" the scientists look at each other silently, "I've just booked the prime spot at Stark Expo, I need something to show them, guys?"
Hammer is again met with silence, he storms off in frustration, out of the warehouse and into his waiting limousine. He sits down and pours himself a straight whiskey "What am I going to do?" Hammer asks himself, as he contemplates his next move he feels a vibration in his pocket, he takes out his phone and reads the message [I have the data, lets meet]. Hammer's face lights up with a sinister grin, "Well if we can't speed up, maybe Oscorp will have to slow down."
Wrestling hall
The next day after school Peter rings his Aunt May to let her know he's studying late again with Harry. As they do every Thursday the two boys meet and head off to the wrestling hall for Peter's other job. The two boys chat as they walk to the hall, "Pete, you know you don't have to do this, I can help your Aunt May with bills, my father wouldn't even notice."
Peter smiles warmly and places his hand on Harry's shoulder, "I know Harry, and I appreciate it, but I owe it to my Uncle Ben's memory, to follow what he said."
"Power and Responsibility?" Harry asks mockingly, "Yeah exactly, it's important that I'm responsible for my family, for the memory of Uncle Ben… plus its kinda fun."
"Ok Pete, fair enough, time to get your game face on, I'll meet you afterwards."
Peter heads down a side street and gets changed into his wrestling costume, a red and blue outfit with large white eyes, web styling throughout and a large black spider insignia on the front and back. Peter walks through the front entrance and waves to the guard who lets him straight through. Peter waits in the change rooms with the other wrestlers, one of them, another newcomer, asks "Why are you always in costume, are you like disfigured?" Peter chuckles to himself, "It's all part of the mystery, am I a Spider-man, or a man-spider" The young wrestler looks at Peter strangely then goes back to getting his outfit ready. Peter sits silently waiting for his fight, suddenly the change room becomes quite, and Peter looks up and sees a giant man walk in.
"Who's that?" Peter asks, "That's Crusher Hogan, undefeated champion, if you beat him you get five thousand dollars."
Peter becomes excited, five thousand dollars, that will pay the bills for months.
As Peter enters the arena he looks around and sees that it only a quarter full. Peter is an undercard starting his fifth match, he's undefeated and working his way up to the main event. The promoter tells him to remember "You get $500 per fight if you win, $100 if you lose, go make some money."
Peter steps into the ring as the announcer introduces the Spectacular Spider-man, New York's newest wrestling prodigy to the crowd. Most of the crowd give a lukewarm applause or out right boos. Next the announcer introduces his opponent to the applause of the crowd, Python, a six foot tall man mountain, as wide a he is tall but all muscle.
Peter is now beginning to mix it with the big boys, not the main event but close enough. As the bell rings Python charges at Peter who avoids him easily, Python may be big, but he's slow. Peter plays with him, ducking weaving, jumping off turnbuckles and flying over his head.
Python becomes enraged and while Peter gloats to the crowd, Python grabs Peter from behind, raises him up in a bear hug and slams them both into the canvas, Python on top of Peter. Python rolls off Peter who gets back to his feet. Python attacks Peter again but this time Peter attacks back, grabbing pythons arm and flipping him over his shoulder and on to the canvas. After another few attacks Peter finally wears him down and wins on a three count. The announcer proclaims the Spectacular Spider-man the winner, to a few cheers, led by Harry, others however boo at the loss of their favorite wrestler.
Peter leaves the stage and meets the promoter, "Well done son, another five hundred large for you" the promoter hands over a wad of cash "Maybe next week you can show us your face?" he asks, "Maybe, for five thousand, for a fight with Crusher Hogan?" Peter replies. The promoter laughs at him, "Oh kid you've got to earn that, if you make a name for yourself maybe… one day."
Outside wrestling hall
Peter and Harry meet down the road from the hall so Peter can get changed then head back to the train station. On their way a fire truck speeds past them, blaring sirens and lights heading down the street. The boys run after it and as they turn the corner they see a building on fire.
A woman hangs out of her window attempting to escape the intense flames spreading through the sixth floor. The fire rages blowing out windows as it moves closer and closer to the stranded woman. The fire truck the boys were following is stuck in traffic and can't get its ladder close enough to the building, to rescue the woman.
People are screaming, panicking yelling at the fire brigade but the traffic jam isn't moving; the occupants have left their cars taking photos and video of the fire. Peter tells Harry, "I have to do something, I'm the only one who can help."
Harry's face fills with concern, "Peter, what happened to a low profile?"
"I can't let her die Harry" Peter replies vehemently, he begins to run towards the building when Harry grabs his arm and urges, "you need to hide your identity."
"Peter looks in his bag at the wrestling costume inside, "I need somewhere to get changed."
Harry points across the road at a phone box, "What about there" he suggests, "That's the stupidest idea ever" Peter replies, he then ducks into an alleyway, puts on his costume but leaves his boots and gloves off. Peter lastly puts on his web slingers.
"What are you planning on doing?" Harry asks puzzled, Peter just smiles back, "Watch."
Peter climbs up the wall of the building to the roof, he walks to the edge and measures his distance, once he's sure he's done the calculations he fires a web at a higher building and swings down almost to the ground but the webbing lifts him back up to the sixth level where the woman hangs out the window about to fall. As Peter swings past she lets go of the window and falls straight into Peter's arms. Peter grabs onto her tightly, lets go of the webbing and lands on the pavement below, as soft as a cat.
The crowd erupts in applause; the woman is visibly shaken but thanks Peter repeatedly.
"Who are you?" she asks as the crowd begin to converge, "I'm Spider-Man" Peter responds.
"Why aren't you wearing any shoes?" she continues, Peter looks down slightly embarrassed, "Um yeah well I better get going" Peter shoots a web up to the side of the building and swings away from view of the crowd.
Peter stands on a rooftop pleased with himself looking down at the frenzy within the crowd. Peter eventually looks around for a way down, he sees a low rooftop further down the alley, he shoots a web confidently and swings down towards it. Peter however hasn't got the distance he wanted, he lets go of the web but doesn't make the rooftop, hitting the building wall and attempting to grab it with his hands and feet, scrambling to get a hold of something as he falls to the alleyway floor. Peter falls directly into an industrial waste bin full of food scraps, slowly picking himself up, and the food scraps from his costume.
Peter walks to the end of the alleyway where Harry is waiting, "Come on Pete stop mucking around."
"Did you see that Harry, I totally saved that girl, like a super hero."
"What happened to low profile, you told her you're wrestling name, you'll be in the media for sure, and Mr Smith isn't going to like that."
"Sorry, I just got carried away"
The boys part ways and head home.
Peter returns home, his Aunt May is asleep on the couch in front of the TV waiting for him. Peter puts a blanket over her to keep her warm, turns off the TV and places his winning in her savings tin.
Peter Parker's house
The next morning Peter wakes Aunt May up who is still asleep, she is a little startled and doesn't realize what time it is, Peter has made her breakfast and has left some money on the table for her. Aunt May protests but Peter insists, "Aunt May, you've given me everything in my life, this is the least I can do."
Aunt May begins to weep and hugs Peter thanking him and reminding him how much of a good boy he is, and how much he reminds her of his Uncle.
Peter head's off to school but on the way he spots the headline on the front page of the Daily Bugle [Wrestler rescues woman from fire]. Peter continues to read on as it explains "local wrestler, known only as Spider-Man, swung to the aid of a young woman who was seconds from death. The article ends with [Could this be New York's answer to Iron man?]
Peter's face lights up with excitement and pride, New York's answer to Iron man, nice.
Oscorp Boardroom - Oscorp Tower
Norman Osborn sits down at the board table looking at various pictures, all taken of Spider-Man's spectacular rescue the previous night. He also has a number of monitors set up showing video footage, both of this incident and those Peter has been involved in previously.
Jameson walks up behind him and bellows, "What is all this crap? Why have you called me here? Why haven't we won that contract yet?"
"Don't worry Jameson, our technology is more advanced than Hammer, and Stark isn't in the industry." Osborn replies, "Once we finalize the super soldier program then we will take every military contract in the US and the world!"
Jameson complains, "No one cares about super soldiers anymore, its all technology now!"
Osborn replies, "Super soldiers are everything, the U.S. government have been trying to replicate Captain America for the last 70 years, if we crack the code we will supply every soldier in their army, in every army."
"So you keep telling us, what does this have to do with me?" Jameson replies grumpily.
"To get our super soldiers we need to catch this new vigilante, we have a lead but we need you to promote him." Osborn throws down an issue of the Daily Bugle, "If we keep him in the headlines, and make him a hero, we can capture him."
Jameson laughs, "I'll make this boy the most famous hero in New York."
