"You have many options Pete, not one of them is what I would call
good," said Nick. "Option one is that you go back home, and pretend today
didn't happen, obviously a bad choice. Option two is that you go into
federal witness protection. The down side to this is that twelve of the
only twenty two people lost in FWP were people lining up to testify against
the Kingpin. The only twelve people ever to agree to do so." Peter's head
was in his hands. Aunt May sat beside him. Nick was pacing, with Betty
sitting opposite Peter and Steve leaning against a corner.
They had just come from his home. Jan, Wanda, and Natalia had taken Gwen to get some clothing of theirs. The Watson's were still being held in a declassified room. Peter's entire life had been shattered when the Kingpin showed up to destroy him. Now he was talking to Nick about what his options were. "Your third option, and this one I highly recommend is to join us." Peter picked his head up and looked at him, "We offer protection like no other for our members and their friends and family."
"The downside?" prodded Aunt May.
"Peter surrenders the rest of his youth. If he signs up with us he skips up to age twenty one, with the privileges and the responsibilities. He also is one of us. he becomes an Ultimate. Peter would have been compelled at age 18, but with his, and his guardian's consent, I think the government will allow it."
Peter looked at Aunt May with empty eyes. He was afraid. For the first time since he had discovered his powers he was truly afraid. But not for himself, rather he was afraid for his family. Aunt may broke her gaze, "And the Watson's?"
"Same protection as you and the Stacy girl."
"Peter?" He looked up as Aunt May spoke directly to him for the first time since the limo. "Peter, what do you want?"
Peter looked at his hands. these hands could crush cars, throw men, but could not stop the threat to his family. "If my family is taken care of, you have me." There was no passion in his words, nor humor, only grim surrender.
"May?"
"If it is what Peter wants. My husband and brother-in-law always did say that with great power . . ."
Peter finished the statement for her, ". . . .Must come great responsibility." "I understand," Nick said, "Here is how things will work. Since Peter is a minor, we will want him staying at the Triskelion, getting paid just as much as the adults. May, if you wish to stay with him, we can set a room up for you," she nodded, "Peter if you wish to claim the Watson's and Gwen Stacy as family for the family protection play, please do so now."
"I do."
"Good, they will also be placed here for safe guarding. Don't worry about being lonely. Wanda and Pietro live here too. Plus most of us do a lot of our living here."
Then he turned to Betsy and said, "Betsy, get a press conference going," said Nick, "I wanna beat Fisk to the press with this. He knows who Peter is, so he will wanna make him look as bad as possible."
"The Bugle," Peter said weakly.
"Don't worry," said Betsy evilly, "I will be sure to keep them out of the loop on this one."
"No," Peter corrected, "I want Ben Urich there. He is the biggest Spider-Fan I know. You have to invite him. Let him know that I will answer two questions from him straight off the bat."
"Gotchya," she said scribbling down a note. Steve helped Peter to his feet, "C'mon kid. We gotta get you ready for the world."
"May," Nick said, "I'll help you find your room." May leaned against Nick wearily. Nick guided her gently to the room they had already set aside for Peter.
Two hours later, members of the press were gathered in front of the Triskelion. Ben Urich was surprised when he was shown to a seat directly in front of the podium.
After everyone settled down, Nick stepped up to the podium. "Good evening ladies and Gentleman of the press. I am Col. Nick Fury. We are gathered here today to induct a new member of the Ultimates. This individual has already distinguished himself above almost all the others. He has fought in the streets, protecting innocent people. He has fought hand to hand with monsters and nightmares that someone like himself should not even have to know about. I say "Someone like himself," because our new inductee is a minor. He is none other than the . . ." at this point, Peter walked out in full costume. He proceded up to the podium, "Amazing Spider- Man, otherwise known as . . ." now Peter took his mask off, showing the world his face, "Peter Parker."
Nick held up a framed certificate to Peter and said, Mr. Parker, this is to certify your promotion out of high school, and this," another framed certificate, "Is to show, above dispute by anyone, that you are, and shall be from this day forth, an Ultimate." Nick turned to the crowd and said, "Mr. Parker will now take questions."
A number of reporters stood and raised their hands, but Peter pointed to the one in the front row that he knew. The others sat down, and Ben said, "Ben Urich, Daily Bugle, how did you receive your powers?"
"I was bitten by a genetically altered spider while on a field trip at Oscorp Labs. Oh, and if an old friend by the name of Kong Harlan is watching; you were right!"
again another number stood, but Peter pointed at Ben. "Um, why is it you chose to wait until now to reveal your identity?"
"Because until know, it was safer to remain anonymous; safer for me, and my family."
All the reporters asked questions in similar veins. "Do you support mutant rights,"
"No, I support human rights, and mutants are a breed of human."
"What is your platform on the issue of superhumans?"
"With great power must come great responsibility. That was something my Uncle Ben told me, and I believe it to this day."
"What is the full extent of your powers?"
"I'm sorry, but as far as I know, that is classified. I'd like to keep one or two tricks up my sleeve."
Peter became more relaxed as the conference went on. He made jokes, and editorialized. The media ate him up. After half an hour Nick reined him back in.
It was a long day, and a restless night. But when Peter woke up at five the next morning (he was used to being up at night, so early morning were a cinch for him), he realized something; he was now a part of the most formidable fighting force ever assembled. His life would now mean something real. His world would be so much bigger now, and he was ready for that.
Most of all, he was ready to explore the Triskelion like no one else could. Peter found it easy, if not comforting, to crawl through the ventilation shafts and explore all the parts of the Triskelion, sometimes popping in unexpectedly. The one person who never seemed surprised by Peter's arrival, was Jan. They seemed to have some bond. They could tell when the other was near. They spent a good bit of time together. Jan tutored him in higher bio-engineering. Eventually she greeted and bid him farewell with a peck on the cheek.
Nick called her into his office one day for a service review. "How are you holding up?" he asked genially.
"Fine, but I wish we could use our influence to push my divorce through just a little faster."
"Well, you know these contested divorces take sometime. Jan, have you considered dating again?"
"Sorry Nick. Nothing personal, but you aren't my type."
"I'm not talking about me." He looked her in they eyes this time, and there was no joking, and no room for laughs.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"He is 16 Jan, just remember that."
"What are you talking about?" He pushed a manila envelope across the desk and let her see inside. She slammed the pictures on the table and said, "These don't mean anything! It is just something innocent, like you give to your daughter or mother." The pictures showed hers and Peter's small kisses.
"But neither of you thinks of the other in those sorts of roles do you?"
"Ugh! Nick, he is 12 years younger than me. I am not some pervert."
"I also hope you aren't using him to get back at Hank. You know, date the new younger guy. Wound his pride just a little more. The kid doesn't deserve to be treated like that."
"I would never do that to Peter. He is the first actual gentleman I've met who wasn't frozen for fifty years. I would never hurt Peter . . . I . . ." it was just then that she realized what she was about to say. She had been telling herself she couldn't have these feelings for someone Peter's age, but it was becoming more and more apparent that she was. "Damn," she muttered softy.
"You go on and head out, I have a date tonight that I need to get ready for."
Jan looked at him slyly. "Who do you have a date with?"
"If you must know," he responded standing up, "A beautiful and fascinating woman, who has much life-experience, having spent a good portion of hers raising her nephew."
"No!" she stared at him in shock, "You are going to date his aunt. Isn't that against some regulation somewhere?"
"No, and believe me, I checked."
"Good luck, but becareful."
"Why?"
"Would you want a kid, who is stronger than Cap mad at you?"
"Good point . . . better spring for the roses and the good wine tonight."
"Better not make her cry," Jan corrected with a smile as she headed out.
"Oh, and Jan. . . ."
"Yeah Nick?"
"Remember what we discussed. He is 16"
"I know, I know."
They had just come from his home. Jan, Wanda, and Natalia had taken Gwen to get some clothing of theirs. The Watson's were still being held in a declassified room. Peter's entire life had been shattered when the Kingpin showed up to destroy him. Now he was talking to Nick about what his options were. "Your third option, and this one I highly recommend is to join us." Peter picked his head up and looked at him, "We offer protection like no other for our members and their friends and family."
"The downside?" prodded Aunt May.
"Peter surrenders the rest of his youth. If he signs up with us he skips up to age twenty one, with the privileges and the responsibilities. He also is one of us. he becomes an Ultimate. Peter would have been compelled at age 18, but with his, and his guardian's consent, I think the government will allow it."
Peter looked at Aunt May with empty eyes. He was afraid. For the first time since he had discovered his powers he was truly afraid. But not for himself, rather he was afraid for his family. Aunt may broke her gaze, "And the Watson's?"
"Same protection as you and the Stacy girl."
"Peter?" He looked up as Aunt May spoke directly to him for the first time since the limo. "Peter, what do you want?"
Peter looked at his hands. these hands could crush cars, throw men, but could not stop the threat to his family. "If my family is taken care of, you have me." There was no passion in his words, nor humor, only grim surrender.
"May?"
"If it is what Peter wants. My husband and brother-in-law always did say that with great power . . ."
Peter finished the statement for her, ". . . .Must come great responsibility." "I understand," Nick said, "Here is how things will work. Since Peter is a minor, we will want him staying at the Triskelion, getting paid just as much as the adults. May, if you wish to stay with him, we can set a room up for you," she nodded, "Peter if you wish to claim the Watson's and Gwen Stacy as family for the family protection play, please do so now."
"I do."
"Good, they will also be placed here for safe guarding. Don't worry about being lonely. Wanda and Pietro live here too. Plus most of us do a lot of our living here."
Then he turned to Betsy and said, "Betsy, get a press conference going," said Nick, "I wanna beat Fisk to the press with this. He knows who Peter is, so he will wanna make him look as bad as possible."
"The Bugle," Peter said weakly.
"Don't worry," said Betsy evilly, "I will be sure to keep them out of the loop on this one."
"No," Peter corrected, "I want Ben Urich there. He is the biggest Spider-Fan I know. You have to invite him. Let him know that I will answer two questions from him straight off the bat."
"Gotchya," she said scribbling down a note. Steve helped Peter to his feet, "C'mon kid. We gotta get you ready for the world."
"May," Nick said, "I'll help you find your room." May leaned against Nick wearily. Nick guided her gently to the room they had already set aside for Peter.
Two hours later, members of the press were gathered in front of the Triskelion. Ben Urich was surprised when he was shown to a seat directly in front of the podium.
After everyone settled down, Nick stepped up to the podium. "Good evening ladies and Gentleman of the press. I am Col. Nick Fury. We are gathered here today to induct a new member of the Ultimates. This individual has already distinguished himself above almost all the others. He has fought in the streets, protecting innocent people. He has fought hand to hand with monsters and nightmares that someone like himself should not even have to know about. I say "Someone like himself," because our new inductee is a minor. He is none other than the . . ." at this point, Peter walked out in full costume. He proceded up to the podium, "Amazing Spider- Man, otherwise known as . . ." now Peter took his mask off, showing the world his face, "Peter Parker."
Nick held up a framed certificate to Peter and said, Mr. Parker, this is to certify your promotion out of high school, and this," another framed certificate, "Is to show, above dispute by anyone, that you are, and shall be from this day forth, an Ultimate." Nick turned to the crowd and said, "Mr. Parker will now take questions."
A number of reporters stood and raised their hands, but Peter pointed to the one in the front row that he knew. The others sat down, and Ben said, "Ben Urich, Daily Bugle, how did you receive your powers?"
"I was bitten by a genetically altered spider while on a field trip at Oscorp Labs. Oh, and if an old friend by the name of Kong Harlan is watching; you were right!"
again another number stood, but Peter pointed at Ben. "Um, why is it you chose to wait until now to reveal your identity?"
"Because until know, it was safer to remain anonymous; safer for me, and my family."
All the reporters asked questions in similar veins. "Do you support mutant rights,"
"No, I support human rights, and mutants are a breed of human."
"What is your platform on the issue of superhumans?"
"With great power must come great responsibility. That was something my Uncle Ben told me, and I believe it to this day."
"What is the full extent of your powers?"
"I'm sorry, but as far as I know, that is classified. I'd like to keep one or two tricks up my sleeve."
Peter became more relaxed as the conference went on. He made jokes, and editorialized. The media ate him up. After half an hour Nick reined him back in.
It was a long day, and a restless night. But when Peter woke up at five the next morning (he was used to being up at night, so early morning were a cinch for him), he realized something; he was now a part of the most formidable fighting force ever assembled. His life would now mean something real. His world would be so much bigger now, and he was ready for that.
Most of all, he was ready to explore the Triskelion like no one else could. Peter found it easy, if not comforting, to crawl through the ventilation shafts and explore all the parts of the Triskelion, sometimes popping in unexpectedly. The one person who never seemed surprised by Peter's arrival, was Jan. They seemed to have some bond. They could tell when the other was near. They spent a good bit of time together. Jan tutored him in higher bio-engineering. Eventually she greeted and bid him farewell with a peck on the cheek.
Nick called her into his office one day for a service review. "How are you holding up?" he asked genially.
"Fine, but I wish we could use our influence to push my divorce through just a little faster."
"Well, you know these contested divorces take sometime. Jan, have you considered dating again?"
"Sorry Nick. Nothing personal, but you aren't my type."
"I'm not talking about me." He looked her in they eyes this time, and there was no joking, and no room for laughs.
"I don't know what you are talking about."
"He is 16 Jan, just remember that."
"What are you talking about?" He pushed a manila envelope across the desk and let her see inside. She slammed the pictures on the table and said, "These don't mean anything! It is just something innocent, like you give to your daughter or mother." The pictures showed hers and Peter's small kisses.
"But neither of you thinks of the other in those sorts of roles do you?"
"Ugh! Nick, he is 12 years younger than me. I am not some pervert."
"I also hope you aren't using him to get back at Hank. You know, date the new younger guy. Wound his pride just a little more. The kid doesn't deserve to be treated like that."
"I would never do that to Peter. He is the first actual gentleman I've met who wasn't frozen for fifty years. I would never hurt Peter . . . I . . ." it was just then that she realized what she was about to say. She had been telling herself she couldn't have these feelings for someone Peter's age, but it was becoming more and more apparent that she was. "Damn," she muttered softy.
"You go on and head out, I have a date tonight that I need to get ready for."
Jan looked at him slyly. "Who do you have a date with?"
"If you must know," he responded standing up, "A beautiful and fascinating woman, who has much life-experience, having spent a good portion of hers raising her nephew."
"No!" she stared at him in shock, "You are going to date his aunt. Isn't that against some regulation somewhere?"
"No, and believe me, I checked."
"Good luck, but becareful."
"Why?"
"Would you want a kid, who is stronger than Cap mad at you?"
"Good point . . . better spring for the roses and the good wine tonight."
"Better not make her cry," Jan corrected with a smile as she headed out.
"Oh, and Jan. . . ."
"Yeah Nick?"
"Remember what we discussed. He is 16"
"I know, I know."