SPIDER-MAN: THE OTHER SPIDER (CHAPTER 48)
Breaking: After months of writing, I have decided that The Other Spider will finish at Chapter 50. It has been an incredible experience writing this story and thinking of the scenarios for the characters. I will like to thank those who stuck around with the story and I thank you for your patience. However, just because this story is ending does not mean it's end for Spider-Man. There's still so much to unpack, so enjoy.
9:45 am U-Genetics…
Peter arrived camera ready before he was cut off by a line of police officers wearing hazmat suits.
"Sorry, this place is being restricted due to biological hazards." One officer said to Peter.
"I'm with the Daily Bugle." Peter replied holding up his identification card.
"This is as far as you go then." The officer said, "I'd advise you to stay back. It's really bad back there."
"What exactly happened?" Peter asked.
"Some sudden explosion is all we can gather. Thankfully, no one seemed to be hurt and the officers who were here last night all got out fine." The officer said.
"Let me ask, isn't this the place where Miller Warren had been found?" Peter asked.
"Ah, yes. But we're still looking for bodies." The officer replied, "Forensics did get a hold on mixtures of DNA splattered around here. We have an idea on the kidnappings he has done."
Peter was a little surprised that Gwen had taken a discourse from what he originally told her.
"Well, it's probably not a good time still to talk to Gwen." Peter thought, "But it's always a good time to talk with Yuri."
After a few seconds, Peter's Spider-sense sprung to action when a blob-like version of Miller rose in his beast form from the rubble of the collapsed U-Genetics building. The face of the former genetics and cloning professor looked distorted as he roared in a weird voice.
"Primitives…" Miller said in a distorted tone before the police started using tear gas and stun grenades to subdue the mutated professor to the ground.
Miller immediately collapsed just from the force of the police alone which came to Peter's surprise.
"Keep your weapons steady, it's still alive." One officer said.
Later, a group of hazmat people arrived on scene as well directing the police that they will handle the situation from then on.
"I have so many questions." Peter said witnessing the authorities take action.
Peter then grabbed out his trusty camera before talking to the same police officer in front of him.
"Could I take a couple pictures?" Peter asked.
10:45 am Robbie Robertson's office, Daily Bugle 4th floor…
Peter arrived at Robbie's office just as Robbie was busy reviewing a pre-published article regarding the recent events that have transpired in New York.
"Hey, Robbie." Peter said at the door, "Got a few shots on both the traditional and modern way."
Holding onto his camera on one hand and taking out his phone on the other, Peter tried to show the shots he had taken all at once.
"Sharp eye as always, Parker. Just photocopy, send or fax to me those photos." Robbie said,
"How's the uh…Article coming, Robbie?" Peter asked.
"Oh, it's coming along decently." Robbie said, "Want to see?"
Robbie then showed the screen of the article on his laptop and let Peter read it.
LIFE SCIENCE COMPANY EXPLOSION CALLS FOR RENEWED REGULATIONS
By Caitlin Ortez
The abrupt explosion at the U-Genetics building in Greenwich last night has called for the immediate regulation regarding the approval of biomedical research projects in New York City. The site at U-Genetics is also the end of an investigation regarding the long-term disappearance of former ESU professor, Miller Warren.
Miller Warren's area of teaching focused on biomedical science, particularly that of genetics and cloning. In addition to his work at ESU, he also collaborated with pharmaceutical and life science companies to expand on his scientific research which includes U-Genetics. What is known through his collaboration with U-Genetics was that Warren was working on a project that involved accelerated cellular regeneration and organism resurrection through minimal DNA.
Had Miller's work been approved by the NIH, this might have been a breakthrough. However, the professor had also been embroiled in unethical experimentation involving the kidnapping of innocent New York civilians. Most of which were forced by him to undertake the cloning experiments that have gone under police radar due to lack of suspicion. "His case might be the most notorious in terms of breaching the law. More so than quite possibly any gang here in New York." Commissioner Phillip DeWolff stated.
"No science can go beyond ethics. It is a tool that should be used for the benefit of us no matter what." The NIH board stated. As the investigation continues, a long list of kidnappings can now be closed as Lieutenant Yuriko Watanabe of Astoria who helped coordinate the search is expected to be awarded later today. There is also a side investigation going on regarding Warren's monstrous form dubbed 'The Jackal' which authorities are trying to determine the story behind.
"Yuri…" Peter said looking at the article.
"Peter, you know her?" Robbie asked.
"Uh, no. I-I…" Peter replied.
"She's an amazing officer. Guess what else she's been commended for?" Robbie said, "Exposing Fisk's corruption. That son of a bitch is finally under heat especially with the details regarding Foswell's death."
"So that's happened as well, huh?" Peter said, "What's Fisk going to do about it?"
"Beats me. Obviously, he needs to answer to the public. He's probably got a lawsuit coming or… He's leaving New York." Robbie speculated.
"Well, I guess the first option is his only choice. Anything else, Robbie?" Peter asked.
"Nah, we're all good here." Robbie said, "Go grab something nice like a coffee or even a steak lunch if you've been saving."
"Alright, let me know if you have anything more." Peter said before leaving.
As Peter left, he decided to head to the rooftop of the Bugle. Taking the Bugle's trusty old elevator, he got as far as he could before taking a few stairs towards the top.
As he opened the door to the outside, he decided to don his Spider-Man persona. Instead of his phone, Peter took out his earpiece communicator and scrambled the phone line to reach Yuri.
"Hey, I heard what you did." Spider-Man said, "Impressive."
"I am a little suspicious of you but I could say you actually help when needed." Yuri answered, "Though some of that credit goes to your sidekick."
"Yeah, I'll talk with her soon. So… Promotion?" Spider-Man asked.
"I wouldn't bet on it that fast. Besides, one case is not quite over yet. Because of the Fisk fiasco, a new sweep-check to root out police corruption has begun." Yuri said, "That's good news. Finally, we can distinguish good cop from bad cop."
"And more importantly, I want to know what Fisk is planning to do next. If it's an arrest, I'll stay out of it. But if he tries to escape justice, I'll be there." Spider-Man said.
"Okay, I have other things to take care of. I'll talk again when it's convenient." Yuri stated before hanging up.
Peter then walked back towards the door as he began to formulate his next plans.
11:45 am Fisk Tower…
Wilson had been sitting on his desk signing documents including a resignation form for both his position as mayor and chairperson position of Fisk Tower. He knew that he was a sinful man but believed in his justifications. He was ready to minimise the incoming damage coming towards him.
There was knock on his office door as he continued to read and sign the document forms.
"Come in." Wilson said before looking up to see his wife, Vanessa.
Vanessa was looking fine as ever since being attacked by Electro. In fact, she looked confident in the face of her guilty husband.
"So your plan is to throw everything away?" Vanessa questioned.
"There's only so much you can do. Besides, I know how to keep some of the prosperity we have gotten." Wilson replied.
"Do you?" Vanessa asked again, "The penthouse? The wealth? Your accumulation of power?"
"I will always have power." Wilson said standing up, "And I will need it to keep us safe."
"It hasn't really been the case, has it?" Vanessa continued to ask.
"Yes, I suppose so. Vicious beast men; sentient electrical energy and people mimicking arachnids. The landscape has changed." Wilson said, "Combine that with the legal troubles we'll be dealing…"
"I don't want to hear about those things ever… I want to forget." Vanessa said.
"So do I. But I'll never forget the city in which they occupy." Wilson said back.
"Wilson, think about now. What are you going to do?" Vanessa asked.
"Forget. Leave." Wilson simply stated, "Vanessa, You're right. I think it is for the best that we move away. We need some place to ourselves for now."
"Yes. That will be wonderful." Vanessa said before leaving Wilson alone.
Behind closed office doors, Wilson was seething at all he was about to lose. In a tantrum, he flipped over the desk to release his anger.
1:35 pm Stacy residence, Brooklyn…
Gwen came back home from the florist carrying a basket of flower bouquets. She had been helping her family set up George's funeral. In Gwen's heart, the rage for her father's death is held tight by the fact that her family not knowing her secret as Spider-Woman.
"Oh, thank goodness. You got them." Helen said as she set the basket on the dining table.
Gwen did not speak a word as her mother arranged the flowers.
"You know why I married your father?" Helen started to say, "He was a messy man."
Gwen at first was confused before her mother continued to speak.
"I was prideful and stuck up. And your father? I did look down on him when I was younger." Helen said, "That's right, I was the blonde who thought I had it all. Until I was ostracised for the person I was. But your father despite me picking on him showed me what it means to be forgiving. And I was touched. He let me see why being human is far more beautiful than being perfect."
"So…Was dad like a dork back then?" Gwen sheepishly asked.
"No, Gwen. He was a confident person. He was a bit of a diamond in the rough to speak." Helen said remembering, "You are more like him for sure."
"I don't know about that." Gwen said, "Though, I guess I try to be like him whenever I can."
"There's enough George for me inside you." Helen said before getting up.
"So when's the funeral starting?" Gwen asked.
"Tomorrow afternoon or the day after tomorrow morning if we need to make any adjustments." Helen said, "It's not a party by the way. So let's also try to get a reasonable number of guests."
After her mother left, Gwen was left to think about the time she had. Sooner or later, Peter will probably be calling her about what happened at U-Genetics and such.
11:05 pm Fisk Tower Conference room…
During the evening, Wilson had prepared to finalise a resignation speech in light of the crimes that have caught up to him. With the cameras set up by a crew in his office, Wilson sat on his chair as he delivered the speech with New York in the background.
"My fellow New Yorkers. In light of the recent allegations set upon me, I thought it would be best for me to step down from both my position as mayor and my position as head of Fisk Tower. I want to reassure both those support or oppose me that I am doing the right thing in keeping New York City safe and uphold its integrity. It disappoints me when the issues that we strive to fight still remain. Drug trafficking; gang wars and police corruption. Likewise, I wish for this city to not be a playground for superpowered beings. I know the disruption it causes to your lives and it was a primary promise that I wanted to keep advocating for. That is why I want you all watching to keep fighting for the city's heart and I intend to donate some of my welfare to encourage you all out there. Thank you."
After the statement, Wilson took a breath as the cameras completed their first roll. He then called upon James to set up some arrangements.
"Wesley. What time can the pilot arrive here?" Wilson asked.
"2:45 am. I know it's late but surely the ride will be luxurious when you get on." James answered.
"Fine. And also, see if you can pin the allegations back to some of the gangs here. Maggia; Kitchen Irish; Chinese Triad…" Wilson said, "Surely, we can have people believing they can be behind these things."
"Of course, if the evidence can be substantial. By the way, it will be windy when you leave so be sure to wear your best coat for the night along with your wife." James advised.
TO BE CONTINUED…