SPIDER-MAN: THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 8)
7:35 pm Forest Hills Police Precinct…
Captain Stacy sat on his desk rubbing his forehead as he listened to his superior talk. "We really hated your performance today, Captain." The commissioner informed, "One escaped suspect and letting Spider-Man go."
"We've issued laws that indicate street vigilantism as an illegal activity. And especially hearing those horrendous acts of brutality, you should have made a move." The commissioner reminded, "He nearly killed a suspect today."
"Well, it's not the Spider-Man we know usually. I mean do we have information on why he changed his suit?" Captain Stacy asked. "George please…" The commissioner warned. "No, I'm serious. I think ever since Hammerhead let those men in, people have undergone some photonegative colouring. Isn't that weird?" Captain Stacy asked again.
"We'd arrest Spider-Man regardless. He may have started his career by saving cats and such but his capabilities are a community hazard. His fights with Shocker, Beetle and the Kangaroo are examples of the devastating effects he can create…" The commissioner said.
"I mean those guys you mentioned are dangerous that even people like us NYPD have a hard time dealing. It's funny really… Those guys get to make some advanced stuff and all we're given are pistols, tasers and stuff that only works for ordinary people." Captain Stacy retorted, "What would happen if Spider-Man isn't around? People like Iron Man don't just swoop in to save the day."
"I'd have to take away your position if you fail to comply with orders…" The commissioner said. "Uh okay…" Captain Stacy said confidently, "I mean now I understand why some people chose to act away from the law because the law can hold them back. In fact, at this point… I'm okay with losing this position. It's taken a lot from me personally."
"A shame… You can't expect to get a job like this back in the department if you quit like this." The commissioner responded. "Well, I can already feel more wrinkles on my face now. See you, Beth." Captain Stacy said turning off his phone.
From that point forward, he was now known as only Deputy George Stacy. Some of his colleagues were surprised that their captain resigned leaving the lieutenant of the precinct to fill in the void. George changed out of his police uniform and walked out of the precinct with new intentions.
? Queens NY ?
Peter Parker sat lonesome on a building staring into the dark and empty sky as well as the bleak surroundings. His real self was stuck in a world that seemed to be a dark world of sorts and as of now he was confused.
"What has happened?" Peter asked himself. "It is the world that you see now. A world that needs cleansing for all the sins committed by people who bring nothing but pain for others." A distorted voice whispered, "The people who will destroy your life should you not stop them."
"Who are you first of all? And what's your part in all of this?" Peter questioned. "Someone who cares for the city and someone who doesn't like people like Hammerhead or the Chameleon. Someone who is inspired by you." The voice answered.
"Well, you like keeping things vague don't you? I guess you're another part of the problem I have to solve." Peter said before his head starting hurting. Peter fell off the building and onto the floor placing both hands on his head in an attempt to stop the pain.
"Get out of my head!" Peter cried. "Help me with our enemies or the visions you were shown will be real…" The voice insisted. "I'm not a killer…" Peter snapped back as the pain continued.
"Their suffering can restore more of what was lost. We can balance that out and give people the justice they deserve." The voice said ignoring Peter's words, "We sweep the city of its filth." "Everything was fine, I don't need to resort to killing my enemies. That's not why I chose to be Spider-Man…" Peter said as he tried standing up.
But the pain overwhelmed him as the mysterious powers held him down. "We are wasting time now. We need to finish what we started right now…" The voice informed before disappearing. The pain also stopped with the world returning to normal colours. However Peter's self was still possessed the new photonegative look and personality that has dominated him.
He swung onto another rooftop with his heightened 'Spidey-sense' giving coordinates on where he could find his next target. Once he was able to pinpoint the location, Peter swung into the night in his photonegative black and white suit in pursuit.
8:25 pm Thompson residence…
Flash Thompson being a smart academic as well as smart sportsman was really bright when it comes to inviting his friends to one of the nicest properties in Queens. As the resident rich kid, he could afford bringing a large number of students to his night parties every once in a while.
A few would see this as Flash being egotistical but acknowledge that these moments always bring the students of Midtown High together and occasionally other people from different high schools as well. Gwen herself was very welcome in these events often letting herself catch up with friends after a day at F.E.A.S.T.
"Oh my god, what the hell is Flash doing?" Cindy Moon, a friend of Gwen's asked as she watched Flash try to stand on top of his house's balcony wall while his friends cheer him on. "Liz, it's up to you if I break my kneecaps!" Flash called out from above while his girlfriend anxiously watched.
"Ugh…" Gwen said holding her drink as she watched Flash attempt the act, "This might be the last party Flash will ever host." With enough power, Flash squatted his kneecaps before lifting himself up into the air. As soon as Flash landed, everyone gasped in concern that he might have shattered his legs but Flash reassured nothing serious happened by standing up straight away as soon as he landed.
A round of applause followed as soon as possible with Flash boasting, "Superhero landing." "You gotta hand it to Eugene…" Sally Avril chimed in between Gwen and Cindy, "The guy knows his sports." "Equally smart as well…" Cindy added, "It's technically only Peter Parker who'd get to best him in the academic area really."
"Does Parker ever come to these events anyway?" Cindy wondered. "He used when he followed Harry around back then. But he's hanging low with Ned Leeds and he's been considered an outcast…" Sally informed, "Oh yeah, forgot to say that I heard there's a rumour Gwen is dating him?"
"What?" Gwen quickly responded, "We just talk to each other a lot at volunteering about how our day has been." "Even before all that, with MJ and stuff. You looked like you were curious with him." Sally added, "In science classes…"
"I mean what else am I supposed to say? Wow, that guy is smart. Pfft… Whatever." Gwen responded. "She has a point, Sally. We all look at Parker when he does something genius." Cindy said. "Oh silly me… Of course. I mean who cares about him when it comes to gym class?" Sally said laughing a little.
"Hey, what are you girls up to?" Seymour O'Reilly came and asked. Being one of Flash's best friend, Seymour was known for being really enthusiastic and a womaniser at times using events like these to chat up with people.
"Get lost, Seymour…" Cindy said. "Yeah…" Gwen added. "Oops sorry… It's private talk time for you guys right?" Seymour questioned, "Plus I'm pretty sure you're all used to me." "Yeah and it's not charming…" Gwen said giving Seymour one look.
"Gwendolyn, I apologize profusely. But I want to ask if you're interested in partnering up with me for grad party?" Seymour asked, "I mean these two already have dates." "Yeah." Sally answered. "Same. Though I hope Hector can make it. He tends to be absent quite a bit." Cindy said.
"Can I fill in?" Seymour asked Cindy. Cindy however squinted her eyes at Seymour as a gesture of refusal. "Back to you, Gwen… So, um… No, wait. I just remembered. I heard you're seeing Bookworm Parker." Seymour said, "I mean. What the hell do you see in him?"
"Oh my god… I'm not dating him! Geez.. I'm close to him because of my connection to Mary Jane. And I'm not going to steal him away from my best friend. Who exactly started this rumour anyway?" Gwen asked. All of sudden, a police siren was heard in the distance.
"Okay everyone, I might need to end this party…" Flash called out as he went to check out what was going on. This soon turned out to be George Stacy in his personal police car waiting on the street. "Hey Eugene, can you grab my daughter?" George asked. "Oh, Mr Stacy? Uh, yeah sure…" Flash responded.
"False alarm…" Flash said running back, "Hey Gwen, it's your dad." Gwen waved goodbye to the people at the party before she walked up on the front lawn to the car. "Dad? Why are you this early?" Gwen asked.
"Just got lucky today plus first thing I gotta do is to make sure my daughter isn't getting into trouble. Do you mind hopping in?" George requested. "You know what? Why not?" Gwen said fatigued by the party before getting into the car. "I'd thought you'd never…" George said before starting up the car.
8:35 pm…
As they were driving, Gwen and George finally talked to each other. "Kinda awkward to be in an actual police car…" Gwen said. "Well I'm gonna get that sweet Porsche back the next couple of days…" George said.
"So… Why are you early?" Gwen asked. "I gotta change of job. I'm not captain anymore of Forest Hills." George said. "What? How did you lose your title?" Gwen asked again. "Well, let's just say I had a disagreement with one part of the law and they said, "Okay, we're taking your title away."" George explained.
"What law would that be?" Gwen asked. "Well, people like Spider-Man. Zipping and thwipping around town in search of bad guys. Honestly the guy makes my life easier yet to some people he's a chore." George stated.
"I bet it's that Daily Bugle paper that's driving people wild." Gwen said. "Oh yeah… The chief editor, Toothbrush Moustache likes to cash it in." George joked, "How about you? What's up with you?" "I can't wait till I graduate…" Gwen said shaking her head, "Really want to chase my ambitions.."
"Do tell…" George said. "Mr. Warren thinks I could work in biology or some other science field. Part of me actually wants to be a musician. Be expressive and free." Gwen said. "Musician sounds fascinating… I think it's up to you so long as that career doesn't tank. Not like mine at the moment. Take a note from your mother." George said.
"And just in case you want to ask… No I'm not dating anyone." Gwen said. George laughed before saying a word, "I understand. You know I think that boy Eugene is a bad choice. I mean his family is quite the proud bunch."
"Yeah, there's not a chance with him. I guarantee that. Not a chance with the friends of his either." Gwen said. "So what kind of… Uh, boy do you like?" George questioned. "Person? Oh I say I'd like honest people." Gwen said plain and simple.
"That's nice. Honesty is what cleans up messes." George said as he decided to turn on the radio, "Hey that sounds like Billy Idol…" As the song continued, Gwen confirmed it, "It sure is… It sounds like Rebel Yell." The song turned out to be the case to which George and Gwen began to dig into the tune.
As the song was playing, it was abruptly stopped by something along the way. The car lights turned off with the music with George grabbing out his torch. The torch managed to snap a quick glimpse of a man in a yellow suit running in the way before launching himself into the air with his gauntlets.
"Shocker?" George said trying to flash his light before another figure caught his attention. It was Spider-Man in his photonegative black and white suit in the night background giving chase. Spider-Man ignored the police car as well as the other civilians who are witnessing as he seemed focused on chasing down Shocker.
"Dad, did you see Spider-Man's colours? He looks different than usual." Gwen asked. George remained startled before speaking, "Of course, sweetie. That's what happened today." "What do you mean?" Gwen wondered. "Me and my crew found him at a former Maggia-owned bar when we heard a ruckus." George simply stated, "It's the case that got me fired."
"What are you going to do now, dad?" Gwen asked. George looked at his daughter before he answered, "I'm gonna miss a proper chance at hanging out with Helen, Simon and you once again. You mind driving this thing back to the house? While I do my thing?"
"I'm still only learning…" Gwen said. "Fine, walk home or call mum then. I need to do some things." George said. "Dad, don't be stupid. You're not like them." Gwen said reminding George that Spider-Man and Shocker are superpowered people.
"If I die then I did my job serving in line of my duty. I may not have powers like them but that doesn't mean I can't be a hero." George said stopping the car before getting out. "Do as I tell you, Gwen. I love you." George said as he grabbed out a tracker from his pocket.
8:45 pm Forest Hills Stadium…
Herman was terrified out of his life as he tried to catch his breath from the terror he was chased by. The new photo-negative Spider-Man was relentless and merciless. Standing in the middle of the stadium face to face with his enemy, Herman was ready to make his last stand.
"You're not as quippy as you used to be." Herman said. "You won't run…" Peter simply answered in a distorted voice. "I will and I'll pulverise you if you shoot a web or take a step further…" Herman said readying his gauntlets.
Not even threatened by his words, Peter starting assaulting Herman by shooting web after web at him. Herman's eye-pieces were able to detect early incoming objects allowing him to deploy foldable shields from his gauntlets.
The web stuck on the shields and were let loose by the vibrations produced on the gauntlets. "Interesting…" Peter said looking at the webs on the ground. Herman then proceeded to blast a shockwave of concussive air at Peter to which he dodged.
Another blast was fired, this time the blast lasted longer which turned over chairs across the stadium. Peter swung around to avoid the blast until it stopped giving him time to do some damage. Swinging back a chair at Herman, Peter hoped to knock the Chameleon's second-in-command out.
After repeatedly doing the same routine, Herman still stood strong using both his shields to deflect the chairs. Herman was tired out by the attack giving Peter a chance to physically attack him. Herman himself was surprised that Peter was not tired himself as he was punched right across the face.
One mechanical eyepiece was cracked a little while Herman tried to focus and defend himself as the hits keep coming. At this rate, his mask could be broken and all the high-tech components could be gone. Herman then aimed at Peter and fired successfully launching him into the air before Peter looked down on him from the sky ready to strike.
Meanwhile, George saw police cars on the way as he followed the noise from the stadium and arming himself for the conflict that was going on. Ever since the emergence of criminals like the Shocker and Kangaroo, police were given protective vests against shockwave blasts that they wore underneath their shirts.
As soon as he arrived at the scene, the police were already surrounding the stadium with their guns ready. George tried to get in but was stopped by his fellow officers. "Sorry, captain…. I mean deputy." A police lady said. "Get out of my way…" George insisted.
"You're not eligible to do that, George…" A police man added. "Oh? What happened to loyalty? What happened to the trust I formed with my officers?" George asked, "Do you honestly think you guys can handle this situation better than someone than your former captain?"
The officers looked at each other as George passed them armed with a pistol and a taser gun on his belt buckle. Walking into the middle of the stadium, George managed to catch a glimpse of Spider-Man and Shocker fighting. Shocker was still standing albeit with his eyepieces cracked as well as his gauntlets nearly coming off.
Spider-Man looked as if he hadn't endured a scratch with the photonegative effect surrounding him. "You're better off surrendering…" Peter said taunting Herman. "I'm not giving in…" Herman said clutching onto his chest to show that he is hurting.
At this moment, George stood there conflicted at the scenario. George had believed in Spider-Man since the beginning recognising the good he has done for Queens. Yet the vigilante is acting out of character and is now using questionable acts of violence against his enemies.
Shocker on the other hand was a long-time criminal who always does bad by the law any chance he is let out of the street. Yet despite being a wrongdoer, he was becoming defenceless and at the verge of possibly dying if Spider-Man continues his act. "There's no justice in an act like this." George thought and aimed his pistol.
A shot was fired and Spider-Man immediately tried to act only for his arm to get hit. His attention was switched as he looked George in the eye. "You're better than this, Spider-Man." George said aiming his gun at him. Spider-Man immediately shot a web out at George binding him together with his gun on the ground.
Walking up to George, Spider-Man grabbed him by the neck. "Stay out of my way, officer…" Peter threatened, "I'm doing a better job than you at the cleaning this city." "Listen to me…" George said trying to reason with him while being choked, "Whatever is happening to you. You have to fight back against it."
"I don't need to fight back." Peter said, "I'm going to embrace it. My new powers will overwhelm whatever stands in our way." "I'm on your side! I'm trying to stop you from being the law's enemy!" George said struggling.
"Then let me finish him…" Peter said, "Give me the chance this time to finish him off." Herman could only watch as Spider-Man held George on the throat. "Let me reason with you properly…" George insisted. Spider-Man held onto his neck a little longer before throwing George onto the ground.
"Fine. You know what? Lock up the scum right here…I'll continue the mission in hunting down the rest." Peter said turning around and glaring at Herman. "My children look up to you, you know? Imagine they'd see you in person now. They'd be extremely disappointed." George said as soon as Spider-Man turned his back.
Spider-Man said nothing before he swung away with George looking. George then turned his attention to Herman. "Just arrest me…" Herman said to George. "What kind of trick are you pulling, huh?" George questioned.
"Nothing, I just want to be safe. Safe from Spider-Man. Safe from the Chameleon and safe from anything else that wants to hurt me." Herman said as he pulled off his gauntlets. George was sceptical at first before deciding to take the chance. "You've got a lot of talking to do." George said taking out his handcuffs.
The rest of the officers came in with the replacement captain leading them. "Deputy…" The captain said. "Ah, captain Saito. Glad to see you here. Please help me get this guy to lock-up." George requested. "Okay then…" The captain said as he helped tie Herman's hands together.
George thought to himself, Spider-Man is now the number one target on his list and he needs to find an answer for the trance the vigilante is in. "Oh yes, captain?" George asked. "Yes?" The captain asked. "Open up a new case for the department. It's about people in photonegative colour and how that colour affects them." George requested.
8:50 pm Leeds residence…
"Unbelievable, isn't it?" Phillip said furiously tapping on his laptop, "Got to do some research on demons and now Peter's possessed." "Not to assume anything, but how strongly tied to your background is this?" Ned asked.
"Me? We actually don't believe in demons or any form of superstition in my family. But this is a world where apparently the gods of Norse mythology exist as well. Or every other mythical being for that matter." Phillip answered, "But I do have some answers to my research."
"Well?" Ned asked. "The people wearing those weird masks are embodying the face of Èmó (恶魔), that's what we call demons in Chinese. Alternatively we can call them Yao Guai or as the Japanese say, 'yokai'. Anyway…" Phillip explained, "The real thing I want to get into is the people."
Phillip pulled up his search engine to show his results, "I did a little bit of research into triad gangs and there's a number of them that personify the likes of different animals. Tiger, Snake, Peacock…Dragon. My theory is that this is as close as we can get to in terms of understanding who these people are. The ones that supposedly possessed Peter."
Phillip showed images of old family gang photos of the triads to Ned in order for him to grasp the situation. "Then what do Maggia have to do with them? If Hammerhead is the one who sent them in." Ned asked. "Don't know but I wouldn't be surprised if they were just being diplomatic and professional." Phillip said.
"What are we going to do?" Ned asked as he pulled out Peter's old Spider-Man suit. "Play detective I guess?" Phillip said, "We're not superpowered people at all. I don't know how to help Peter when he's overpowered."
"Actually the detective part isn't so bad…" Ned said, "Maybe we can ask the triads if there's a magic trick involved that can bring Peter back." "What?!" Phillip exclaimed, "Are you stupid? They're a notorious crime organisation that could cut your balls off if you're a stranger contacting them."
"Really? Why though? I mean how do people approach them if they're organised?" Ned asked. "Oh my god… I.." Phillip then sighed, "No, no, no…" "Are you okay, Phil?" Ned asked. "Uh yeah… I need a glass of water." Phillip said rubbing his forehead.
Ned gave Phillip a funny look before he got up and walked away. Meanwhile Phillip opened up an article from the Daily Globe that reported on Spider-Man's fight with Kangaroo and Eel.
ANTI SPIDER-MAN?
By Edward Brock
An old bar formerly owned by the Maggia's Karnelli Family at the heart of Forest Hills, Queens was a hideout for two notorious costumed criminals from the 'Superior Foes of Spider-Man' team. Frank Oliver (a.k.a. the Kangaroo),Edward Lavell (a.k.a. the Eel) and at least seven other men fought against Spider-Man in the ongoing struggle of a vigilante's crusade against a gang.
What is more significant about the fight is that it was not just Spider-Man taking out a group of gang members. The police who had arrived on the scene were able to glimpse Spider-Man in what was described as a 'photo-negative' black and white suit.
Currently it is unknown what the significance of the suit means but witness Captain George Stacy briefly stated that Spider-Man not only had an appearance change but also a personality one as well. The vigilante was described as more willing to hurt others in his crusade against crime.
The aftermath of the events have resulted in Frank Oliver being seriously injured and seeking treatment at the Forest Hills Community Hospital under the watchful eyes of authorities. Edward Lavell on the other hand had escaped the scene. The rest of the seven men with them have been arrested with police attempting to get word out of them. More updates regarding this situation will follow soon.
Ned came back with a glass to which Phillip snatched and drank the water. "Oh god…" Phillip said after drinking, "Um…Did you see the articles of what they wrote about 'photo-negative' Spider-Man?" "I try not to read fluff pieces. I know I want to be like a photographer and maybe a journalist when I graduate but I feel like stuff like that from either the Bugle or Globe are just cash-ins." Ned told Phillip.
"I get what you mean… The guy who runs the Bugle, J. Jonah Jameson. What an obnoxious shitbag…. The guy behind the Globe on the other hand, Barney Bushkin is okay but sometimes he can measure up to Jonah…" Phillip said. "The media is all sorts of wrongs these days…" Ned said sitting on the couch, "Which is why someday I want to turn it around."
9:05 pm Forest Hills Police Precinct…
George had to be called back into the precinct for a disclosure from the suspects they caught tonight. "Hey George, you want to do a little thing for us?" Captain Saito asked, "We interviewed the men we caught at the bar. All cagey and very little information drawn out from them."
"And Frank Oliver? Any word from him at the hospital?" George asked. "All we gathered from him were signs that he doesn't want to work with Chameleon anymore. He doesn't want to give up the locations of where the rest of vibranium is though. I think however he's given us an address to a location."
"An address? Did you look it up?" George asked. "It's a residential house located near a retirement village in Jamaica. Sounds like a place to avoid suspicion." Captain Saito said. "A hideout perhaps? Send forward a team then, Captain." George said, "No wait.. It could be a trap."
"You giving orders or am I giving orders?" Captain Saito questioned. "Never mind that… Got any words from our friend Herman Schultz?" George wondered. "That's exactly why I called you in. You can do interrogation right?" Captain Saito asked.
"I want my darn title back, okay? This thing is one of the many reasons I was promoted. Now… Maybe you can watch and learn." George stated before he went looking for the interrogation room. George found a small room where Herman out of costume was sitting with two police officers watching.
As soon as George entered, the cops made gestures to signal their leaving and allowed George to deal with the situation. "Hello Herman. You doing okay?" George asked as Herman did not try to look up.
"Look, I know the authorities and such give you a hard time. But this is a chance in which we can have a little light conversation. I know you're a wanted man but you still help us with stuff…" George said. Again Herman remained silent.
"Okay, I want to ask about your relationship with your two other friends, Hammerhead and Chameleon. Got anything you want to loop back to me?" George asked. But no matter what George tried to say, Herman just would not talk.
"Judging from what we think. Obviously you worked with Hammerhead and I guess you were forced to work with the Chameleon when he broke you out of Middle Village that other time, right?" George questioned. Herman managed to nod a little.
"There we go. Now…I'm gonna ask about other things. Vibranium locations; hideouts and other gear… Which by the way, was that suit of yours still manufactured from Mason's?" George questioned.
Herman then went back to being silent and at that moment, George decided to do something about it. He walked up to the door and asked Captain Saito for a pen and paper. Saito agreed and eventually came back with what was needed.
"Alright, Herman. Since you're an introvert. Here's a pen and paper. Write down things that can help with our investigation. You can do it, I believe in you." George said before he got up and left. As he left the room, Captain Saito and the other officers who were watching the interrogation were confused by George leaving.
"Uh… Deputy Stacy? Where are you going?" Captain Saito asked. "I've done my job. It's up to you guys now. Good luck." George said before leaving the precinct.
TO BE CONTINUED…