SPIDER-MAN: THE GREAT RESPONSIBILITY (CHAPTER 14)
8:00 pm Forest Hills Police Precinct…
As Hammerhead had ordered to Eel, the precinct at Forest Hills is under siege. The police were hardly fighting back at sparks of electricity being fired all over the place and instead were trying to keep their distance from the safety hazard.
"There's too much voltage, everyone get out!" Captain Saito ordered as he helped his fellow officers out of the damaged precinct. As the evacuation happened, George arrived at the scene in his police car to witness his precinct in a damaged state. Windows were broken; bricks had been fallen and inside was a blazing fire.
"Geez… What the hell…" George said in horror before his attention switched to gunfire that was fired by Hammerhead's men coming from the inside of the building. "Why are they running from a gunfight?" George wondered before he realised what was happening.
The men had Eel backing them who was spreading shots of electricity everywhere with the tip of his fingers. "Great, where's Spider-Man when we need him?" George wondered as he got out of the car and barricaded himself.
As George loaded his pistol, he noticed that while the men were advancing with their own firepower, one of them was carrying a small grey cargo suitcase with the letters 'DB-127' written in black."Stealing?" George questioned before taking his first shot.
Being an honest cop, George aimed only to disarm his enemies rather than kill. His first shot made one man drop his weapon. "There's a cop right there!" One man alerted Eel as he turned his gun to George's car.
Eel fired a bolt of electricity in George's direction which caused the car to flip over. Luckily, George was unharmed despite being in close proximity while the car was turned over on the road. "This one's mine…" Eel remarked as soon as he spotted George.
Before another shot of electricity could be fired, Eel was soon distracted when his men had been knocked out by a sweeping pendulum like force. He turned around to see Peter in his costume lying on the floor. "Sorry, slipped a little." Peter groaned before getting up.
"A disappointing entrance…" Eel mocked, "But that was expected…" Eel then wiped his suit a little from the swing-kick Peter had attempted. "You think? Gotta say it's really annoying every time you guys are up to something." Peter commented back.
"Count on it," Eel said as he charged up his suit, "Cause the next thing we're going to do is extremely huge." "Huge? Thought you guys were losing the fight against Hammerhead?" Peter asked before he dodged a streak of lightning.
"Hate to break it to you, bug." Eel said, "The truth is, I'm the mole of their group. I've been working hard to clear the air from them since day one." "A traitor for a guy who's a traitor to the guy you're working for?" Peter asked pretending to be confused, "Man, you guys like backstabbing each other."
"My allegiance is always clear." Eel continued as the same routine of attempting to electricity Peter who was jumping about to keep Eel distracted from hurting the escaping police officers. "I only work with people who can afford it…" Eel kept talking.
"Not sure if Hammerhead is perfect guy to describe that choice, but I won't be the judge of that…" Peter said as he tried web up his target. To Peter's surprise, his webs had little effect on Eel as he melted them based on the electrical insulation on his suit.
"Those webs won't tie me down…" Eel said shaking the last string of web off, "I've got the best suit the other chumps wish they could afford." "Hate to break it to you, I think it's an abomination in design…" Peter replied while still trying to process why his webs did not work.
Meanwhile, George watched the two fight it out before he saw Captain Saito take aim. "Captain, hold your fire…" George insisted. "Why? This is our chance. We can put a stop to one of these guys in situations like these." Saito commented. "But one of them is not the problem," George stated, "He's the one who took down most of the Chameleon's goons."
"And some of them were unlawful assaults." Saito said steadying his aim. "It's not the same Spider-Man we're dealing with…" George pleaded holding onto the gun. "Geez…What's your problem, George?" Saito asked puzzled.
"Okay, Spider…" Eel said taunting his foe, "I'll give you a fighting chance. How would you like it if I didn't fire off sparks?" "That'd be very generous of you, fish out of water…" Peter said, "I'm pretty sure I still get zapped regardless by just touching."
"Then give it your best shot…" Eel said wanting Peter to physically attack him. Peter curled up his fists before trying to land a couple of blows. Rather than get shocked, Peter found his fists being rebound by the surface of Eel's rubbery suit. He then put a palm on the suit and realised it was coated with a lubricant-like substance.
"What's the matter?" Eel taunted, "I heard stories that you lifted up a car. Now you're telling me, you can't punch a single man?" "What's with his suit?" Peter thought, "It's not just rubbery… It's way too slippery to even poke him." "I wish I can mess around more, but I have to run." Eel said before attempting to pick up the suitcase he was supposed to retrieve.
Saito then fired his gun at Eel which hit his shoulder causing him to retaliate by sending sparks of electricity all over the place. One line of lighting hit Peter backwards while another hit Saito on the ribcage. George was lucky enough to avoid being shocked.
Peter got up but not before Eel had made the dash and left the precinct in its ruined state. Looking around for civilians, Peter found George attempting to help Saito up. "You okay there, officer?" Peter asked. "You and I need to catch up…" George replied as he carried the police captain.
After George sat Captain Saito down on the pathway, he began conversing with Peter. "Where were you the last time you went to Flushing?" George asked. "I… Uh…" Peter stammered, "Personal stuff in my life." "Is that so? Almost makes me want to ask who you really are behind that mask…" George replied.
Peter felt a little awkward considering he walked out with George from Romita's Restaurant. "Listen, there's another problem besides Hammerhead that's happening right now." Peter said. "Oh I know that…Just by those suitcases alone, Hammerhead is literally attacking police precincts as we speak." George said.
"Then I guess I'll see you later…" Peter replied before attempting to leave. "Wait!" George said, "There actually aren't too many police precincts being targeted. Only a select few have DB-127 hidden in them." "Well, why don't we stop him before they're attacked?" Peter asked.
"I'm afraid that time has passed, I had reports from Rego Park and Jackson Heights that their samples had been stolen." George revealed, "Guess that's what you get when you can't be everywhere." "Officer…" Peter stated, "Tell me, what do you know of rubber suit man now?"
"Edward Lavell?" George replied, "For a guy in the Maggia, his history is a mystery to us still. By the way, call me Deputy." "Deputy… What about that suit of his?" Peter asked again, "Do you guys know anything about it?"
"Well, I can tell you…His suit is coated with something like grease. Makes it easy for him to conduct electricity and easy for us to not get a grip on him. Our forensics haven't got good data on its identity." George informed. "I think I'll take care of that…" Peter said as he went back to scan the environment where he and Eel fought in.
In addition to having heightened senses to danger, Peter's Spidey-sense also allowed him to be more aware of the particles and chemicals around him. Using his eye lens, he traced out a small sample of the substance that would be hard for the naked eye to see.
"Bingo…" Peter said as he swabbed it up with a finger and stored it in a small bottle inside his utility belt, "Hopefully I have the right tools to analyse all this." Peter walked back to George who was doing his best to nurse his superior. "Listen, I got a few samples of the trail left behind by our fish friend. I'll catch you later…" Peter said.
"Wait, don't you have a phone number?" George questioned. "I'll…Work on that. I'll get that walkie talkie running again." Peter answered knowing that giving a phone number could give away his identity. "See ya…" Peter said before swinging away.
"So you've been contacting the Spider, huh?" Captain Saito asked, "What the hell are you doing, George?" "If I was still captain of the base, you would have understood this decision better…" George remarked.
8:05 pm Roxxon Brand Corporation Power Plant…
Roxxon's history had been heavily rooted in controversy ever since it started as a petroleum and gas company back in the 1930s. To become of the most profitable businesses in the world, some of the hardest decisions had to be made in order for it to function.
The company had since then spawned new divisions to tap into new energy sources for profit, one of which was the Brand Corporation Power Plant stationed around Maspeth. The power plant was a large industrial building with the words 'Roxxon Brand Corporation' splattered on top of a blank billboard.
Hammerhead rallied up a new squad of men alongside his personal aide, Jonas Harrow as they marched out of their vehicles and passed through the security gate with ease. "This is the place…" Jonas commented. "Always wanted my share of this company…Hopefully dreams do come true…" Hammerhead responded.
Two security guards were soon alerted as Hammerhead and the rest of his Maggia crew marched up to the entrance and were prepared to fire on spot. "Settle down…" Hammerhead said raising up a hand, "Got a word, I'd like to have with the plant manager."
"Then put away all your weapons…" One guard warned. Hammerhead then clicked his fingers with the men throwing down their rifles and such to the ground. "Got a couple of words I'd like to say… For Mr. James Melvin." Hammerhead repeated by mentioning the plant manager's name.
"What do you want?" The other guard asked. "I need his help to sort out a citywide problem." Hammerhead replied, "One that I expect you're already of." "We can't afford to help people like you…" The guard said again.
Hammerhead titled his head a little before walking forward, "And what about your company? Had enough of the shady dealings?" Hammerhead then grabbed the guard by the collar prompting his companion to aim his weapon at Hammerhead.
Hammerhead's men swiftly picked up their weapons directing it at the armed guard. "I'm all about organisation. I have the audacity to come right through and knock on your doors." Hammerhead threatened before he headbutted his victim.
The guard aiming his gun fired a bullet which bounced off Hammerhead's forehead. Hammerhead looked at the guard before laughing, "You know…If I had the resources, I probably settle for some rocket launchers."
With the rest of his men aiming their weapon at him, Hammerhead walked forward with the intent on delivering the same blow onto the guard. "Hey, stop right there!" An overweight man wearing a protective construction uniform yelled walking out of the door.
Hammerhead dropped the guard and turned his attention to the man, "Mr. Melvin… Lovely to meet you." "What are you doing around my plant?" James asked. "With all due respects, I need your help…" Hammerhead said pretending to plead.
James laughed, "You need my help? The infamous Hammerhead?" Jonas who was with the Maggia crew walked up and approached the situation. "Remember me?" Jonas asked with a smile on his face. "Dr. Jonas Harrow? We fired your ass five months ago!" James said surprised.
"Our current enemies have been walking around with 'negative energy'. Jonas here thinks your generators have the capacity to turn the tide." Hammerhead stated. "And that was when I helped conduct your superhuman experiments…" Jonas added.
"Our electromagnetic generators are for the sole purpose of providing the neighbourhood with sustainable energy; not weapons." James said. "Then take us inside, Mr. Melvin…" Hammerhead insisted while he was threatened.
James Melvin did as the Maggia asked and lead the crew inside with their weapons as well. The insides of the plant was a well-constructed and surprisingly sterile work environment that held three other floors. There were late night scientists walking on these floors who started to notice the Maggia crew beneath them.
"As you can see, we're pretty much the scientific division for Roxxon…" James started. "Cut the crap, Melvin. I'm not here for a tour. I'm here for the generators." Hammerhead stated cutting James's words short. "Okay…Uh.. But why Roxxon?" James asked curiously as they walked.
"Couple years ago before I was a Maggia leader, we were looking for ways to change the world. Like your company, we ambitiously pursued discoveries that delivered power to us. There was an experiment involving some young boy the Maggia old-timer Silvermane was conducting." Hammerhead stated.
"'Bridging the power between light and dark'; some nonsense like that. That power of course is based on your company's own findings and now we have a weapon on the loose… And if we don't stop him, he will find ourselves at mercy…" Hammerhead concluded.
As they walked, James lead Hammerhead and his crew to the generator room. The power generators were chrome cylindrical looking tanks that housed mysterious energy inside them. "I wonder how many households are getting their electricity through these?" Jonas asked.
"This neighbourhood is grateful for our service and we could not be prouder of these machines…" James said as he showed them off. "So, what's packing inside them? I hear this place is hiding 'interdimensional' energy." Hammerhead questioned.
"We have trademarked energy called, 'Arvad Particles'. It's electromagnetic energy that continuously accelerates and with little environmental impact. Thanks to our genius, we have harnessed one of the world's greatest energy sources." James proudly spoke again.
"I'm no scientist, Melvin. But do tell me about important properties…" Hammerhead insisted. James thought that Hammerhead was lacking in scientific intelligence and proceeded to explain it, "Well, uh… I wish one of the chief physicists who worked on this energy was still around. It's like a hurricane of energy… It's technically speaking dangerous because it rips the molecules off your body but we've trained ourselves to manage it."
"Is that so?" Hammerhead smiled. "Okay, how much are you willing to pay for all of these?" James asked curiously. Hammerhead then ordered some of his men to restrain James. "Hey, what are you doing?" James asked confused.
"Come along, James…" Hammerhead said, "I've got to see these up close and personal." The men followed Hammerhead as he walked near one of the generators. The scientists managing the machines looked unsure as James was dragged.
"Would any of you people care to show me what the inside of the generator looks like?" Hammerhead asked as the rest of his men threatened the scientists. One scientist unlocked the secure door withholding the energy. Once it was opened, Hammerhead saw the swirling wave of energy from a distance.
"Amazing…" Jonas commented. "Rips away energy, huh?" Hammerhead theorised before turning to James, "Amazing work indeed…Unfortunately seems like this place needs a change in leadership around here." Hammerhead smirked, "Throw him in…"
"Hey, stop!" James yelled as Hammerhead's men carefully dragged him closer to the generator. "I promise all of you an ease on your workload once we're finished here…" Hammerhead said to any of the Roxxon employees. Considering, the amount of labour there is at Roxxon, it was fitting that hardly anyone was going to miss a man like James Melvin who had forced many to develop the energy harnessing generators.
"NOOO!" James screamed as he was thrown into the machine before being ripped apart into tiny particles by the swirling vortex. The generator was then carefully shut for security. "The rest of you won't have to work as hard in your life when I take control of this plant!" Hammerhead called out.
Turning to Jonas, Hammerhead gave out a set of instructions to him. "We need to inform Mr. Lavell of a new task. Also see if there is a control panel room for these generators." Hammerhead instructed. Jonas nodded before walking off. "Time to put power back in business. Get a move around this place, boys…" Hammerhead said to his men.
8:19 pm Romita's restaurant…
"Sorry I'm late…" Peter said rushing back to the table. "Was it the food?" Helen asked, "I'm terribly if that's the case." "No… I mean, in a way… Yes. But I did enjoy it, Mrs. Stacy. Don't get me wrong." Peter said tucking in his shirt. "I'm glad to hear that…" Helen smiled.
"We're still waiting on the cake, Peter." Aunt May informed. "Well, at least there's that…" Peter said laughing. "A shame dad is gonna miss it…" Simon Stacy added. Helen sighed, "Couldn't be here to sing happy birthday…"
Helen then received a text from George that was a 'happy birthday' gif image on her phone. "At least, he's trying to care, mum…" Gwen said to her. "Gwen, what did I say about looking onto people's phones?" Helen asked. "Sorry…" Gwen mumbled before looking at Peter making sure she did not embarrass herself.
Peter gave Gwen a reassuring look to inform that situations like this are common. "Oh lovely, just look at that cake…" Helen stated as a cake with white frosted icing was placed on the table. The words 'Happy birthday Helen' were written out in blue whipped cream with sixteen candles on top.
"Why sixteen candles?" Gwen asked confused. "Just your father being a movie fan, dear…" Helen replied. "I liked that movie…" Aunt May added chuckling. It was then time for all of them to sing 'Happy Birthday' which briefly caught the attention of other people in the restaurant.
"Remember, leave one piece for George…" Helen said as the people started to take their individual pieces of cake. Simon wanted to take two pieces before Helen stopped him. Peter enjoyed himself as he ate while Gwen was attempting to be well-mannered.
After the cake was done, it was time for the families to go home. Helen and Simon waved goodbye at Peter and May as they were about to leave. "Thank you for joining us tonight. We really appreciate it." Helen said turning to Gwen briefly.
"Uh…Peter. I…" Gwen then could not help herself as she gave Peter a light peck on the cheek. "Thank you for being here tonight. It obviously means a lot to me and…My family." Gwen said before leaving with her family in the car, "Goodnight."
"It was nice meeting you by the way, Mrs. Parker. I wouldn't mind meeting you again." Helen said shaking May's hand. "Not to worry.. I'm glad me and my nephew made a good impression." May said before Helen left, "Well, Peter… Time to go home ourselves."
8:55 pm Parker residence…
Driving Peter home, May stopped the car in front of the house. "I'm so glad we got to meet the full family tonight…" May commented happily. "Yeah, me too…" Peter said. "By the way, I noticed that little light kiss on the cheek, Peter." May poking Peter's cheek teasingly.
"Cut it out, Aunt May…" Peter chuckled. "I can see she's a little shy though…" May added. "Really? She's more confident than I can ever be…" Peter said getting out of the car. As they got out of the car, the two continued talking.
"Well, confidence is what helped you with the girl next door." May said. "I don't know, Aunt May…" Peter said as he unlocked the house door, "I feel so… Conflicted." "I'm no love doctor but I can say that you can try contrast her with Mary Jane to see what you want to do." May stated.
"I'm going to catch up on assignments. Good night, Aunt May…" Peter said walking up the stairs. "Goodnight…" May's voice followed. As Peter headed to room, he started to change out of the formal suit.
Peter took the clothes off including his Spider-Man costume which he had tucked underneath. Along with the suit, he threw down his mask which he had kept hidden inside his coat. "God it felt weird…" Peter said to himself remembering how uncomfortable the utility belt was.
Examining the suit for damage during the fight against Eel, Peter saw that his suit was relatively in good shape still and tucked it beneath his bed. "Gotta check with Team Spider-Man…" Peter said as he opened up his phone to call Ned first.
"Ned… You there?" Peter asked after dialling the number. "Hey Peter… I can't talk right now." Ned responded. "What's wrong?" Peter asked again. Ned sighed before talking, "It's my mum. I'm taking care of her right now. I'm sorry…But she needs my help." "Whoa…Is there anything I can do to help?" Peter asked.
"No, don't worry about it…" Ned said, "I know how to deal with this." "Ned, don't isolate yourself like this… If it's serious…" Peter said. "Dude…I appreciate you wanting to help…But there's some things only we can handle ourselves." Ned said.
Peter was silent before Ned continued talking. "I'm afraid I have to cut this conversation short… Look, the whole partnership thing was fun. But you know… My mum's in trouble. Why don't you talk to Phil?" Ned questioned, "Good night, Peter."
The phone call stopped and Peter worried that Ned is dealing with some family drama behind him and that it was best for him to respect his privacy. He then dialled Phillip Chang for help. "Phil, you there? I need your help." Peter spoke.
"Sure, name your problems…" Phillip answered. "Thank you…" Peter replied, "So I need some information regarding a guy working for Hammerhead. Rubber suit dude who can shoot electricity. Yes, you heard me right… A guy working for Hammerhead, not Chameleon."
"Edward Lavell, huh? You know it's kind of funny, Peter…" Phillip said. "What's funny?" Peter asked confused. "Unlike the rest of your suited lot. There's very little info I can run regarding this guy…" Phillip answered. "Goddamnit, I don't care about backstory. He's a huge enforcer that's still roaming around." Peter said, "I need to know if you're available for some tech upgrades."
"Tech upgrades? I hate to break it for you…But I've recently caught up with my studies. It's kind of my fault since I'm cramming but I got things I need to do." Phillip said. "Are you kidding? Phil, you're like a genius. You always have time to kill." Peter praised.
"Not now. This time, I'm going to be obedient. I'm sorry…Times are tough now. But...I can give the briefest amount of info possible." Phillip said. "Alright…" Peter sighed, "Do you have anything at all that might bring down a man who is slippery?" "Maybe construct tighter webs…" Phillip advised.
"I need to know how to knock him down as well." Peter added. "I'm not too familiar with chemistry… That you have to figure out by yourself." Phillip said. "That's not much help, Phillip…" Peter said saying his first name completely.
"Dude, listen to me. We've been doing this whole thing for like three years now. It was pretty easy back but now it's clear how much has changed. We're not saving cats from trees anymore like we used to nor are we stopping ordinary bank robbers. We've been facing a large charade of things recently…" Phillip stated.
"The Shocker, The Kangaroo, Beetle, Cyclone…Those guys aren't your run of the mill bad guys. And let's not forget that your one arch-nemesis knows who you really are. I know I report the crime; help you develop new things/suits…All that stuff one of these days is all gonna be on you." Phillip continued, "You gotta take responsibility onto your hands."
"Phil, are you abandoning me?" Peter asked in disbelief. "I'm always your friend, Peter. I stick up for every one of your crusades and it's one of the proudest things I've been involved with…" Phillip said, "I can still send in the remaining Spider-tech specs if you want via email."
"Well, there's that…" Peter sighed. "I'm not backing out for my own safety… I'm backing out because of how much I need to reconnect with my life and help you evolve. I mean the White Dragon, even with his death…There's so much for my family to deal with now." Phillip said.
"Okay, Phil. I guess you really do deserve this break…" Peter replied. "Good luck with the rest of everything. Don't get killed and… That's it. Goodbye." Phillip then ended the call. Thus, Peter was left to deal with everything based on his own mind with both of his friends left to deal with personal issues.
Peter reached for his suit beneath the bed and brought out the bottled sample he got from Eel from the utility belt. "Time to analyse this…" Peter said. He then walked up to his closet and unveiled the many other things he had hidden through time from a box.
One of the things Peter grabbed out was an old light microscope that he remembered when he went on a school excursion to Oscorp with Harry. Setting up the microscope, Peter carefully looked at the gel sample under a glass slide to reveal anything unusual.
"Looks like its from planet Earth…" Peter remarked before deciding to test out some properties. Using his web shooters, Peter shot an electrified web at the substance causing it to spark up a little and break the microscope.
"Peter, what's happening up there?" Aunt May yelled. "Nothing…Just physics work." Peter said before he smelt something burning from the microscope. "Of course…" Peter said, "Heat… If I could build more tensile strong webs…I could melt off that suit."
9:10 pm Inner Demon hideout…
After the heist was pulled off, Chameleon and Martin came back to a place that was supposedly where Martin manages his Inner Demon gang. "I'm very grateful for this gift, Mr. Li…" Chameleon said as his outfit morphed into a black and white business suit similar to Martin's. "Thank me later…We'll use those gifts of yours for other purposes…" Martin replied.
Chameleon was surrounded by many Inner Demon gang members in the middle of an abandoned workshop. The amount of demon masks around him made someone like him feel uneasy as it felt like they had power over him.
"First and foremost, we must show you what it means to be part of the Inner Demons…" Martin said before two members dragged a man with no mask from the shadows. Changing to his photonegative self, Martin spawned out a blade searing with his negative energy.
Chameleon then recognised it was the scientist he impersonated when infiltrating the Oscorp building, Dr. Eric Schwinner. The head scientist of the Oscorp Innovation Centre was gagged with his hands tied up.
Using the tip of his blade, Martin cut off Eric's restraints. "Thank you for your cooperation, doctor…" Martin said. "That's my property you're wearing…" Eric said turning to Chameleon. Martin then grabbed Eric on the head, "Isn't your company supposed to be a people's company?"
"Mr. Osborn will go after you once he comes back from his holiday trip…" Eric said to Martin's face. "Your boss only cares about the products you make more than the people he's hired…" Martin said understanding what Oscorp is, "A sad world we live in with regards to people with power."
Eric did not speak any further at the sight of the blade drew near to his heart. "You'll be missed, doctor. Your tragedy will not be in vain once I speak up about it." Martin said before pushing in the blade. Eric dropped the floor once Martin pulled the blade and let go of his head.
Chameleon stood there feeling a little cold from the actions and looked at Martin in the eye slowly. Martin slowly changed back to regular form as the blade from his hand disappeared. "Now, Mr. Smerdyakov. Let's talk about you…" Martin stated.
"Why would I risk the murder of this man?" Chameleon questioned referring to Eric's death. "Listen to me, Dmitri…" Martin insisted, "What you are about to do is highly important for securing your future." "Name it…" Chameleon requested in fear of Martin's powers.
"I heard that you managed to kill eight of Hammerhead's men one time all by yourself. Impressive for a man of your talents…" Martin said, "You're an in demand individual beyond your tools of impersonation." "That's not a mission…" Chameleon replied.
"Not yet. It's a duty…" Martin continued, "Your gift isn't just the fabric shifter. You now have a computer chip wired into that holographic device of yours. You can be anywhere…" Chameleon responded by tampering his wrist watch which caused his facial and skin appearance to rapidly toggle between a variety of appearances both male and female.
He then toggled back to his original pale white face. "I'm not here to treat you like a servant nor are you a second-in-command in my gang. I'm here to be equal friends, we both are special in our own way." Martin said. "I like the way you said that…" Chameleon replied.
"I want you to know…When my men find Hammerhead, will you do the honours in killing him?" Martin requested. Warming up to his new ally, Chameleon nodded, "That is the end goal for me after all."
TO BE CONTINUED…