Oscorp Tower
Norman Osborn sits at his desk in a large office with wall to ceiling windows overlooking midtown New York. He stares intently at his computer screens typing furiously. His concentration is broken by a knock at the door, Mendell enters and updates Osborn with their search, that they are unable to locate Doctor Octavius.
Osborn is in disbelief, "How can you lose him? It's not like he's inconspicuous with four metallic arms poking out his back."
Mendell replies "We believe he's left the city, perhaps even the state or country."
Osborn thinks for a moment, "Unless he's getting a cargo ship overseas, I'm sure he's still in the country, I don't think he's getting on a plane with those arms anytime soon, keep looking."
Mendell begins to leave when Osborn stops him, "So where does this leave our project? What about the other two men?"
"We are still looking for Selvig, we think SHIELD have him" Osborn's fury grows, "What about Reed Richards?"
"His shuttle leaves tomorrow" Mendell replies hesitantly, "Then take him, it's the last chance we have, his work with SHIELD makes him a primary candidate."
"Yes Sir" Mendell replies, "But whatever happens make sure no one is captured, if SHIELD find out our plans and thwart them, well failure to our master is not an option."
Midtown high
Before school Peter waits anxiously at the front of the main entrance for Gwen to arrive. When he spots her walking up the main path with MJ, he darts through the crowd to meet her. He begins by apologising for last night but Gwen doesn't listen or respond, brushing him off and walking straight to class. MJ stops from moment, placing a hand on Peter's shoulder reassuring him that Gwen just needs a bit of time to cool down.
As Peter sits in class waiting for the teacher to begin Flash Thompson stumbles in and takes a seat near the back. The teacher stares at him with concern but then begins the class. Peter turns around trying to get Flash's attention but he doesn't react and just drawers doodles on his workbook, never looking up.
At lunchtime Peter notices Flash sitting alone at the end of the courtyard. Peter approaches him, as he gets closer he realizes the Flash has a flask of alcohol and is taking swigs. Peter sits down next to him, Flash immediately tells him to piss off. Peter stands up without saying a word, looks back down at Flash with sympathy, "Hey Flash if you ever need to talk with someone, I'm here for you, I know what you're going through." Flash gives him little smile, "Thanks Peter, I just want to be alone" he replies then goes back to finishing is flask.
Peter turns to leave and notices Gwen and MJ standing behind him, MJ smiles at Peter as he leaves in appreciation, Gwen however doesn't look at him.
Oscorp Building
Connors sits at his computer desk typing furiously when he hears an alarm sound on his phone. He stops typing instantly and a broad smile covers his face, "It's ready" he proclaims aloud. Connors quickly shuffles over to his incubation chamber where his stabilising serum is finally ready for testing. He takes one of the 3 vials out and moves over to the quarantine room.
He takes the mouse out of its cage and places it in a glass chamber. This chamber has many levels of protection against contamination including ignition and vacuum capabilities. Connors places the vial in a holder on top of the glass chamber and users mechanical arms to pin down the mouse, then injects it. Connors stares at the mouse waiting for a reaction, nothing happens at first, but then the scales begin disappearing.
"Yes it's working, it's actually working."
Connors beams with pride and satisfaction until the mouse starts twitching, then convulsing. Connors stares down in horror as the mouse begins mutating, the scales spread all over its body, it grows in size sharp teeth emerge from its mouth with a long reptilian tongue. The mouse begins violently running into the glass wall, scratching, clawing trying to escape. Connors presses a button activating the ignition sequence, flames fill the chamber scorching everything within it.
After a minute of flames Connor's releases the button and stares at the charred remains of the mouse. Disappointment fills his entire being, he stares at it searching his mind for an answer when he notices movement. He stares in amazement as the mouse stands back on its feet and the charred flesh begins regenerating. Connors looks down at it with wonder, at this amazing creation, then it begins attacking the glass again causing cracks.
Connors now hits the vacuum button which removes all the air from the chamber. The mouse biggest to suffocate, it's healing stops is it struggles for oxygen. This time the mouse is dies and doesn't come back to life.
"What have I done, what have I done to myself? I don't need a stabilizing agent, I need a cure." He looks down at his hand with the scales running up to his forearm and immediately returns to his office to work on a cure.
As Connors begins his research on a cure he stops for a moment as a state of realization washes over him , "It wasn't the spider that was special, it was Peter, I should have known."
—-
Connors continues working on his antidote all day, he is still working when the class begins, again he tells the assistants to take the class as he's busy.
After class Peter visit Connors while Harry tells Peter that he will speak with Gwen on his behalf and convince her to come to the Ares shuttle launch press conference. Connors shows Peter his arm full of scales and explains that he's working on an antidote, showing him the incubation chamber where it will be created. He tells Peter of his regret in experimenting on himself, "But it worked on me, I don't have 4 extra arms…" Peter jokes, then stops in a moment of panic, "I'm not going to grow 4 arms am I?" he asks concerned, "No Peter, you'll be fine, your special."
As Peter leaves, Connors remembers back to that fateful day.
Connors kneels outside the fuselage of a crashed plane, he's dazed and bleeding from his arm. As he begins to regain his senses he walks back in through the hole in the side of the plane when he hears the screams of a young boy.
Moments later Connors is stumbling through a field towards the flashing light and sirens that approach. He wanders towards them, carrying a young child in his arm. The vehicles stop just before him, firefighters and ambulance officers rush out towards him and the other survivors who scatter the field. He passes the child to a paramedic, she asks him "Are you all right, is this your child?" Connors falls to his knees, "My arm hurts" he replies looks at his missing arm,"The boys name is Peter Parker" he finishes as he collapses.
When Peter arrives at the front was Oscorp, Harry is waiting for him. Harry lets Peter know that Gwen is going to the press conference with them.
Ares Shuttle launch centre
After school Harry, Gwen and Peter meet and catch an uptown train to the Bronx where the NASA presentation for the Ares 4 shuttle launch. Gwen is quiet on the train ride whilst Peter and Harry speak excitedly about the first manned exploration of Mars.
They enter the large hall where a large stage has been erected with a long table. The head of NASA sits in the centre of the table, accompanied by six astronauts. Harry pushes through the crowd of media and business executives, pulling Peter and Gwen along with him so they can get a good view.
The presentation begins with Charles Bolden, head of NASA, describing what a momentous occasion this is, the first humans to set foot on the red planet. "This mission will take the widest variety and most in-depth analysis of Mars' surface, and give us the most in-depth understanding of Mars' history, present and its future for human settlement." There is huge applause from the crowd.
Bolden continues, "This project is only possible due to four factors, firstly the new X-engine designed by Dr Reed Richards and Victor Van Damme, reducing the travel time to Mars dramatically."
The crowd claps in appreciation, "Secondly, another of Richards inventions, the new electro-magnetic radiation dampeners, capable of repelling the worst varieties of radiation, along with any space junk that might get in the way" the crowd laugh at Bolden as he mimics avoiding space junk.
"The last technological breakthrough that's really made this possible is the Oscorp bio-synthetic space suits. These marvels of technology will enhance the astronauts physical abilities, allowing them to function for extended periods in zero gravity as well as protecting them from any low level radiation."
Charles looks across to the Oscorp assigned section but Norman is not present, only some mid management and scientists who wave their hands in appreciation of the applause they receive.
"Lastly, this project wouldn't be possible without the financial support of J Jonah Jameson, Owner of New York's own Daily Bugle and the 21st Century Entertainment Network." Jameson waves to the audience with a broad smile, enjoying the attention he's receiving.
Charles now introduces the six astronauts that will be making the historic first trip to Mars.
Pilot - Ben Grimm, Ben has a broad experience flying multiple missions.
Co-pilot - John Jameson, the youngest astronaut in the history of NASA
Geologist - Susan Storm, Susan is a leader in extra-terrestrial geology with a specialization in martian asteroids.
Assistant Geologist - Jonny Storm, Susan's brother has worked with her over the last few years.
Engineering/Robotics - Victor Van Damme, one of the leading minds in robotics, having designed previous Mars Lander Rovers, worked on the new shuttle engines and many of the systems on this mission.
"And lastly the leader of the mission, one of the most brilliant minds on earth, but not for long," the crowd laughs, "The world's leading astrophysicist, designer of many of NASA's finest technology, Dr Reed Richards." The crowd erupt in applause and the group take some questions from the media.
Peter wanders off from his friends fascinated by the various scientific an astronomical exhibits that surround the press conference. As he does he bumps into a photographer who's wandering around aimlessly.
"Sorry sir" Peter apologizes," it's all right kid I'm just filling in time" he replies.
"Are you a photographer? Or just a NASA fan?"
"A NASA fan? Ah no, I work for Daily Bugle my name is Eddie Brock."
"Wow that must be exciting, getting into all these events."
"Nah it's pretty boring but the pay is good."
"How good… just out of interest."
"My best photo, well let's just say it paid the rent for year" he replies with a wink as he returns to the news conference for some final photos. Peter begins daydreaming, thinking about the possibilities of him providing for his aunty through photography. As he strolls the halls he overhears some men whispering in a room. He gets closer to the door trying to listening when it opens, as it does Peter jumps onto the wall above them, using his hands to hold him. Two security guards leave the room not noticing him, but he clearly hears their conversation, they're going to kidnap Reed Richards.
Peter enters the room where he finds two security guards bound and gagged. Peter then follows the two security guards through the crowd. Gwen grabs Peter's arm as he walks by and asks "Where have you been? Where are you going?"
Peter looks back and forth between the two guards and Gwen, finally he answers her "I'm really sorry, there's something I have to do." Peter then continues his pursuit of the guards leaving Gwen dumbfounded. Peter gets close to the guards as they enter the restricted area, using their swipe IDs. The two security guarding the door give them a subtle nod as they enter, something is happening here, I better get to the bottom of it.
Peter sneaks out a side entrance where there are no cameras and gets changed into his Spider-man outfit. He climbs up the side of the building, avoiding both cameras and security, and finally arrives at the buildings restricted rear exit. Spider-man surveys the scene, looking for the two guards he's been pursuing. He climbs in and out of various objects, up walls and on roofs trying to get a clear look at the face of each security guard in the area. Finally he looks down between two buildings and finds the two security guards arming themselves with weapons, accompanied by three other men as well as two around the corner waiting in a van.
These guys must want Richards bad, I have to help him.
Spider-man climbs down closer to the five men as they get ready to storm the six astronauts and security as they exit the building. Once he is close enough Spider-man jumps down kicking two men at once, they collide with \the other three, all falling into a heap. As they get up to attack Spider-man engages them easily disarming them and disabling them. One of the men yells to the others in a language not known to Spider-man and they all retreat into the van which drives off.
Spider-man runs to the corner of the building after them but stops as they drive through a wire fence and get away. Spider-man shrugs his shoulders, "It seems I saved the day again" he jokes to himself and returns back to where his civilian clothes are, getting changed and joins the press conference as it's finishing. Peter returns to Harry and Gwen but Gwen won't speak to him, she walks off to the train station without them. Harry shakes his head at Peter, "What did you do this time?"
"I can't talk about it right now, I'll tell you later."
The boys follow Gwen to the train station as Harry tries to get her to talk but she doesn't want to listen and the three sit on a downtown train in silence.
Harlem
The three continue on their train downtown it approaches 124th Street, Harry who's been on his phone the whole time, lets out a little gasp at which point Peter looks across at him.
"What is it Harry?"
"I just read a tweet, a monster is attacking Harlem right now."
"What kind of monster, what a green monster?" People around them begin listening in, "yeah maybe."
The train passengers now begin speaking excitedly about the news and check their phones for more information. Peter looks across at Harry, "Harlem? That's the next stop, that goblin's up there right now?" Harry nods his head slowly, knowing exactly what Peter is about to do. Gwen is on the phone, her face is filled with fear, "What's wrong Gwen" Peter asks, "My father's stationed in Harlem, I think he's working tonight."
As the train arrived at the station Peter moves to the doors through the crowd, "You two stay here, I'll go up and find your dad" he tells them looking at Gwen. The doors open and Peter charges out, through the turnstiles and up the stairs. Harry stays with Gwen, holding her arm, "Just wait here, we'll be safe here, your dad will be alright" Gwen looks at him and smiles, "You're right Harry it will all be okay" Harry relaxes his grip and Gwen pushes him off and charges after Peter.
On the streets of Harlem a giant abomination of nature wreaks havoc on the street throwing cars, throwing people and destroying everything in sight. The creature is 2 to 3 times taller than a person, covered in bulging muscles and veins, with bones protruding from its spine and elbows. The road is full of people, some running in sheer terror for safety, others taking video or selfie's with the creature. George Stacey busily moves people from the street away from the carnage, he yells at a group of teenagers taking a group selfie in front of the creature with their phones to get the hell out of there.
Spider-man finally emerges onto the street, still trying to put on his costume. He climbs up the side of building to the roof three stories above in an attempt to get better view. He looks down the road and sees George Stacy ferrying people off the main strip whilst the giant creature continues its destruction.
"You've got to be kidding, That's no goblin that's an ogre."
Spider-man runs along the building roofs towards Stacy when he notices something fall out of the sky and slam into the middle-of-the-road. It leaves a small crater, from the hole emerges another giant man, but this one is green. The last of the people gathered on the street now run for cover as the two giants charge at each other colliding. As they battle debris is sent flying into the fleeing and huddling crowds. Spider-man uses his webbing to capture the debris and divert it from hitting people.
As he does he notices Gwen running onto the street towards the battle screaming frantically. Spider-man's spider sense warns him of danger, just as a piece of debris goes flying from a roof towards her. Spiderman swings down picking her up off the road mid stride and takes her further down the road to safety. Gwen however is still kicking and screaming, "It's ok ma'am, your safe" he tells her but she immediately pushes him aside and runs back to the street yelling out. Spider-man stands dumbfounded for a moment, then follows her down the street where he finds her kneeling beside her father, impaled by the piece of debris Spider-man had saved her from.
Gwen cries speaking to her father as his life drains away through his punctured body. Spider-man stands silently behind her, shocked. Harry approaches cautiously and mentions to Spider-Man, "There's other people that still need your help," after a few moments of reflection Spider-man swings away to help prevent anyone else from being injured.
Harry puts his hand on Gwen's shoulder, "The paramedics are here, let them help him" she reluctantly lets go of her fathers hand as the paramedics begins working on him. Gwen cries, curled up in Harry's arms, he attempts to comfort her as he looks down the road at the two giants battling "I knew there really was a green Sasquatch" he says to himself quietly.