The Extraordinary Spider-Man - Vol 1
Chapter 15: Criminals
Likenesses used
Terry Crews (Well albino lol) as Lonnie Thompson Lincoln/Tombstone
"Gargan! You have a visitor!"
In his cell, Mac looked up to see a prison guard opening the door, with four armed men behind him.
"Who is it?" Mac asked.
"You'll see," the guard responded. "Don't even think about doing anything stupid, or the guys here will take you out."
"Duly noted," Mac grumbled as he left the cell.
The guard and armed men escorted Mac to the visiting room, where he saw Carmilla standing on the other side of the glass. Mac sat down and put the phone to his ear, and Carmilla did the same.
"Carmilla… I… I-" Mac started. "It's been over a month."
Carmilla didn't say anything, only looking at Mac with teary eyes.
"The last few weeks have been hell. Not getting to see you. Having to stay in," Mac said.
Carmilla looked away for a little before wiping her eyes.
"You gonna say something or?" Mac asked.
"What do you want me to say?" Carmilla responded.
"Why else would you have come down here unless you wanted to say something?" Mac pointed out.
Carmilla looked down. "I… I'm not sure how to say it. Except that… I-I just can't-"
"Can't what?"
Carmilla kept wiping tears away.
"Use your fucking words," Mac demanded.
"After all of this… you still believe that the experiment wasn't a bad idea?" Carmilla asked.
"Never expected any of this to happen. But now that it has, what else can I do?"
"That's what I'm starting to wonder. You gonna be locked in here the rest of your miserable life?"
"Not sure."
Carmilla scoffed. "So none of this is bothering you?"
"I'm not happy about it. But it all came at me, and now it's a shitshow. That's probably an understatement."
"Probably?"
"That fucking Spider freak got in my way, and now I'm most likely gonna be locked up in here for life," Mac vented. "All I wanted to do was help, and it-"
"This again."
"You try to be the fucking good guy, and sometimes, that just isn't possible. The moment things go wrong is when all the blame just shifts. After that, everyone just wants to assume the worst."
"Look. I never said you meant for any of this to happen. But the bottom line, everything got so fucked. And at the end of the day, you're still refusing to take any responsibility for it," Carmilla pointed out.
"Responsibility? I didn't ask for this all to go to shit. I didn't intentionally go unstable, I-"
"Here we go again. I'm getting really sick of you-"
"It wasn't my fault!" Mac raged. "There was a mishap, and now, I feel like I can't control much anymore. You keep calling me the bad guy, but it's like I don't even have a goddamn choice anymore!"
"So, your emotions? That's what's been driving you?" Carmilla questioned.
"For all we know, yeah! I just feel like I can do whatever the fuck I want now, but I still feel so empty. It's like nothing matters!"
"Except killing Spider-Man."
"He's the one that fucked with me! If he keeps getting in my way, that's gonna further ruin any chance I have at returning back to a normal life. Back to you," Mac argued.
Carmilla shook her head. "You did that to yourself."
"You'll never understand."
"Well, the main reason I came down here was to tell you that I'm done, Mac. I wasn't sure how to say it at first, but I really am done," Carmilla revealed.
"The hell are you talking about?"
"I filed for a divorce and restraining order. You come within ten feet of me and you'll be behind bars again. Not like you'll ever be getting out anyway."
"You're not serious."
Carmilla hung up the phone and stood up. "Goodbye, Mac."
Carmilla left the room, and the armed men were quick to escort Mac back to his cell. Once he was inside, all Mac did was rage and melt down.
Peter walked into Jameson's office, taking an envelope out of his coat.
"Let's see them, kid," Jameson said.
Peter handed the envelope to Jameson, who opened it and took out the photos.
"Kid, it still shocks the hell out of me that you haven't ended up dead yet," Jameson stressed as he looked through the photos.
"Cheerful," Peter muttered.
"Crap, crap, the angle here sucks, what the hell is with the lighting in this one? Oh, absolutely perfect!" Jameson exclaimed, pulling out a particular photo.
Peter looked closer to see it was a photo of Scorpion tackling him to the ground, with an injured Shocker nearby.
"Jeez," Peter sighed.
"Robbie!" Jameson yelled.
Robbie quickly came in. "Yeah?"
"For the next headline, 'Spider-Man, Scorpion, and Shocker terrorize bank together!' Thank God that Spider punk finally got himself a name."
"Alright," Robbie replied.
"I'll give you $350 for it, kid," Jameson offered.
Peter nodded. "Sure."
"Now out of here."
Peter left the office and walked over to Betty and Ned.
"Let me guess. Another edition trashing Spider-Man?" Ned guessed.
"Yep," Peter confirmed.
"It's like what Ned said, bud. Just keep your fingers crossed," Betty encouraged.
"Everyone, settle down! Mr. Hammer will be ready to speak and answer your questions very shortly!" Jack yelled at the reporters in front of Hammer Industries.
Jack quickly texted his boss.
JACK GRAVES: You gotta get out here. People are waiting.
JUSTIN HAMMER: No shit. I'll be out soon.
A few minutes later, Justin walked up to a stand in front of his building, smiling and dressed in one of his fanciest suits. Camera flashes hit him as the reporters also recorded the event.
"Thank you all for coming! I know this press conference is quite impromptu, but I figured there were a lot of things I needed to address with my company. Specifically its links to the recent Scorpion incidents," Justin announced.
"Sir, what do you mean?"
"What role did Hammer Industries have in that?"
"How did you create the Scorpion?"
"People," Justin started. "Back in November, Hammer Industries conducted the Super Scorpion Experiment with the goal of genetically enhancing the military, specifically with the abilities of a scorpion. Former Royal Marine MacDonald Gargan volunteered for the experiment. The serum ended up being a success, but unfortunately, one of my dear scientists tampered with the experiment. Blane Ordway was responsible for this, and he mysteriously disappeared afterward. That unfortunately led to Gargan's emotional stability being massively screwed with, hence the incidents that have spawned from this. To pay my part in this, I'll be donating to the clean-up efforts, the NYPD, and the family of Blane Ordway."
The reporters all started shouting questions.
"Sir, what do you think will happen to Gargan?" a reporter asked.
"Not sure. All I can hope is he gets the proper treatment and care to get better," Justin answered.
"Mr. Hammer, what'll happen with the experiment now?"
"I don't know. I don't want to take any risks with the serum, but the experiment will probably be indefinitely delayed," Justin responded.
"Hammer, did you worry about something like this happening?"
"Justin, do you have any ideas on where Blane went?"
"Mr. Hammer, why a scorpion?"
"Thank you, everyone! But this press conference is now over," Justin declared as he walked off.
The reporters continued shouting as Jack tried to hold them back. As Justin started walking into his building, his phone started ringing. He took it out to see it was an unknown number. Confused, he picked up.
"Hello?"
"Justin Hammer. I've been watching you for a while now," an unfamiliar voice quickly revealed. "You're a man of many talents. Your intellect will no doubt come in handy for all of us."
"Who the hell is this?" Justin asked.
"Someone who can help. If you're willing to accept my offer."
"What offer?"
"Can you meet tonight?" the voice asked.
At a Starbucks, Peter and Gwen were drinking coffee and chatting.
"How long is Harry visiting his aunt and uncle again?" Peter asked.
"I'm pretty sure he's gone until the end of winter break," Gwen confirmed.
"Gotcha. Anything up with you?"
"Not much. I forgot to ask, but how'd you end up doing in world history?" Gwen asked.
"Oh, right! Got an A-!" Peter happily exclaimed. "Even with how hard that final was!"
Gwen high fived her friend. "Congrats, dude!"
"Thanks! What about you?"
"Straight A's as well."
"Nice!"
"Thanks! First semester of high school, and I'd say we did pretty well. All things considered," Gwen commented.
"Same with Harry. His grades turned out really good as well," Peter said.
"True. But then again, your first semester of high school was crazy for its own reasons."
Peter chuckled. "Still can't get over the fact that I'm Spider-Man?"
"It's still so insane. I met you a few months ago, and this was far from what I expected."
"Well, people surprise you sometimes."
"Isn't it scary, though? Going out there and fighting bad guys?"
Peter shrugged. "It can be, but sometimes, there's a thrill out of it. Granted, it's not fun when I get my ass kicked. But for the most part, I've just been dealing with robberies or thugs."
"Other than Scorpion and Shocker."
"Pretty much. Those guys were a huge pain for me, especially Scorpion. I can't stress how satisfying it was when I killed two birds with one stone with them."
"Dude, I can imagine," Gwen responded. "Question is, will there be more?"
"Not sure. It's scary to think about, but at the same time, it's like I'll be getting my own rogue gallery."
"I really hope to God you don't."
"Can't blame you, to be honest. But I gotta keep training and going on patrol to prepare for the absolute worst case scenario," Peter stated.
"Do you even know how to properly fight?" Gwen asked.
"Nope. I've mainly just been throwing random punches and kicks, jumping around," Peter admitted.
"My dad made me take self-defense classes. Maybe I could teach you a few things."
"Maybe."
"Out of curiosity, what's the long-term goal here? How long do you plan on doing this for?"
"Not completely sure. I try not to think about it," Peter answered. "Believe me when I say it's difficult enough balancing it all with school life."
"I'm sorry, bud," Gwen apologized.
"No, you're good."
"But, how about Aunt May? Or Harry? When do you think you'll tell them?"
"Not for a while. I trusted you because I really needed to let it out that night. And honestly, I feel good about it. I would've exploded holding all that inside of me."
The two friends laughed, and Gwen took a sip of her coffee.
"It still doesn't completely feel real that I'm doing this. I'm literally just a fifteen year old from Queens, and I'm going around acting like a freakin' superhero," Peter admitted. "All this for my uncle."
"It may have started like that. But it's like I said on Christmas Eve, you're doing this 'cause you wanna help out," Gwen said with a smile.
"Thanks a lot, Gwen."
"Anytime, Pete. I just really hope the second semester will be easier for you."
"I strongly doubt that. For all we know, more freaks could be coming out in the next few months," Peter predicted.
"Let's hope not."
"I also gotta figure out what to do about Jameson. I assume you saw the new Bugle issue. Seriously, that guy never gives me a break."
Gwen sighed. "All I can really say is keep doing what you're doing. Just keep trying to help out, and hopefully, he'll come around someday."
"Hopefully. I just don't want to be used as some criminal anymore. I really hope your dad's been starting to like me more."
"Baby steps."
"Right."
"Also, I really have to ask. How the hell do you even take those pictures?"
"I have my ways. All I need are the best hiding places ever and my camera auto timer," Peter answered with a smirk.
"Solid photography skills."
Mac was miserably lying on his bed until a security guard came to his cell.
"What is it now?" Mac groaned.
"Your bail's been paid. Shocks the hell out of me given how high it was," the security guard explained.
"Who?"
"A friend, I assume."
The security guard unlocked the cell and escorted Mac outside the police station. A woman was waiting outside a limousine, holding a sign that had Mac's name on it.
"That's me," Mac said.
The security guard went back into the station. The woman led Mac into the limousine, and it drove off.
"Who do I thank for bailing me out?" Mac asked.
"You'll meet him very soon," the woman said. "You won't be disappointed."
Mac found himself being escorted to what had to be the nicest mansion he had ever seen. Inside, he walked over to the living room, where he saw Justin sitting on a couch. Justin immediately put on a raged expression once he saw Mac.
"You motherfucker!" Justin angrily exclaimed as he got up. "I warned you multiple times to keep it together and now because of you, we're all in deep shit!"
Mac walked over. "Yeah, go ahead and test me right now, Hammer."
Justin's teeth gritted. "You son of a bitch-"
"Gentlemen, please!"
Mac and Justin turned to see a hulking albino man in a suit, walking over.
"Lonnie Lincoln?" Justin stated in confusion.
"Who?" Mac followed.
"Lonnie Thompson Lincoln. Call me Tombstone," the albino man introduced.
Mac chuckled. "Why Tombstone?"
"Can't feel any pain. It's all stoic and cold to me, like a tombstone," Tombstone casually answered.
Justin's eyes widened in horror while Mac looked shocked.
"Wow," Mac muttered.
"Mr. Hammer here clearly recognized me as the wealthy and charismatic philanthropist that New York thinks I am. However, my main priority is just handling all you little criminals and having fun," Tombstone explained. "I summoned you both here today because I have a proposition."
"Not that I don't appreciate you bailing me out, but what kind of proposition?" Mac asked.
"An alliance. Specifically against Norman Osborn, Wilson Fisk, and Spider-Man."
"W-wait. How do you know ab-about-" Justin stuttered.
Tombstone smiled. "Eyes everywhere, Hammer. I'm well-aware of this rivalry you have with Oscorp. It'll take that company out of competition, and Gargan could also get his revenge on Norman. It's also pretty obvious how much Gargan hates Spider-Man, so there's another opportunity right there. Together, we can eliminate Oscorp and Osborn, as well as take out Fisk, allowing me to claim more territory in the underworld. We all win in the end."
Justin sat down. "So pretty much us three versus Osborn, Fisk, and Spider-Man?"
"Yes."
"There's definitely a thrill to that. I'm down," Justin agreed.
"Excellent. Gargan?"
"You better believe I'll do anything to murder that bug. About time he pays for repeatedly fucking me over," Mac vented.
"This is already working out extremely well. Though I did see your press conference, Hammer. Still not completely sure what to say," Tombstone said.
"Look, I figured that Hammer Industries' involvement in the experiment would leak eventually. I needed to get ahead of the narrative," Justin justified.
"It better have been worth it. I didn't even explain how the experiment went wrong to Carmilla when she visited. For whatever reason, I was still protecting your ass," Mac growled.
"She'll find out eventually," Justin promised.
"In the meantime, we have to plan everything in advance. Gargan, you can stay with us in the mansion if you desire. Hammer, keep acting casual, but make sure you prepare one hell of an armory. I'll explain how all the dots connect later," Tombstone declared. "But first, this Spider-Man and his techniques have to be studied. Time to bring the Enforcers in."
Disclaimer: Spider-Man and any other Marvel characters are created and owned by Stan Lee and Marvel Comics. I do not have any ownership over them.
Something I gotta quickly make clear. I normally hate doing this, but I went back and changed like three pieces of dialogue in the story, specifically a stupid insult that Flash gave Peter in chapter 8, as well as some confusing and expositiony pieces of dialogue regarding Gwen's two younger brothers in chapter 7 and 11. From this moment forward, I'm gonna avoid changing anything as long as it's grammar and spelling mistakes. Otherwise, this was a pretty decent chapter to write, and I hope you guys liked the new villain reveal and tease at the end!
Life's been a lot recently, and not in a bad way. I've been pretty much just hanging out with friends again, going to the beach and taking late night drives with them. I've also completed 90% of the map in Spider-Man PS4. Life's returned to normal for me in a sense, and I hope it does for all of you too. Unfortunately, I'll be starting a four-week Spanish course very soon, so wish me luck on that lol!
I also have a massive announcement. My best friend, who's also a huge Spider-Man fan, has started writing his own Spider-Man story as well. It basically serves as a journal that takes his real-life experiences with heartbreak, loss, faith, family, and friendship and integrates them into a Spider-Man tale that blends both classic and loved storylines and originality. Also, I'm a character in it lol! Check out the links in my bio! And as always, favs, follows, and reviews keep me going, and I'll see you next Sunday!
Fate-Be Changed - You'll continue to see Peter and Mac's relationship evolve. And as for Shocker, no spoilers!
Marvel Nerd - Yeah I definitely did a lot of research on Cletus Kasady. His backstory and motivations are mostly the same with a few tweaks.
Geek4Life - Yes I very much took inspiration from the credits scene of the Venom movie for the Cletus Kasady scene! The biggest differences are the longer amount of time in my story, the altering of the Carnage line, and Cillian Murphy as Cletus Kasady.
Guest - You'll see what happens with them!
SpideyXBC - At some point in the future, Cletus and Peter's relationship will be further explored. For now, Cletus is just playing a twisted game in his head…
Teller-Story - LOL! Fashion tips can be quite useful after all!
Rollerparty - Yes, there'll absolutely be both a Venom and Carnage at some point in the future! I'm really excited for when that time comes. And thanks, I really did my best on that team up moment! As for Sinister Six, I definitely do have plans, but no spoiling the roster. As for Red Robin, I very much meant the restaurant lol. Tim Drake is an awesome Robin though.
ThePurpleArcher24 - Thanks a lot! I'm glad you found that scene funny! And yeah, I really did my best to make Cletus' dialogue unsettling and just haunting, and I'm glad you saw it that way! And no worries for ranting! I hope all goes well for your stories! Hopefully I can see the next chapter of your Spider-Man story soon!
-redbird12