SPIDER-MAN: THE OTHER SPIDER (CHAPTER 39)
Note: Dear readers, I'm just putting a warning here about taking a break from writing in case I take too long for the next chapter to be put out due to busy schedule. In the meantime, enjoy the chapter and happy 2021.
6:00 pm A street around College Point…
Early on, George sat inside his parked car next to the kerb trying to figure out his next step in finding his daughter. While he was reading through his notes, he knew Spider-Man was two steps ahead of him.
"So, Gwen's former teacher claims to have little to no contact with her former professor." George said to himself, "Am I missing something back at the house?"
As George continued his brainstorming, a white car slowly passed him. At first, George ignored it as he assumed it was a person returning home. Checking his car draw, George rummaged his hand around and found a packet of unopened cigarettes.
"Big Apple? Sheesh, how long has this been here?" George said picking up the branded cigarettes.
The expiry date for the cigarettes had long happened which helped George make the easy decision not to open the pack.
"Helen will kill me if she finds I've returned to old habits." George said putting the cigarettes away, "But it's going to be a long night."
As George put away the cigarettes, he noticed the same white car that passed him slowly return with its rear in front and headlights on. In suspicion, George reached for his handgun in case something went wrong. Three men wearing plain clothes got out of the car while staring George down.
"Can I help you, boys?" George asked rolling down the car window a little and closing his notebook.
"George Stacy, am I right?" One man asked.
"Who's asking?" George asked back.
In response, the man who asked for his name then quickly got out his own handgun.
"The Kingpin sends his regards." The man replied.
7:25 pm Jackson Heights, Queens…
Spider-Man and Gwen kept swinging together as they tried to get to George as fast as possible. As of late, Peter had installed a new phone tracker function to his eye-lens to take phone calls and phone locations at the same time.
"Why did you get dad involved in this?" Gwen asked as they swung through narrow streets.
"Because you went MIA and I had to find you." Spider-Man replied.
"Peter, if anything happens to my dad because of this. I'll kill you." Gwen said.
"Your dad's a smart man. He's worked with me for quite a while, I'm sure nothing that serious has happened yet." Spider-Man replied again.
8:02 pm Flushing, Queens…
George drove his car as fast as he could through the traffic. His arm was bleeding from a bullet wound and his car windows both front and side have bullet holes. Swerving dangerously away from vehicles and pedestrians alike, he had trouble losing the car that was targeting him.
"It's somewhat flattering to know I've got a price on my head." George said while constantly checking his mirror.
The car was still tailing him like a magnet and his fuel engine was nearly empty. Another bullet flew behind him causing him to swerve hard and hit a fire hydrant. This time, the front of the car busted up but because of the hydrant water, there was no immediate explosion.
In pain, George got out of the car arm bleeding as he had no choice but to face the assassins directly. The car that was pursuing him stopped after George retaliated and shot at their tyres preventing the car from running him over. The men immediately stopped the car and got out one by one.
"So, Wilson Fisk is paying ordinary folks to take out his enemies?" George said, "How much am I worth?"
"$5000. Mostly because you're a former police captain and because he gave orders to clean sweep people poking their head in his business." The man said holding a rifle this time.
"How would he know what I'm doing?" George scoffed, "Any specifications on me being dead or alive?"
The man said nothing in return and readied his weapon. As quick as a flash, George shot first by shooting the man in the shoulder prompting him to misfire and drop the rifle. Afterwards, George shot the knees of the other two before walking up and knocking each of the men down with his fists and kicks.
"I'm an old man but I was also a captain. Remember that." George said while clutching his arm.
The men groaned as George stood around them. Meanwhile, a police car had entered the scene with its emergency lights shining. At first, a sense of relief came to George. Two police officers, a man and a woman got out of the car.
"Officers, glad you're here." George said, "I just took care of business for you."
"Thank you, it's disappointing however." One female officer said.
"What?" George said in return.
To George's shock, the two police officers drew their weapons and shot the three men down. They then reloaded and aimed at George.
"Even the cops want a piece of me." George said as he dropped his own gun and raised both hands.
"Captain George Stacy. Former captain. You're a wanted man for corruption." The male officer said.
"What corruption? I'm not the one who shot those men in cold blood!" George said as he continued raising his hands.
"You don't have to see that." The male officer said aiming his gun at George.
As George faced down the corrupt police officers, he reloaded his gun quietly before drawing. This was followed by an exchange of gunfire. George fell down onto his back but not before Gwen had swooped in and kicked the male officer.
Spider-Man then easily disarmed the female officer before webbing her down. However, the victory was not well earned as both Spider-Man and Gwen turned their attention to George who groaned in pain. Examining George, Spider-Man noted the bleeding he was suffering.
"Let's get out of sight." Spider-Man said.
Together, the two Spider heroes lifted George carefully before dragging him to somewhere out of the public's eye. They reached an alleyway while George continued to groan in pain and felt dizzy.
"Shit. He's bleeding bad on both arm and stomach." Gwen replied while trying to keep her familial concern in check.
"I can't-I can't feel…" George stammered as his breath drew slower.
"Dad!" Gwen yelled as she watched her father's consciousness fade.
However, it was unclear whether George had heard his daughter's own words as he closed his eyes. For Spider-Man, the death of George would make things more complicated for him.
"Gwen- Please…" Spider-Man answered with unease.
Gwen was having none of it as she turned to Spider-Man with angry eye-lens. In fury, Gwen clenched her fists and attacked him. Peter's own Spidey-sense failed to respond fast as he was punched in the face. As Gwen continued to assault him, Peter felt a build up of pain beneath his mask.
"Gwen, stop!" Spider-Man pleaded as he tried reaching with his hand only to find it phase through Gwen's arm like thin air.
George then started breathing again which forced Gwen to stop. Standing up, Gwen put her hands around her head in horror over what she had done before turning to George who was showing signs of life. She tended to him as soon as possible before saying her words.
"Please, just leave me alone." Gwen said in sadness.
Peter wanted to stand his ground but his judgement decided to leave Gwen with George. It was either his fault or the Kingpin's that he had to own up to. With reluctance, Spider-Man left the scene swinging.
"What was that phasing ability she just had?" Peter wondered in response to experiencing Gwen's new ability.
9:05 pm Fisk's private suite…
Wilson sat comfortably on the bedside as he watched live footage of the operations the police were conducting in regards to rooting out cops that were antagonistic to him on tablet. Soon, he would have more tightened control of the law and for his things to go his way.
He watched as two police officers dragged out a man in his sleepwear out of his house. With a smile, he basked in the power he had as the man was beaten down.
"Everything is going to plan." Wilson said to himself as he lied down and turned the tablet off.
As he began to relax, the phone next to the bed rang prompting Wilson to get up and pick the phone.
"Who is this?" Wilson asked rubbing his eyes.
"Mr. Fisk, I'd like to ask if you're interested in seeing the latest development of my project in person." Farley Stillwell requested.
"How important is it?" Wilson asked.
"Very. I'm sure it will catch your attention." Farley replied.
9:35 pm Fisk Underground R&D Lab…
Wilson walked all the way to the lab where the Genome Amplifier as Farley called it was being assembled to completion. In person, Wilson was impressed that building the machine went as smooth as ever.
"Dr. Stillwell. Enlighten me on the latest." Wilson requested.
"All the machine components are put together thanks to your quick resource scouting." Farley said with a smile, "On top of that, the energy source you suggested… It actually supports the amount of power required to run it."
"So, Mr. Dillon was useful after all." Wilson replied, "Looks like I owe Oscorp some fees after this."
"I'm not sure about using a human electric battery… Is the humane way of doing this." Farley said looking down with a bit of guilt.
"Humane?" Wilson said in annoyance, "Doctor, let me enlighten you. You're never getting anywhere if you don't cut corners. Least of all, if you let emotion and care dictate everything for you."
Farley then felt the unease Wilson was giving him and nodded immediately in response.
"Maxwell Dillon is a deranged criminal with a superhuman ability of generating over 10,000 volts of bioelectricity. He's nothing more than a shell of his former human self." Wilson informed, "Now what else do you want to show me?"
"Well, we could have a tour on how the machine operates if you like. Plus, I can start trial runs of mice to test the machine." Farley replied.
"Doctor, forget about that. Under my instruction, you'll use this machine to give me what I am demanding." Wilson said, "Now where is the creature I requested?"
The number of workers around Wilson looked around before one scientist came forth with a plastic box. Inside the box was a large scorpion with a sharp stinger.
"This is a cross between an Arizona bank scorpion and an Arabian fat-tail." Wilson said opening the box.
After opening the box, Wilson plucked the scorpion by the stinger with his grubby fingers and dangled the scorpion by its stinger showing no fear. Farley freaked out as Wilson held the creature.
"Sir, I would be careful with that thing." Farley said.
Wilson chuckled before dropping the scorpion back down and closing the box lid.
"Which is why I'm hoping your machine will succeed. This scorpion will be my answer to fighting off Spider-Man." Wilson said.
"Sir, my machine is to help cure others of disease and such. I don't think I'm here to make super soldiers." Farley replied.
"You were hired by me! And you will do as I say." Wilson said ignoring the potential errors that may occur from what he proposed.
Farley stopped arguing and nodded. His own project had been hijacked by Wilson last-minute.
"Let's start this machine as soon as we can." Wilson said, "First, we'll need the candidates. And I have one who's really eager about this."
"Who?" Farley asked in curiosity.
"Mac Gargan." Wilson replied.
9:30 am Robbie Robertson's office, Daily Bulge building, 4th floor…
Robbie shook his head as he read through the article drafts submitted to him by email. The stories he had been receiving were either mundane or required further journalistic quality. In fact, the stories would definitely not impress John.
"Fisk's law enforcement cleansing?" Robbie said scratching his head as he read through the computer screen.
As he continued with his computer work, there was knock on Robbie's door.
"Mr. Robertson, a special visitor would like to-." The employee's voice said before being brushed aside.
The response was cut short as Robbie's own office door was kicked open. Robbie was greeted by a man wearing dark green with slick black hair and green eyes.
"Sorry, couldn't wait. But this is an emergency." The man said while holding a pocket knife in hand.
"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Robbie said remaining calm while standing tall at knifepoint.
"The boss isn't happy. Someone out there is trying to uncover his secret drug operations and he wants someone like you to debunk it." The man ordered.
"Really? You came all this way to tell me that Lonnie doesn't want his crimes to be exposed." Robbie said in response.
"Don't be defiant, there is a huge price to be paid. Both in a good way and bad. Depending on your choice." The man said.
"Tell me specifically." Robbie said.
"Good as in you'll be generously paid by the boss. Bad as in you, your son and someone in this news staff." The man warned.
"Too much bad. Maybe you should even it with more good." Robbie said.
Meanwhile, Peter was just about to enter the Daily Bugle downstairs from below before noticing a suspicious looking man at the reception threatening Betty. Moving away, he snuck somewhere else to get dressed.
"Trust me, the date will be nice." The man said clutching a handgun in front of Betty.
"Funny way of asking." Betty said in response while holding both her hands up in mercy.
"It's not about being polite; it's about getting what I want. So… I'll ask again. Will you-." The man said before a web jammed his handgun.
Afterwards, Spider-Man rushed out by the side and roundhouse kicked the man down saving Betty.
"Phew. Was- uh… Saved your skin, didn't I?" Spider-Man said trying to look proud in front of Betty.
"Thank you. Uh- There's more people upstairs if you-." Betty replied before Spider-Man interrupted.
"No problem. Take care." Spider-Man said before webbing the man up and leaving for an air vent.
As this happened, Robbie and the rest of the Bugle staff were continuously harassed by at least three men in the area.
"You really want someone hurt, do you?" The man in dark green growled while holding a Bugle employee hostage.
"Hey, I was just about to give an answer." Robbie said attempting to defuse the situation.
"It's a quick yes and no. Time's up." The man said before lifting his knife up.
As this was about to happen, the man stopped as he heard one of his men getting distracted.
"What is this?" The man asked picking up a metallic ball with a beeping light.
As the beeping came to an end, the ball exploded letting out strings of sticky web which blinded the man. Another man was strung up to the ceiling in an instance knocking him out cold. The man who was blinded then got knocked out as well by a nearby employee.
As for the last man, Spider-Man snapped the knife out of his hand saving the employee while kicking him on the chest knocking him over a desk.
"Sorry for knocking the paperwork on the desk, hope it wasn't too important." Spider-Man apologised.
"Holy god, Spider-Man is here!" One employee cheered.
The employees cheered before Robbie clapped and calmed everyone down.
"Everyone, let's get back to work. I want to talk with Spider-Man in person." Robbie said.
"What, you want to talk to me?" Spider-Man asked.
"Yes. Come to my office." Robbie replied.
As this happened, the employees tried their best to get back to work but it was hard to ignore the presence of a famous vigilante in the building. Nevertheless, Robbie closed his office door to reduce the distraction.
"If only Jonah was here. He'd faint without a word." Robbie said.
"I just noticed there…Uh… Was trouble." Spider-Man said, "Thought I investigate and turns out, some bad people were actually here."
"Yeah, bad people. Listen, you're here and I wonder if I could enlist your help." Robbie said.
"What can I do?" Spider-Man asked.
"Listen, the Bugle has its strings tied to a notorious criminal who goes by the name, Tombstone." Robbie said.
"Tombstone?! What does this guy want?" Spider-Man thought to himself.
"Can I ask why the Bugle is tied to a guy who like that?" Spider-Man asked directly.
"Oh, I don't know if you have the patience to listen. But basically, me and him actually knew each other for a long time." Robbie said, "Our paths diverged and he became a criminal while I work at the papers."
"Personal history, huh? That is something. What do you want me to do?" Spider-Man asked.
"Anything to bring him to justice. He's avoided that because of the protection money has in his pocket." Robbie said.
"And how about the police?" Spider-Man asked again.
"I'll call them for the clowns who entered this building but for Tombstone, keep it between you and me. I- don't want more trouble. Please, if you can." Robbie pleaded.
Spider-Man had a sense of reluctance in him, Tombstone had nearly killed him. His connection with Robbie made more sense in making him realise partially on why Robbie looked stressed at times. However, this is an open-ended opportunity to make up for the mistakes and finish what he could not do beforehand.
"Got it. I'll be on my way and make sure he doesn't bother you ever." Spider-Man said.
"Oh, and one more thing…" Robbie said stopping Spider-Man, "You know Peter Parker, right? He's a photographer who's taken photos of you before. If you meet him, tell him to get here as fast as possible. He's late."
"No problem. I will find him." Spider-Man said before opening up the office window.
After opening up the window, Spider-Man leapt out startling some pigeons nearby.
"Why are these problems piling up all of a sudden?" Peter thought to himself as he swung through the city.
TO BE CONTINUED…