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Entwined Destines – Episode One Road To Recovery Part III
New York City, afternoon
"Bye bye Electro," Spider-Man said after shorting out the electricity based villain with a well-placed surge of water from a fire hydrant. "See you next time."
"Thanks, Spidey," A male police officer said.
"We would never have taken down this bozo without your help." His female partner added.
"Glad I could be of service," Spider-Man said then added under his breath when he heard a beep. "Crap I'm going to be late." I need to be there before Gwen gets home or she will freak he thought, knowing how much his girlfriend worried about him.
Without further ado, Spider-Man swung away to his apartment downtown. He did not get far however before trouble came his way. He only narrowly avoided being dive bombed thanks to his Spider Sense.
"Vulture, just my luck," Spider-Man groaned.
"Revenge shall be mine insignificant insect!" The Vulture declared arching away through the air he readied a second attack.
"Fly away birdie and bother somebody else I don't have time for you right now," Spider-Man said.
"Make time," Vulture said, He unleashed his sonic scream knocking Spider-Man down several stories before the webslinger skidded to a halt along the glass wall of a skyscraper.
"Time made," Spider-Man said. He flung himself at Vulture after springing off the building. It's going to be one of those days he thought.
Peter's Apartment several hours later
"Sorry, I'm, late, traffic, on the expressway was, intense," Peter said unmasking after he came in through the window. He promptly collapsed at Gwen's feet. His suit sported dozens of rips exposing the scratched skin underneath.
"Peter," Gwen exclaimed. Gwen pulled him off the floor cradling him in her arms. "Please be okay." Gwen cried.
"Hey, don't cry. I'm okay, just a bit roughed up," Peter said weakly after opening his eyes. He extracted himself from Gwen's arms and get unsteadily to his feet under his own power. "I hate when I hurt you, Gwen. I wish I could stop being Spider-Man, but I can't. I made a promise I have to keep. I hope you understand?"
"Peter I'm the one who should apologize not you. I'm been terrible lately. I hope you can forgive me." Gwen said.
"There's nothing to forgive Gwen," Peter said.
"There is, Dr. Hamilton has helped me see that I'm not the only one who's suffering, who was victimized by the Green Goblin. That you as my primary caregiver and life partner have also suffered. In certain ways more than I have because you've had to stay strong for me." Gwen explained.
"Sounds like seeing Dr. Hamilton this past month has really helped you put things in perspective," Peter said leaning against the wall for support.
"It has, Dr. Hamilton is amazing." Gwen said.
"Hey being amazing is my thing." Peter joked feigning offense.
"Okay he's fantastic, happy?" Gwen said playfully.
"Sure, but don't say that to Johnny or Ben, okay?" Peter said managing a wink.
Gwen giggled in spite of herself. In recent months the Human Torch and the Thing had become her secret pals along with Mr. Fantastic & the Invisible Woman. Which was perhaps the only good thing that came out of that infamous night.
"I remember us being happy Peter. I want to be happy again. Sure things weren't perfect, but no relationship ever is, but we were pretty damn close in my opinion. I can't let the memory of Norman Osborn's vile actions take that from us, I refuse."
"That's the spirit," Peter said mustering a smile.
"I love you," Gwen said. She practically jumped hugged Peter, who through a supreme effort of will did not outwardly wince from pain.
"I love you too," Peter said. He held Gwen close lightly stroking her hair. They stayed there in each others arms for a long time.
Office of Dr. Bart Hamilton Long Island, later that day
Following his final appointment of the day, Dr. Bart Hamilton dismissed his receptionist then walked down his driveway to collect his mail. Aside from several bills and a couple thank you letters from past patients the only item present was a rather large manila envelope with no return address. Whatever was in the thick envelope it was certainly unusually heavy. Carrying his mail inside Dr. Hamilton temporarily forgot about his mystery package which he placed on the desk in his home office. After finishing supper an hour later Dr. Hamilton retreated to his office where he again noticed the unopened envelope along with his other postage. Using a pen knife to open it the bearded, black-haired, middle-aged psychiatrist carefully slid out the envelope's contents onto his desk.
"What do we have here?" Dr. Hamilton questioned aloud.
Retrieving his reading glasses Dr. Hamilton examined a series of what appeared to be official Oscorp reports. He recognized the logo from television and the Internet. Every document he examined over the next half hour was marked "top secret/confidential". These documents detailed research into genetic augmentation aimed at creating & mass producing 'super soldiers', the production of the personal weapons required for such troops including gilders & soft body armor, Norman Osborn's transformation into the Green Goblin, the formula that achieved his physical enhancements which had posthumously been unofficially rebranded 'Goblin Juice' along with disturbing information on a current patient of Dr. Hamilton's Gwendolyn Maxine Stacy. Who the documents stated had been experimented on without her knowledge while in Europe that summer using something called "Spider Serum" and that a post-hypnotic trigger had been placed in her mind that could be activated by a specific command. There were also three key cards present, a map and a note that detailed where to find Green Goblin's undiscovered stashes of equipment and remaining quantity of 'Goblin Juice'.
"Why would anyone send me this information?" Dr. Hamilton wondered to himself.
While he was very interested in what he termed all things 'Goblin related', he'd never shared his interest nay burgeoning obsession with anyone. Fear of being labeled a criminal sympathizer and the possible repercussion of professional ruination had prevented him. His fascination began when Norman Osborn had sought out his professional help two years before. It had only grown when Harry Osborn had started his sessions several months ago. The elder Osborn had grown to implicitly trust Dr. Hamilton so much so he had shared secrets with the doctor no one else knew, including that of his dual identity which Dr. Hamilton had kept under wraps. Could it be Norman Osborn had reached out from beyond the grave to share more of his secrets with his former therapist?
Whatever the case here was exactly what Dr. Hamilton had longed for, a chance to explore his own darker nature. Studying the map and other information with great curiosity Dr. Hamilton played with the key cards. Tomorrow he resolved he would go and attempt to locate one of Green Goblin's secret stashes. In time he was certain he would learn all the secrets held there and perhaps become a successor to the Goblin Legacy. Additionally, he would do what his predecessor could not by squashing Green Goblin's nemesis Spider-Man, thus proving his worthiness.
Former Hidden Lair of the Green Goblin one week later, evening
It had taken more than a weak of painstaking search but Dr. Bart Hamilton had finally located and gained access to one of Norman Osborn's former hideouts/storage facilities. He wondered the surprisingly large subterranean structure for hours marveling how something so large could exist below the city. In that time he had both narrowly avoided two booby-traps, left behind by Osborn no doubt to secure his stash, and uncovered many secrets, which were now his and his alone, or so he assumed. Thanks in large part to information provided by the anonymous packet he had received through the mail things had progressed fairly rapidly. Entering an obvious weapons depot Hamilton again marveled at the sheer volume of equipment present. Green Goblin had truly been a one man army. There was everything Hamilton needed, and much more, to carry on the Goblin Legacy as its new standard bearer.
"Ah, here you are at last," Hamilton said entering another smaller chamber which contained a laboratory complete with cold storage closet. Opening the unit Hamilton was pleased to find a tray labeled "Goblin Juice 2.0". In the tray was a single vial of green liquid that intermittently pulsated with an eerie neon light. "Hmmm, is it supposed to glow?" Hamilton wondered aloud. He reached out for the vial then hesitated. The moment of truth had arrived. Hamilton could either go back, forget he had ever seen this place or he could grab destiny by its horns. Hamilton snatched the vial from the tray, popping its cork he down its contents without a second thought.
Nothing happened, Dr. Hamilton stood there disappointed. He did not know what he had expected, but he had hoped for something tangible. Perhaps it was too soon? Yes, that must be it. It made perfect sense. Fully altering one's biology into that of a metahuman took time no doubt. He wondered out of the room knowing he would return soon.
Unbeknownst to Dr. Hamilton, his every move was recorded by a series of hidden cameras. Later Donald Menken would go over said recordings and report their contents in minute detail. His his ally Dr. Warren would no doubt find Menken's report on their his latest asset of great interest. Dr. Hamilton would make an excellent stand-in goblin. Furthermore Dr. Hamilton would provide an alternative means by which to enact the master plan should Dr. Warren and his impending creations prove not up to the task. Everything was falling into place.
To Be Continued
Author's Note -
Well, while the chapter was not longer it did provide a nice nugget of Spidey action and set the stage for greater things to come. Stay tuned loyal readers. The best lays ahead.