SPIDER-MAN: THE OTHER SPIDER (CHAPTER 5)
Note: Apologies to the previous chapter which had more words than usual due to the expositional parts.
8:25 am Daily Bugle Building, 1st floor…
Waking up early to get to Manhattan alone was no easy feat for Peter as he had mentally prepared to meet up with Ned at the time of his work. Running towards the building, Peter pushed the glass door huffing and puffing.
"Dude, you made it…" Ned said.
"Yeah, I made it. Just in time…If only the subway didn't slow me down." Peter replied feeling drained.
"Why don't you sit down?" Ned said helping Peter to the longue seat.
As Peter sat down, he relaxed as he strung up his tie.
"You up for coffee or tea?" Ned asked as he took a sip from his own Daily Bugle mug.
"Nah…" Peter gestured.
"You know it's quite routine now to just have a cup of caffeine." Ned said, "Though I'm kind of surprised that you're tired getting here. I mean, I get it…Forest Hills to Madison Avenue is kind of rough."
"Well, it's good thing to note that I'm still somewhat human like everybody else." Peter said noting that even with his superpowers, he still had physical limits like everybody else, "Say, what position am I getting here?"
"To be honest, it really depends. But I'm sure Jameson has something that you can do." Ned said, "Oh yeah…I think this is also a good opportunity for you to help me out with something."
"Uh sure…Name it." Peter said.
"See that lady over there?" Ned whispered looking at Betty Brant stationed at the reception desk.
"Yeah?" Peter replied.
"Shhh…" Ned hushed before whispering, "Listen, every time I see this woman I get the case of butterflies. You know what I'm saying?"
"Oh, I see…" Peter said noting that Ned was in love.
"So I thought you could wingman for me and help me approach her…" Ned said.
"Ned, I'm not that kind of guy…" Peter said back.
"Tell that to people like MJ…Or you know, Gwen." Ned said.
"They'll tell you how much of a dork I am." Peter said, "And yes, let's throw in the word 'cute'."
"See? I thought you knew your stuff." Ned said.
Peter placed the palm of his own hand onto his face once Ned had said that. He may be his friend but he would not deny the times that made him cringe.
"Hey, I'm sorry… I mean we don't we have to do this right now." Ned said.
"You know what, Ned?" Peter said getting up, "You need to man up. Pay attention."
With a bit of bravery, Peter walked up to Betty adjusting his look and smiling as he approached her. Betty noticed Peter and gave a sweet smile back in response.
"Welcome to the Daily Bugle. May I help you?" Betty asked.
"Uh…Hi…I'm Peter Parker. I'm a friend of Ned Leeds…" Peter introduced.
"I see…Is there a reason why he brought you here?" Betty asked again while she gave Ned a little wave.
"Well…Um…" Peter said tapping his own foot, "My friend recommended the Bugle to me. Said there's a lot of good job positions for people like me."
"I'm sorry…I don't think we have advertised any positions as of late. You'll have to take those words to Mr. Jameson up there." Betty informed.
"Okay then…" Peter said, "So how are things going for you here?"
Betty took notice of Peter's smile and felt like there was a charm to him. Between him and Ned, she was interested in what Peter's purpose was.
"I'd say I'm happy with my work, thank you very much. My name is Elizabeth Brant by the way, you can call me 'Betty'. I…Actually think Ned has mentioned you before." Betty said, "Nice to finally meet you."
Peter laughed before he spoke.
"Awesome. Um…Am I distracting you from your work?" Peter wondered.
"Actually… Customer service is part of my work." Betty giggled back before the phone rang to which Betty picked up.
"Miss Brant? Where's Mr. Leeds? I need him in my office!" John demanded over the phone.
"Ned? Mr. Jameson wants to see you." Betty called out.
"Ah yes, in a moment…" Ned said, "Peter, let's go."
"See you later, Betty." Peter said as Ned escorted him away.
"You too, Peter Parker…" Betty said while waving goodbye to him.
Elevator…
"Nice to hear there's music in his elevator." Peter said as he stood next to his friend.
"I think that went fairly well…" Ned said, "Kind of learnt a few things from you."
"Glad to hear that…" Peter said before the elevator doors opened.
J. Jonah Jameson's office, 4th floor…
"Mr. Urich is on schedule. The rest are kind of struggling…" Robbie said.
"If I fire them, the Globe will get their notice in reporting how 'terrible' we are and that is something I am not going to stand for!" John said looking out to his window with his view of Manhattan.
"Maybe opening up our doors to the simple and quiet things around New York may keep things afloat." Robbie advised.
"Robbie, come on. No one wants to read about Mrs. Dinkleberry and her greenhouse garden. Everyone wants the exciting stuff…Kind of like how everyone on the internet is looking for the next meme" John said.
"Well, I hope you make the right decision." Robbie said preferring not to argue with his friend.
Soon enough, Ned came through into the office with Peter right behind him.
"Ah, just the man I wanted to see. Leeds, present the pictures." John instructed.
Ned then got out the pictures he took the other day when he and Frederick went to the power plant to investigate on Max Dillon.
"If only we got photos ages ago…" John said shaking his head while holding onto one of the photos.
"They covered up this accident for quite some time…" Ned said to John, "Which is why I got them now."
"Alright, you know what? I guess Foswell will have to make it up with his article." John said before noticing Peter, "Who's the boy behind you?"
Peter tensed up as he walked up to John before calming himself down to greet him. He then extended his own hand out and shook John's hand.
"Hello, Mr. Jameson. My name is Peter Parker…" Peter said, "I'm here looking for a job."
"Woof…That's a firm hand. Anyway, welcome to Daily Bugle. I'm glad you know who I am before introducing myself." John said as he twitched his own moustache, "A job you say? Well show me a CV first."
Peter then got took out his own resume on paper and presented to John. The stern looking eyes on John carefully shifted as he read the two pages of Peter's resume.
"You sound like you should be working in a lab compared to here." John said after he finished reading.
"Um…That's okay." Peter stated.
"Actually…You two, you and Leeds. Could you stay outside the office door for a moment? Robbie, stay with me." John said, "Oh and close the door while I'm at it."
Peter and Ned did as they were told and waited as John and Robbie conversed within the office.
"You know I really appreciate this, Ned." Peter said, "But I don't know if this is going anywhere."
"Just trying my best…" Ned said back, "Maybe if not here, he could recommend elsewhere."
After the mumbling behind John's office was finished, John opened the door to speak about his decision.
"Alright, Parker. Here's what I think." John stated, "I think…You are a talented genius. It would be a waste if we rejected you. So you know what? Are you freelancing? Cause if you are…I can give you a chance to be here. So long as you can prove your worth."
"Wait, so am I hired here?" Peter questioned.
"Absolutely, you seem like a nice guy. Gotta give Mr. Leeds some credit also… The Bugle has expanded." John said before laughing and patting Peter on the back.
"Thank you, Mr. Jameson…" Peter said while his mind was torn on working with the guy who publishes anti Spider-Man articles and finally settling on work.
"This is our comeback against the Globe. Our organisation just grows while they whine about their 'papers'. It's not just the work. It's about the networking, the socialisation!" John proclaimed.
"So what am I doing?" Peter wondered.
"I need more folks at the 1st floor. Miss Brant will be asked to supervise you. Poor Miss Brant… As much hard work she puts in, I do worry about her mind breaking and her life outside of work. You'll go down there and sort our archival documents. Sort things where they are." John instructed, "Welcome to the Bugle, Mr. Parker."
10:35 am Professor Warren's Lab, ESU…
"Alright, just 1 mL of stabilising solution and we'll call it a day's worth of experimenting." Miller said, "We'll talk theory in the afternoon."
Gwen worked with her new friend, Anton Rodríguez as she carefully pipetted one drop of solution into a microfuge tube. They were helping Miller develop a trial medicine that he intends on testing. The two of them watched as the solution turned yellow.
"Bring the tubes over once the solution's the greenish yellow colour. They'll be stored in a cooler overnight and after that…The test trials will begin." Miller said as he watched his students pass the tubes to him on a rack.
"Thank you everyone, enjoy university life now." Miller said dismissing the students.
Empire State University Campus…
"I thought that was going to be more stressful." Anton said as he walked with Gwen on campus grounds, "Professor Warren really likes to do his own work sometimes."
"That's so different. Back in high school, his brother gave us all the work as much as possible." Gwen replied.
"Wait a minute…What are you talking about?" Anton asked confused.
"I went to Midtown High. One of the head science teachers there was Mr. Raymond Warren." Gwen explained.
"Oh I see…Back then, the way I had to learn science is nothing compared to what you had." Anton stated.
"What do you mean?" Gwen asked.
"I was thirteen when I came to the States with my familia. We didn't have good education back then… It was all over the place." Anton said shaking his head a little.
"Uh…If you don't mind me asking. Where did you come from originally?" Gwen asked.
"Delvadia.." Anton replied, "It's a place between Colombia and Ecuador. Not many people have heard about it. The place is at war."
"Lucky you…I hope you're not missing your home too much." Gwen said as she decided to stop and sit on the grass.
"I do… One day though. I want the people there to find peace." Anton said as he sat down too before turning to Gwen, "What about you? American life working out for you?"
"Everything is…Fine. I come from a loving family. Even my little brother is someone I'm cool with." Gwen said.
"Same with my familia. We all love each other; no matter the hardships… At least that's what I tell them." Anton said, "Oh yes…Speaking of hermanas or hermanos, as in your sisters or brothers. It's good to connect with them. Makes you feel super supported at home."
"Wow… Got any tips on dealing with little brothers?" Gwen asked.
"There's quite a number of people in my familia." Anton laughed before frowning a little, "Some of my hermanos were lost in the war back home. But the key to good relations all boils to knowing how fragile we can be as humans."
"Look, I guess I can stop right there." Gwen said, "Shall we find a place to eat? Or a place to study?"
"We can find a place that can be both…" Anton said before smiling.
"Yeah, just what I was thinking." Gwen stated, "Oh by the way, I have a boyfriend I'm planning to catch up with later that day."
"Oh, a boyfriend? Okay…" Anton said before he stopped smiling, "I wasn't…You know. Just being friendly. It's how I get along with people."
"Actually, sorry for misinterpreting. My boyfriend's kind of having it rough as of late. He's texted me that ESU has rejected him and he's been job hunting also. I hope he's doing okay…" Gwen said getting up.
"Well, give him my condolences." Anton said as the two started walking to find another spot.
9:35 am Daily Bugle 1st floor…
Early on, Peter had already began working. John was giving Peter the same chance he gave to Ned as he worked his way through before John could decide if he is worth keeping around and paying. As such, Peter was examining boxes in the archive room and saw that some of them kept old Bugle articles in them.
"Is Jameson giving away secrets?" Peter asked himself while he looked at the boxes chronicling the year in which articles are written.
Suddenly, the door to the archive room opened with Betty coming in.
"Hey, everything okay here?" Betty asked with a smile as she carried a box.
"Fine…I don't think I messed up so far." Peter said.
"Even if you did, don't stress. Mr. Jameson isn't mean for the sake of it. He's very open-hearted with the people he works with." Betty said, "It's what I… Told Ned when he first came here."
"I see…Um, do you need help?" Peter said as he noticed Betty was struggling with what appears to be a heavy box.
"Please…" Betty said as Peter approached and helped her. Together, Peter's strength made it easy for Betty to carry.
"Just over there." Betty said as she directed Peter to put the box next to others.
As they put the box down where it needed to go, Betty gave Peter a compliment.
"I didn't expect you to be strong…" Betty commented.
"Um, thanks?" Peter said while realising he had given Betty a bit of a display of his superhuman powers.
"No need." Betty said, "I hope you…Have all the time possible to help me out today. I'm grateful that I finally get to watch over someone's training."
"I'm ready to impress." Peter smiled, "Say, anything else special about this place?"
"Taxes; city government notices. If they come in paper that is…" Betty replied, "I heard you're a good mathematician."
"That's true…" Peter said, "Is there something that needs solving?"
"Sure is…" Betty said pulling out her phone from her skirt pocket and showed Peter the account paper.
"I want to make sure the revenue for our place is correct. I'm hoping I didn't mess up with the amount of reader subscription fee we earned and the number of papers sold." Betty said to Peter.
While she explained it, Peter felt Betty nudge close to him which made Peter's heart race a little.
"Oh god…" Peter thought to himself as he wondered how this even happened.
"Well, you see…" Peter said looking at the phone screen, "Obviously we need to change the value here…."
Peter then edited what was on the phone for Betty and corrected it.
"See? Now it's accurate." Peter said passing the phone back.
"Even with a calculator, I would still miss this…" Betty said as she pocketed her phone away, "I'm glad for your help, Pete."
"Pete…Oh god, that name is…" Peter said remembering a time when MJ called him that as well as Gwen at certain points.
"If I had a word with Jameson now. I'd sing my praises…" Betty said again, "Say…When the work break comes. You should come grab some coffee with me."
"Uh, that's nice and all. But um…" Peter said before thinking of his relation to both Ned and Gwen.
"Uh, Peter…" Ned said standing at the door before Peter and Betty turned around and stopped what they were doing.
"Oh, hey Ned…" Peter said, "Just finished sorting out his place."
"Oh good…Cause we can catch a break now." Ned said to him, "You wanna walk Manhattan with me?"
"Oh that'd be great… Uh, see you later, Miss Brant." Peter said before rushing to Ned. As this happened, Betty stared blankly before she shook her head after failing to develop her chemistry with Peter even further.
9:45 am Empire State Building, bottom…
"I saw you flirting with her…" Ned said while being a little upset.
"I swear…I was just being professional as possible." Peter insisted while his friend accused him.
"You know, I guess it's cause I'm fat…" Ned said, "You on the other hand…Have already mastered looks after ditching your glasses and stuff back then."
"I still look like a bean sprout in front of people like Flash Thompson." Peter said, "It has to come down to you as a person, Ned."
"Oh, right… Please… Just try…" Ned said, "You know…"
"You have my word. It won't happen again, I swear. I'll explain everything to her when we get back." Peter said before seeing the Empire State Building ahead of him.
"I took a picture of that place by the way when I went for the job at the Bugle." Ned said to Peter, "Got real cred from Robbie and eventually Jameson."
"Yeah, this is like my…Second or third time seeing the Empire State Building." Peter said, "Reminds me of old times with Harry and MJ."
Ned got out his digital camera and started taking pictures of the Building by attempting different angles and lightings. As Peter watched his friend do his thing before asking him a few things.
"So I didn't see your supervisor there. And you and him apparently went to an Oscorp power plant the other day?" Peter questioned referring to Frederick.
"Yeah, we were chasing stuff up on Spider-Man." Ned replied as he was focusing his lens, "Like pander to Jameson's hate towards him."
"Of course…Well, I think I want to find out why the hate. What's driving him crazy?" Peter asked.
"Beats me. He's chasing popularity I think." Ned said as he clicked his digital camera.
Peter then looked at Ned being busy with the camera before looking at the Empire State Building.
"Hey, you know what? Seeing as how Jameson wants Spider-Man pics. I have an idea." Peter said.
"What is it?" Ned questioned before Peter whispered into his ear, "What?! Are you crazy?"
"I am…For your sake and Jameson's. I think Jameson will be mind blown." Peter stated.
"How am I going to take the picture? You're gonna be a pixel in the frame." Ned saidd.
"I'll take the photo…" Peter insisted.
"What?" Ned replied dumbfounded.
"Yes, I'm gonna have to borrow that camera of yours to do this." Peter requested.
"Um…I can't lose this. It's precious." Ned said holding his camera to his chest.
"Was it always like that?" Peter said reminding Ned of the time he used to lend him the camera when fighting as Spider-Man.
"It's my job…" Ned replied.
"I've borrowed it before and it was fine. Besides…If anything happens, I'll pay you for a new one. Also I have sticky fingers." Peter said.
Ned thought hard about this before agreeing to Peter's proposal to which he put the camera in Peter's hand.
Empire State Building, top…
After Peter had changed into his costume he began swinging upwards the Empire State Building and scaled it. Once he reached the rooftop height, he began using his fingers to wall crawl and balance himself as he climbed.
As this was happening, people inside the Empire State Building took notice as they witnessed Spider-Man crawl the building. Some of the people who were children attempted to wave at him to which Peter waved back as much as possible.
"Oh my god…I don't think it's the height. I think it's idea on if I'm going to breathe here." Peter thought as his fingertips were almost in reach of the antenna on top.
Finally, Peter triumphantly got to the top and began to observe his surroundings. He could see all of Manhattan as well as Brooklyn, Queens and the Heights in the distance across both Hudson and East River. The cold air blew on his mask as he viewed the majority of New York City.
"Oh man, I can't wait for Chrysler Building next." Peter said while holding onto the antenna of the building while breathing through his mask. He then took out the digital camera out of his utility belt and snapped his first picture of himself on top of the building.
Later, Peter also posed with bunny ear fingers for the camera to which he relied on his feet to balance himself. Being on top of one of New York City's highest buildings was a joy for Peter Parker as he took the time to immerse himself.
"Better cross this off my to-do list now." Peter noted once he finished with the pictures.
Putting the camera into the buckle of his belt, Peter peered to the streets down below and thought about getting down. At first, he felt afraid but he constantly reminded himself of his own powers.
"Actually you know what?" Peter said before letting his hand go off the antenna and leaping off.
Peter was then freefalling in the air in which he grabbed out the camera again snapping a photo of him in mid-air posing with his fingers. The Empire State Building was also behind him as a background.
10:05 am Daily Bugle building, 4th floor…
John was bewildered by the photos he had just received. The thought of Spider-Man being on top of the Empire State Building began to fill him with many things. He looked to every employee seated in the meeting room.
"You know what kinds of things climb to the top of the Empire State? Monsters…That's what Spider-Man is!" John said, "No human can physically make themselves climb that tower."
"But aren't these the kinds of photos you're looking for?" Ned wondered.
"Don't you dare, Mr. Leeds. You have made a deal with the devil…" John said.
"Wrong hero, Jonah…" Robbie added.
"Please Robbie…" John said dismissing his correction, "That's not what a hero does. That's what an idiot does. A reckless being."
"Maybe he isn't just fighting crime all the time. I think he wants to have fun…" Peter said trying to defend himself.
"Oh lord…If the next generation of kids think this is 'fun', we obviously have failed role models." John said crossing his arms.
"Dang, he's stubborn." Peter thought.
Frederick then appeared knocking at the door carrying his laptop.
"Hey, Mr. Jameson. I got the latest article done. Could you approve it for me?" Frederick asked holding onto the door.
John then nodded to Robbie before he motioned for Peter and Ned to be dismissed. Bringing his laptop with him, John and Robbie examined the article that was written.
WILSON FISK BUYS ALL FOR QUEENS
By Frederick Foswell
Business decisions have been made at Fisk Corporation in which Wilson Fisk himself has announced plans to redevelop Queens. His plans come as a response to the rising amount of crime that has occurred since the arrest of Mr. Joseph Cavallaro, the Hammerhead himself.
"We are investing millions of dollars to strengthen the neighbourhood of Queens." Iriana Darmawan, a representative of Fisk Corporation says, "By implementing tighter security control, we are reaching out to those affected by certain events and protecting those who can't afford it."
As of recent, the organisation has made promises to squander what remains of the Maggia across Queens. This involves seizing assets that were owned by Hammerhead himself to ensure that any form of criminal organisation does not get the chance to rise again.
Another part of the plan is the encouragement of establishing charity organisations to support victims affected by loss due to criminal events. One such occasion comes at a time in which Maxwell Dillon, a former electrician blames Spider-Man for getting him involved in an accident at the Oscorp Power Plant in Ditmars Steinway to which his job was lost.
The Fisk Corporation has intentions to announce more of its plans publicly as it makes its first steps to righting wrongs. More updates are sure to follow.
"What kind of fluff piece is this?" John asked, "This isn't the article I told you to write."
"I made a compromise with Mr. Urich on this one. He will get you the next article piece I'm sure…" Frederick said.
"Damn it, you were supposed to write about 'Electro'." John said back, "I thought Mr. Fisk's reporting's were on Urich."
"Well, I'm just saying…He might be the one getting the firing, poor guy is old. Also I believe as long as we can publish good articles of any kind. I think we should be fine. The Fisk stuff is pretty relevant, Mr. Jameson." Frederick said.
"He's right, Jonah." Robbie sighed, "As long as our journalists continue writing, there shouldn't be any qualms."
John shook his head and thought about his next decision.
"Alright, I approve…" John said, "Polish it up. Also…Put more emphasis on Spider-Man if you can."
"Sure, Jonah…" Frederick replied.
3:35 pm Fisk Tower…
Wilson sat in his office chair with the latest newspaper article from Frederick in front of his laptop. After his negotiation with Max, his next steps will be on him to make the public announcements.
"This article really concerns me, sir…" James Wesley commented as he stood next to Wilson, "This could ruin the company."
"I think it's written in good spirits…" Wilson added, "I'm more concerned about Spider-Man getting in our way. Which is why I think our electrician friend will do us deeds."
"You really think you can control him, sir?" James asked.
"You know me, Wesley…" Wilson said, "Now excuse me, I have to make a phone call."
Wilson then got out his phone and dialled a number.
"I'd like to speak with prisoner 1372…" Wilson said, "Gotta tell him something."
Wilson waited as his line was scrambled before he picked up on the voice he wanted to hear.
"What do you want? You son of a bitch." The voice asked.
"Mr. Cavallaro…Thank you for picking up. I just want to say you lived at a nice place once." Wilson said, "But since you are not in legal bounds, you don't mind if I…Buy the place. The money will be for you."
"You stay away from my property…If you touch my…" Hammerhead's voice replied before Wilson cut the line off.
"Wesley, make the arrangements. We have ourselves a nice place to stay at." Wilson ordered.
TO BE CONTINUED…
End note: Well I guess this chapter ended up being long anyway. Hope some of you had a good Valentine's Day out there. Also this is the first time I believe in which the time is out of order for a chapter. Until next time.