Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Marvel Comics and Gargoyles & Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles are copyright Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Company. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holders.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
In honor of my fifth chapter special thanks to my creative consultant & dedicated reviewer SuperminionXD without whose support this series would not be possible. I truly appreciate all your help.
Small Town Spider-Man – Episode Forty-Eight: Problems and Solutions?
By
Celgress
Parker Residence mid-July, morning
"Got it," Reilly said triumphantly holding up the small dark red metallic spider with tweezers. Admiring his handiwork Reilly smiled brightly.
"At last," I said taking the tweezers from my cousin. Gingerly loading the miniature spider shaped device into my right arm web shooter I added. "Are you sure this thing will work Reilly?"
"Have I ever steered you wrong before Peter?" Reilly said his smiled hiving evolved into a lopsided grin.
"I take the fifth." I said stripping down to my underwear then put on my Spidey outfit, minus mask. Fortunately we were in my room so I didn't have to worry about being seen by prying eyes.
"Hey," Reilly huffed indignantly.
"Sorry cousin, assuming this thing works as advertised how long before you can make more? They'll come in handy." I said.
"It'll work," Reilly said. "Shouldn't take too long once I've got the hang of it."
"Good, with at least two new baddies running amok I'll need more of these ASAP." I said putting on my mask.
"Any news on Ms. Walters?" Reilly said as I jammed open my bedroom window. It had been a week since her disappearance.
"Nothing yet, I don't have a viable lead either." I said sadly. "I'm hoping our little tracer will help change that."
"Where are you headed?" Reilly said.
"Out on a standard patrol, see if I can luck out encounter one of our new goblins." I said. "Why do you ask?"
Reilly considered his options for a moment then reached a decision. "Hold on a minute Peter, I'm coming with you."
"Are you sure Reilly? It'll probably be rather boring. It is a Saturday which have been pretty dead crime wise lately. Plus you'll miss those cartoons you enjoy so much." I said.
"I'm sure." Reilly said.
"Okay, better tell Aunt May where we're going. I don't want her thinking we are sneaking out. She'd be worried sick." I said.
"I'll let her know." Reilly said running out of my room.
I laughed. My cousin was certainly enthusiastic. He was the ultimate free spirit. In that moment I sincerely hoped he'd never became jaded by life. I was thankful his recent brush with fame hadn't done just that once it'd turned sour.
We spent the day swinging around Cider Falls and surrounding area. We had a great time doing acrobatics and kidding around but didn't locate any leads on the missing Jennifer Walters or her mysterious female goblin abductor. I highly suspect a certain menace had returned. Without evidence I couldn't accuse Lily Osborn of being involved. No matter how guilty I thought she might be. Besides I didn't want to hurt Harry or Liz. It wasn't Harry's fault his mother was nuttier than a year old fruit cake and twice as dangerous.
Cider Falls Police Station, afternoon
Although it was a Saturday Chief Stacy was hard at work. Spread over the bulletin board surface in the bullpen were photographs of various "persons of interest" connected to the Walters case. Most had already proven dead ends. Only one lead remained viable. In Chief Stacey's professional opinion it was also the correct one. Lily Osborn would have been his chief suspect if not for her airtight alibi having spent the holiday with friends in Manhattan.
Chief Stacy closed his eyes. Inhaling deeply, head in his heads Chief Stacy considered his options. His gut told him Lily Osborn was behind Jennifer Walter's July 4th kidnapping. He'd bet his pension on it. The question was how? Lily Osborn couldn't be in two places at once which were separated by hundreds of miles, could she? He must be missing something, but what? Opening his eyes the first thing he saw was a black & white photograph of Lily Osborn's alter ego Menace the Goblin followed by another black & white glossy this time of Lily Osborn's sweetly smiling self. The images sparked thoughts of the Green and Hob Goblins in Chief Stacy's mind. He considered how both goblins terrorized his jurisdiction, as had Menace. His mind then drifted further recalling Ned Leeds' spring time confession. How Leeds claimed he wasn't the original Hobgoblin rather the late Roderick Kingsley deserved that dubious distinction. There sure had been a lot of goblins in just a couple of years; Green Goblin, Menace, perhaps two Hobgoblins and now these new goblins. Suddenly it hit Chief Stacey like a ton of bricks. What if this latest female goblin wasn't Lily at all but rather an associate or perhaps someone under her influence? After what Lily's husband the deceased Norman Osborn and the aforementioned Roderick Kingsley had done to poor Mary Jane anything was possible. In such a case Lily could easily have orchestrated the Independence Day events from anywhere! Distance wouldn't have mattered in the least! Who knows perhaps she was behind both new Halloween themed nasties? It all made sense, but why? Motive was the missing puzzle piece that still needed to be addressed.
Leaping out of his seat Chief Stacy startled his officers. One of them, a young male rookie, stammered. "W-What i-is it chief?"
"I think I know who is responsible for Jennifer Walters' abduction." Chief Stacy announced.
"Who," The young officer asked wide eyed.
"I'll explain later. Right now get me DA Nelson on my office line." Chief Stacy said heading towards his office. "We need a search and seizure warrant drawn up."
"Sir its' Saturday, I doubt DA Nelson will be available." The young officer stated.
"Use his home number if there is no answer at the office. Don't worry officer I'll take responsibility for any flak you take. Tell DA Nelson this is an emergency." Chief Stacy said slamming his office door behind him.
Dr. Meyer's Secret Underground Laboratory
Dr. Fritz von Meyer had serious reservations about what he'd been ordered to do. Loading the hypogun with glowing green liquid, a serum of his our concoction, Dr. Meyer hesitated. He'd already dragged his proverbial feet all week. Taking his sweet time to properly analysis his human test subject's genome and formulate the proper compound required. Approaching the energy field encased holding cell he truly wished there was another way. He had zero desire to harm the pretty young lady cowering within. Regrettably he had no choice. His current "employers" had made certain of that.
"I want it noted this procedure is being performed against my recommendations." Dr. Meyer said his voice distorted by the built in distorter in the black, eyeless mask he wore whenever he dealt directly with the prisoner.
"Duly noted," Lily Osborn said from behind Dr. Meyer her voice similarly distorted by her own identical mask. Alongside her Donald Menken face was also covered by one of these obsidian head pieces. "Now get on with it Doctor. I don't have all day." Lily tapped her high heeled right foot against the stone floor impatiently.
Dr. Meyer deactivated the force field. Menken rushed in and restrained Jennifer. Dr. Meyer did one final check of the hypogun solution making certain there were no abnormalities.
"Who are you people!? Why are you holding me here!? What do you want with me!?" Jennifer shrieked struggling in vain against Menken.
"Calm down struggling will only complicate matters." Lily snapped from her position outside the cell. "Do it Doctor, do it now that's an order!"
"Please don't rush me. This is a delicate operation." Dr. Meyer protested.
"Bullshit, get it done Doctor. Stop wasting my precious time. I'm tired of waiting." Lily commanded. "Roll up her sleeve." Menken complied at once rolling up Jennifer's left sleeve.
Muttering a string of profanity in German Dr. Myer did as he was told. Roughly he jabbed the hyopgun into Jennifer's newly exposed left forearm. Jennifer screamed in pain the radioactive liquid causing a searing sensation in her veins. Mustering all her strength the lawyer delivered a reverse kick with her right leg to Menken's family jewels. Menken howled doubling over in agony. Free of Menken's grip Jennifer pulled away from the hated hypogun roughly sixty percent of it's agonizing payload having been injected. Caught off guard by Jennifer's bold actions Dr. Meyer lost his balance toppling over backward the vial within the hypogun shattering spilling the gamma serum all over his freshly lacerated hands. Seeing her chance Jennifer bolted from the cell. She didn't get far before Lily caught her. Slipping behind Jennifer Lily applied a tight choke which quickly rendered Jennifer unconscious. Lily released Jennifer allowing her body to slump onto the floor.
"Was that really necessary Mrs. Osborn?" Dr. Myer said getting unsteadily to his feet.
"How dare you use my name Doctor, what if she is only feigning unconsciousness? Had you even considered that possibility?" Lily said angrily. "There was no other way. I couldn't permit her to escape. It would have ruined everything."
"Quite right ma'am," Menken said back on his feet though limping slightly from Jennifer's attack.
"Wash up then check her." Lily ordered Dr. Myer. Grumbling Dr. Meyer retreated into the main laboratory. Returning without his mask and with a stethoscope Dr. Meyer knelt down. He thoroughly examined Jennifer. His expression became grave. He checked her vitals then rechecked.
"What is doctor what is wrong?" Lily asked growing alarmed by Dr. Meyer's behavior.
"She's dead," Dr. Meyer said grimly. "We killed her by administering that vile cocktail, as I feared we would."
"Correction you killed her Doctor. We merely, watched." Lily said removing her mask Menken did likewise.
"I killed her? I killed here ha." Dr. Meyer said standing up. "It was your harebrained scheme that doomed the poor girl. I advised against injecting her, but you wouldn't listen."
"Whatever, not that it matters much anyway." Lily said. "We'll have to dispose of her body soon. I don't want her stinking up the tunnels."
"How thoughtful," Dr. Meyer said snidely.
"I'll have Fury dump Ms. Walters' remains outside of town where Fury first found her." Lily said coldly. "Report in by your usual time tomorrow Doctor, no excuses understand?"
"Yes," Dr. Meyer replied simply. Barley keeping his mounting rage in check Dr. Meyer turned his back on Lily and Menken leaving their presence fast as he dared.
Jameson Residence, late afternoon
Staring at his home office phone J. Jonah Jameson silently debated if he was doing the right thing. Certainly the situation in Cider Falls was spiraling out of control, yet again. However did the situation, serious as it currently was, warrant such a drastic solution? In fact in many ways things had been worse previously. No the elder Jameson told himself things were different this time around. One of those masked maniacs had hurt his son. Seeing John frantically search for Jennifer had broken his heart. He wouldn't allow John and his love to go through the same type of tragedy that he befallen him and his wife at the hands of a masked mutant. No, he wouldn't allow history to repeat itself. If having the Hunters clean up things was the price he had to pay, so be it. His mind made up Jonah lifted the receiver and dialed a number he hoped he'd never use.
"Hello, you've reached the Headquarters of the International Order of Hunters. President Angus MacIntyre speaking, how may I help you?" A gruff Scottish voice greeted Jonah's ears after a series of rings.
"Angus this is J. Jonah Jameson in Cider Falls, New York." Jonah said.
"Ah ye old bastard how are you?" Angus said his voice immediately assuming a friendly tone. "How's that son of yours Johnathan, still shooting for the stars is he?"
"That's why I called. John washed out of the astronaut program." Jonah said.
"Sorry to hear that Jonah. Ye have my sympathies." Angus said.
"Thank you, but that's not why I've called." Jonah said his mouth dry. Licking his lips he continued. "A week ago during July 4th celebrations John's girlfriend Jennifer Walters who he cares about deeply was kidnapped by one of the many costumed meta humans and mutants who have been running amok throughout our valley for the better part of two years now."
"Aye I've heard of your ongoing problems with those abnormals." Angus said. "Say no more Jonah I have the perfect solution to yer problems standing right here at my side. Her codename is Andreva (Ahn-dra-vah). She is my top trouble shooter. Rest easy Jonah old boy Andreva shall handle everything once she arrives."
"Thanks Angus, how much do I owe you?" Jonah asked.
"For an old friend our services are free. Furthermore cleansing our fine Earth of such filth is our sacred mission my friend. We'll be in touch Jonah." Angus said hanging up.
Jonah listened to the dial tone for several seconds before hanging up his receiver. Jonah knew his son despised Angus and everything the old Scotsman's paramilitary cult stood for. Please understand John. I had no choice. I couldn't let history repeat itself.
International Order of Hunters Headquarters Scotland
Hanging up his desk phone Angus turned to look at the hooded, black and red clad, masked figure behind him. "I assume ye heard everything lassie?"
"Enough," Andreva said. Her surprisingly deep voice had an oddly electronic quality. "When do I leave Grand Master?"
Angus gave the imposing figure a quick once over. A vaguely feminine shaped form covered head to toe in pitch black material that was broken up only by the crimson red interior of her cowl bearing cloak along with the solid white eyes of her mask and three diagonal crimson slash like marks that marred her otherwise uniform mask.
"At dawn my child." Angus said. His one left eye staring at her intently. An eyepatch covered his other empty socket. If it weren't for his deeply scarred face the aging Angus might have been considered distinguished perhaps handsome. His face was framed by his greying shaggy red hair complete with mutton chops. "Once in Cider Falls ruthlessly exterminate all abnormals present. Leaving not one alive, cleanse the area. That is your primary objective Andreva. Always remember nothing must compromise the mission."
"Thy will be done Grand Master." Andreva said bowing her head slightly. "Nay not one abnormal shall remain in Cider Falls when I depart. I solemnly swear success on my honor."
Dr. Meyer's Bee Keeping Field, early evening
Dr. Meyer knew something was horribly amiss. He'd felt increasingly ill during his drive home. Once he'd arrived at his humble abode everything was spinning around him. Fearing he'd been fatally poisoned by the gamma isotopes he been accidentally exposed to Dr. Meyer fitfully stumbled to his beloved bee hives. If death was indeed nearly upon him he wanted to see his insect companions, experience their perfect natural beauty once more. Unable to maintain his balance any longer Dr. Meyer fell forward crashing through one of his largest hives. At the unintentional destruction of their home tens of thousands of angry bees swarmed all over Dr. Meyer attacking the strangely translucent, pale green skinned intruder.
Field outside of Cider Falls
Jennifer Walters' body lay motionless where Fury the Goblin had left her an hour ago. During that time Jennifer's skin had slowly turned a deep shade of green. Underneath her veins glowed a far brighter shade of almost neon green. Jennifer's eyes flew open, her irises solid white. Within a matter of minutes Jennifer's body gained massive amounts of mass. Her height and muscle size increased dramatically leaving her clothing in tatters. Sitting up the she beast surveyed her surroundings. Sniffing the air she head off in the general direct of civilization. Jennifer Walters was gone temporarily subsumed in the creature the media would soon dub the Savage She-Hulk.
To Be Continued
