Journey of the Spider
One freaking day to enjoy being Spider-Man without something Major dropping in my lap. Apparently, that is too much for the Universe to grant me. After finally getting my head out of my ass after my Die-Hard Style Adventure I decided I was Spider-Man. I suited up and took to the streets of Manhattan to finally start my role as a protector. Less than two hours into my first patrol of the Streets of New York it happened.
I stumbled onto a Human Trafficking ring, and you'll never guess who seemed to be running it. Hellfire Club Mercenaries. Like those wannabe Hocky Masks and Red and Blue Jumpsuits could be anything else with my luck.
And yes, true believers it gets better. The next morning, I was invited to be a guest of honor at a Hellfire Club Party with an offer to join the club if I so wished.
So, I guess since I've already had my action movie moments it's time to get to my Spy Thriller set. Will be interesting to see what my porn movie moment will be like.
…
"Hey Pete got a letter here for you." Madison told me as dropped the office mail on my desk.
Opening the Envelope, I had to chuckle it was an invite from Brian Braddock a friend I made during my college days. We were both Child Geniuses and both of us were both at Empire State for testing and we stayed in touch over the years. Plus, I made friends with his sister Elizabeth or Betsy as she preferred. He liked that I was grounded and was able to keep her brother the same. It took some of the pressure off of her.
The Invite was to a party at the Hellfire Club. The Braddock Twins had proposed me for Membership as their right as legacy members. They wanted me to join because they felt it was a good networking opportunity.
Don't get me wrong, I love them as friends but knowing what I know this will not end well.
Picking up the phone I dialed Brian's number.
"Peter old bean how are you?" Brian asked as he answered the phone.
"Can't complain. Business is starting off well and thanks to the publicity from my little Action Movie adventure we are getting quite a few orders to fill." I answered back.
"Glad to hear. Now I am guessing you are calling about the invite to the Club?" he asked.
"Pretty much."
"Well, it's a twofold thing. One it will help you network your company to some high rollers and big wigs, and I figured that will be payment for the favor I am about to hit you up for."
"Well, this should be good lay it on me."
"Betsy as you know has made a bit of a splash as a model lately and for this Gala at the Club she wanted as Escort she could trust to keep the Trust Fund Twits away and As a Self-Made Man a Former Marine and Current Hero of NY she felt you were the right man to be her date and help her have a nice evening instead of trying to fend off every Trust Funder who thinks is the Good Lord's Gift trying to snag himself the latest and greatest of the modeling world." Brian explained as my head started banging on the desk.
"I'd be delighted to be Betsy's escort Brian, but don't think you getting off that cheap you will owe me pal." I told him.
I could almost hear his wince.
"Agreed."
"Let me know when you get to New York we will all have lunch before the Gala so we can catch up.
"Sounds lovely Pete see you soon."
Now that my Social Calendar was set, I got back to work on the SHIELD Spec Ops Project. I seems that SHIELD was sending me 4 Agents to Outfit Tactically for Testing Purposes.
According to the Files they had sent over I was to design and make suits for Black Widow, Hawkeye, Specialist Grant Ward and Specialist Bobbi Morse.
Great 2 Avengers a Hydra Mole and a Potential Avenger/Agent of SHIELD this would be interesting.
The first thing I did was go buy a dog I named Buddy. Second thing I did was go to Central Park and take a picture of Together in the woods. I decided I was going to turn Grant back to the side of the Angels.
After all I had a few years to do this. Slow and Steady to show him he is on the wrong side of things.
Plus, it wouldn't hurt to have a Hydra Mole as a double Agent.
…
The Agents showed on their appointed day. Plus, two additions. Agents Phil Coulson and Melinda May. It seemed all of Strike Team Delta was visiting us today.
"Welcome to Veteran Tech I'm Peter Parker." I Introduced myself to the Assembled group.
"I've got your suits and weapons ready for your approval." I Smiles as I took them to the Testing Area.
A brief rundown later and the Agents left to go Change and I was left with May and Coulson.
"So, Marines?" Agent May asked with a small smile.
"The Man who raised my was Army and my family is prone to Hemorrhoids, so the Chair Force was out."
"No Love for the Navy?" Coulson smiled.
"No, I love those Navy Guys they give us rides whenever we need to go someplace." I smiled back.
Yes, I know I'm a little shit. But it's expected from the Marines. Why because fuck you we're the Marines.
..
Testing went well Grant was slightly unnerved when Buddy came up to him after his test run. I apologized and told him Buddy was in the office today because I had chipped him with a tracker so I could find him, and Grant actually joked there went his plans to dognap him.
Clint was in love with the Bow and Quiver set I gave him cribbed from the first Avengers Movie. As well as the selection of arrow heads I gave him.
After each Agent tested their suit, I gave them each a tablet and asked for any notes they had or anything they would like added or removed to their final suit.
"I have a question." Ward stated.
I nodded.
"The HUD in the googles of my suit seemed to give off a low glow just out of my eyeline. Why is that?"
"It's a feature designed to soften the effect of going from a dark environment to a bight one without affecting you sight. That little glow is designed into the HUD so if you went from total darkness to full light, you won't lose your sight as your eyes readjust to the light change." I explained. While also feeding Ward subliminal deprogramming images to him so I can hopefully save him from his future as Hive's meat suit.
Natasha came up to me next. "The Stealth system you built into the suit can it be made into other things?" she asked.
"Yes Ma'am" It's the smallest we've gotten the system is the suit but if you want of need it built into a Motorcycle or Car it's completely doable." I told her.
I almost shivered as she smiled a smile that was sexy as hell and evil as hell. I noticed Clint and Coulson both shuttered at the smile on her face.
"I think it's safe to say we are completely impressed and more than willing to go to phase 2 on these suits." May told me.
…
After a long day dealing with SHIELD and setting up a few long-term things I settled down in my office to relax for an hour before I headed out on patrol.
A knock at my door stopped me from opening the hidden compartment where I was keeping one of my Spider-man suits.
As the door opened a bag of Chinese Food appeared in an outstretched hand.
"Can I interest you in dinner?" Came a voice I remember well. Ms. Jessica Jones.
"Paying off Trish's debt Ms. Jones?" I smiled as I waved her in.
"Nah just wanted to talk to you see how you were doing? I know you were a marine and all that, but you still killed a man. So, I figure that's got mess with you a little bit plus I figured you could use someone that you could talk to that wouldn't kiss your ass about being the Hero of the Moment." She smiled as she set the food on my desk.
"Sure, come on in." I smiled.
After setting out dinner and making small talk for a few minutes Jessica decided to ask the question.
"So how are you doing really?"
I took a breath.
"I'm doing alright. Granted work helps so I don't have to think about it too much, but sometimes my brain just screams out at me about it. I'm taking one day at a time talking with my guys about it. Frank served overseas so he has been in combat too, so he knows what I'm dealing with."
Jess smiled.
"Good you still have to take me to a nice dinner, so I want you able to enjoy it too, I don't need you mopping the entire time." She smiled at me.
I laughed.
"Fair point there Ms. Jones."
…
After seeing Jessica out, I took to the streets. It was time to put the Spider into the Public's mind.
And I knew just what I was going to do. And somewhere out it the Cosmos for a split second I swear I heard God laughing.
Swinging over to the Daily Bugle Building I swung up to the Publisher's office and knocked on the window.
J. Jonah Jameson looked over at me and his eyes bugged out of his head. I waved at him.
Jameson ran over and opened the Window.
"Mr. Jameson I am Spider-Man and I'd like to talk to you."
"You're the guy that broke up that trafficking ring the other day." Jameson said.
I nodded. "I did and I came to you sir because I need someone to ask the hard questions, so people know I'm telling the truth. That I'm not here for myself and this is not some kind of scam or money-making scheme I need a Journalist that doesn't have any agenda but the truth."
Jameson's posture straightened a little bit.
He reached into his desk and pulled out a recorder.
"Ok. Spider-Man why do you wear a mask?"
Under the mask I smirked and decided to quote Batman Begins at him.
"People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can't do that as myself. As a man, I'm flesh and blood, I can be ignored, I can be destroyed; but as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting. But more importantly I could be anyone. I'm not Black I'm not White I'm not Hispanic I'm not Asian, I am someone who is out there like the true Heroes of New York the Police, The Firemen, The Medical People, The Soldiers. They are the Heroes of this City of this Country. I'm just who is able to do things other people can't and because of that I have a responsibility to use these gifts I was given to make things better for everyone can. It is the duty of everyone to leave this world a better place then they found it."
Jonah was torn between wanting to believe me and wanting to call bullshit on my whole speech.
"Good Speech, I grant you but answer me this why should we believe a word you say?" Jonah asked.
"That Mr. Jameson is the right question. It's the one I wanted to be asked. My answer is don't believe me, don't trust me, don't take anything I do on faith but instead give me the chance to prove I am here for the reason I say I am let me prove myself. Until I do, take everything I saw with a grain of salt. I need to prove myself before anyone takes my word on anything."
Reaching into my suit pocket I pulled out a flash drive.
"My Suit has Camera's sewn into to so you get a 360 view of what I do. This is footage of the Trafficking ring I took down. Watch it for yourself and decide what you want to believe about me. I don't want some just to write some puff piece about me I want someone who will stand up and say it when they think I'm wrong. " I slid the flash drive over to him.
"Ask the questions I will give you my answers. What you think of those answers that's for you to decide."
"I'd take a look at it."
"Thank you for your time Mr. Jameson." I told him as headed for the window.
"Aside from your speech why do you wear that mask?" Jameson asked.
I turned back to him.
"I have a family Mr. Jameson. Their safety is paramount in all this. I need to protect them too. It will keep people from trying to me through them if no one knows who I am."
With a small salute I was out the window and back on patrol.
..
MASKED VIGILANTE
SPIDER-MAN
SPEAKS
Yelled the headline of the next Morning's Daily Bugle.
I had to smile as J. Jonah Jameson actually wrote an article about Spider-man that wasn't a hit piece or a veiled attack but instead was a well-balanced piece that was willing to give a chance as well as liked the fact that I was forth coming and wanted the hard questions asked of. The fact I recorded my outing as a Vigilante and gave it to the public was something new. The Bugle also reported that I sent said footage to the police and added that I only acted when it became clear that there were lives at risk. They seemed to be willing to give me a chance. In hell right now the Devil must be ice skating I thought as I read the Article.
…
"Peter?" came Aunt May's voice. As she knocked on my door.
"Aunt May? What brings you into the city today?" I smiled as she walked in.
"Well Peter since everything has been going so well. I'd like to ask a favor of you."
I smiled softly. "Anything for you and Uncle Ben. Whatever you need I'm more then willing to help you out after everything you've done for me."
May gave me a sad smile and she handed me a letter it seems that Uncle Ben was given a 90 day notice of early retirement.
"So you want me to find Uncle Ben a retirement job here?" I asked.
"Yes if there is anything open." May said quietly.
"Uncle Ben doesn't know you're here does he?" I asked. May shook her head no.
I nodded and picked up the phone.
"Hello Parker Residents." Answered Ben.
"Hey Uncle Ben it's Peter."
"Hey Sport how are you doing?" Hey asked with a Smile.
"Had better days but I will survive."
"Oh anything I can help you with?" He asked.
"I'm hoping so. One of my shift managers had to resign today He was in charge of inventory control of our Textile Manufacturing section. He and his family are moving out of state so I need someone to take over as manager on the Dayshift. I was hoping that as a Shift Manager yourself you might know of someone looking for a job or someone looking to make a change. We pay well and are open to all Vets who apply so since I know you are down at the VFW Hall every week I thought you might know of someone either from your job or the hall that would want a retirement job."
"Well Sport to tell you the truth May has been on me to slow down and retire for a while. Now that you are home I've been considering it. But I'm sure if I just retire cold turkey I'd drive her nuts within a week. So if you're willing to hire me. I'd be willing to take that job. Plus working for you would mean May would back off a bit on things since she trusts you compared to my Bosses now."
"Thanks Uncle Ben you are a life saver. So is two weeks enough notice to give your bosses before you leave?"
Ben gave sigh of relief. That I don't think he meant to let out.
"That's plenty Sport." Ben told me.
"Thanks again Uncle Ben. I will see you tonight for Dinner." I smiled as I hung up.
May had tears in her eyes not only had I helped them but I let Uncle Ben keep his pride.
"Peter I thank god every day for you." May told me as she came around the desk and bear hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"It's only fair. You and Ben looked after me It's time to repay the favor." I told her honestly.
…
I was doing a quick patrol before I headed home for Dinner with May and Ben.
Landing on wall I made my way down the wall watching a man who was hiding in an alley a gun in his waistbelt.
As a woman walked near the alley he grabbed the woman and pushed her against the wall as he reached for the gun.
Oh I had to stop this.
I shot out a webbing blast basically gluing the Man's Hand and his gun directly to his junk.
"You should know New York is not an open carry state sir." I told him as dropped down from the wall.
The Man looked up at me with total fear in his eyes.
I flicked wrist and sent a second web shot webbing the man to a wall.
Then I tapped my earpiece in my suit.
"911 what is your emergency?" asked the Operator.
"I need a Police unit at the Alley next to the Starbucks at Avenue D and East 10th St I have a man with a Handgun secured he just attempted to assault a woman at gunpoint." I explained.
"I have a unit in route sir is anyone hurt?" asked the Operator.
"Not physically but the lady is pretty shook up." I answered.
"All right sir I am also dispatching EMS just incase." She told me.
"Thank you."
When the police arrived they found the woman standing there. she gave the police a flash drive with the video from my suit cams. And they found her would be attacker still webbed to the wall and I was able to make it home for dinner.
….
That Night I lay on my bed after Dinner I went out did another patrol of the area it was a quiet night. But I felt something in my gut something was coming. I needed to be ready so tomorrow I would begin my Anti-Hellfire work. With the Party only 2 weeks out I want to be ready for anything the Hellfire Club might throw at me as Peter Parker or as Spider-Man.
…
Spider-Man Stops Assault.
Declared the Bugle's headline the next morning. I smiled as I walked past Aunt May reading the paper.
"Morning Aunt May any good news today?" I smiled as I made for the coffee.
"Well it seems New York has it's own Vigilante doing good out there and the Mets won last night." She smiled.
"Well any day the Mets Win it's a good day." I smiled back.
After breakfast I headed into the office I had work to do.
…
Do you want to know the biggest problems with having knowledge of who's who and what's what in this mixed version of the Marvel Universe. It's not being able to lock in on what version of people I might be dealing with. The Avengers and SHIELD they are easy as they are mostly the same across the board. The problem comes from those people that the MCU hadn't dealt with before I came here. For example which version of the X-men and their assorted Villains am I dealing with the Comic Version, the 97 Animated Version, The Movie Version, The Gift TV show Version, you can see where this is going. I had created a suit for the party at Hellfire Club for me to where as Just Peter. But when I started to work on the Spider Suit I realized that I don't know who exactly I'm dealing with. So I was forced to go broad with my prep work. That's one thing Batman was right about. If you got the time prepare for your battles. I'm not going to go Tony Stark and have a full legion of Spider Suits but I will be preparing for several eventualities .
As I took a break from my work I decided to head over to see what Madison and Roger were working on in their R&D Lab.
And Boy was I surprised when I saw Box looking at me. Or Rather the Box Robot from the Alpha Flight Comics.
"You Boys have something you want to tell me about?" I asked.
Madsion smiled and walked over.
"Yeah Peter we do." He motioned me over to his work station.
"Roger's Robot here works by that Helmet he wears allowing him to Control Box here with his thoughts. Now we are working on miniaturizing the tech in the Helmet to something the size of say a blue tooth or a head band. Once we do that we can use the same tech that makes Box work on artificial limbs and exo-suits allowing someone who lost a limb or someone that is paralyzed move their prosthetics with their mind alone. We could give people back their lives with this." Madison was enjoying this.
"How far along are you?" I asked.
"We will be ready for a test run in a few days. What are you thinking?"
I smiled.
"Once it's tested we go to the local VA Hospital and get some Volunteers and let them test if out for themselves and get their feedback as they would be the best to demonstrate this new tech then we set up a showing of it for the Media."
"Sounds like a plan Peter, I'll let Roger know."
It felt good to know that we would be able to help a lot of people with this new tech.
For me doing good as Peter Parker was just as Important as doing good as Spider-Man. Peter is who I am Spider-Man is just a Mask a way to keep Ben and May safe. Unlike Batman, Peter is not a Mask I wear he is me.
I was dragged from my musing by a phone call.
Going to my office I answered the phone.
"Peter Parker speaking."
"Hello Peter." Came a smoking English accent.
I smiled. "Hello Elizabeth how are you doing?"
"Peter I've told you before it's Betsy."
I chuckled. "How are you Betsy."
"I'm doing well Peter. I was calling to let you know Brian and I will be in Manhattan next week and we will be staying at the Plaza."
"Sounds nice Betsy I will be sure to pick you and your brother up from there on the Night of the Gala."
Betsy laughed.
"I can not thank you enough for being my escort for this. I may enjoy my time at the Club but if one more pretty boy trust funder tries to grab my bum I will kill. Hopefully having a Marine with me will keep them off me."
…
As I chatted with my friend unknown to me at the time someone else was planning on making a public splash.
In a dark room a man stood in a white suit wearing a Purple leather Mask. He sat at a desk waiting for the phone to ring.
The phone rang once.
"Yes Sir." Answered the Masked man.
"The word is given, begin the operation." Came a deep voice on the phone.
"Understood sir." He answered into the phone.
Replacing the phone in the cradle he opened the desk drawer and pulled out a burner phone.
Dialing a number the masked man drummed his fingers on the desk waiting for the phone to connect.
Once it connected the man let out a sigh.
"The order has been given unleash hell on them."
"Understood." A voice answered before disconnecting.
Once the call ended the Masked man took the phone and broke it before dropping it in a garbage can.
"It begins tonight."
…