SPIDER-MAN: ALL ALONE (CHAPTER 5)
J. JONAH JAMESON'S APARTMENT…
Stretching the sleeves of his own shirt, John prepared his set up for his podcast as usual.
"Volume settings up and…" John said before hitting the record button in front of him.
"Good morning to the city that never sleeps. Another day in the J. Jonah podcast. Breaking news…" John started, "Yesterday, our fine entrepreneur, Norman Virgil Osborn has landed back here in New York after what seems to be a life-time vacation."
As John sipped on the coffee mug next to him, his next words were undoubtedly going to be more slanderous.
"Norman as most people who knew him know how much his innovations and vision have helped change our constantly changing world. Remember, when he launched the Broadcast All program? Well, it's been fruitful as you wonder why internet speeds are so fast and you can see that thanks to the radio towers that are being set up by our hardworking engineers." John stated.
"Additionally, Norman's approval for ideas has set a standard for which the world turns its attention to. He's done more in taking action against pollution; renewable energies; agriculture… You name it. If that's impressive then check out the things Oscorp is doing for defence whether it's nationwide or worldwide. And pray that national defence is next thing he is focusing on because look at where we are in New York…" John warned.
Clearing his throat, John then dropped another piece of information.
"Also, Oscorp Expo is right around the corner this year and you can expect me… J. Jonah Jameson to try and get that exclusive scoop from Mr. Osborn himself. So stay tuned." John said.
MANHATTAN CHINATOWN…
As Peter got out of the bus and headed to the direction of where Curt's laboratory was located. He started to reminisce about the swinging that he used to do.
"Wow, If only I could sneak out of the bus window." Peter murmured as he moved past other people.
As he continued to move past people and buildings, he took one glance at his watch before realising he is close to missing the subway line that could take him to work in time.
"What the-? Come on, I even went to bed early." Peter said as he began rushing.
As he got to the subway tunnel station, he was ready to rush into the train. However, even being Spider-Man does not let him reach places in time.
"Damn it… Now what?" Peter said as he watched the train leave.
He then thought of the next best option to arrive on time and that was to try web slinging if he could. This led to him looking through his heavily packed bag.
"Ugh. Of course, I didn't pack web shooters… I'm-." Peter said as he rummaged through his bag before finding an early web shooter prototype that he crafted during his high school years.
Looking at the crowd around him, Peter snuck away from public eye as he attached the web shooters. The web shooters tightly attached onto Peter's wrist causing him to wince. It seemed as if Peter had grown up a little since his high school days away from the vigilantism that had defined him.
"Even my first suit is starting to slip away from me." Peter replied thinking that he hit puberty late.
After letting himself feel comfortable with the web shooter, Peter focused at the edge of the tunnel before putting a black cap on him to avoid being identified as best as he could. He let his Spider-sense do the work also whenever nearby security was present.
"Okay, web. Let's do this." Peter said as he waited for the web shooter cartridge to fill.
Organic webs within Peter may help him stick to walls and crawl but they are mostly insufficient for web swinging.
"And that is why I need synthetic." Peter said as he turned back to his backpack for more supplies that could help him.
The best thing he could find was a tube of glue which disappointed him.
"I forget all these things." Peter groaned as he persisted with the glue's usage.
As he tried fixing up his webs, his phone rang. After one drop, Peter had to pick up a call from Aunt May.
"Peter, are you there? Listen… I'm afraid I have to tell that I had a bit of an accident." May said.
"What? What kind?" Peter asked worryingly.
"Don't worry, I slipped while carrying a fruit box. It's nothing too serious. Although, if you could please…Come visit me as soon as you finish with Dr. Connors." May requested.
"Sure, Aunt May. I'll be there. Just take it easy…" Peter assured before the call finished causing Peter to worry about one thing.
He then turned his attention to the glue he had added which had caused the webbing to stick together. The combination seemed adequate from the looks of it giving Peter the confidence to start the web swing.
Running back out of the station to the cityscape, he looked for an area where he could safely try out his webs.
Seeing the nearby back alleys of the Chinese shops, Peter gave his web shooters a try there. The webs were still flimsy but had a bit of adhesion to them that could help Peter shoot a string.
The web was slow and lacked quick precision causing Peter to give another groan. After all, the abandonment of his superhero identity is indeed causing a setback in his normal life.
OSCORP BOARD TEAROOM…
As CFO, Donna Menken gathered her colleagues for a welcome ceremony for their long absent CEO in the tearoom. Norman walked in casually as he charismatically greeted everyone in the room.
"Thank you, thank you." Norman said, "I'm so glad to be back."
"How was your trip, Norman?" One senior board member greeted.
"Spectacular. But it was also business." Norman said, "You see I have visited places to learn more and make it Oscorp-centric. After all, the motto 'Our business transcends excellence' is still a strong way to sell."
As the food platters and drinks sat ready for feasting, Norman was approached by Donna who smiled the best she could in front of him.
"Norman, you're looking quite optimistic than ever." Donna said.
"I think happiness is great for me, Donna." Norman said, "I'm ready to make the full-blown swings."
"Well…You do." Donna replied, "We had so much going on in the city and we wondered what you were thinking when they happened. That and you're going to speak out tomorrow morning at conference downstairs."
"Yeah, yeah. People know me so they clearly want to know more." Norman said whilst adjusting his tie.
OSCORP CONFERENCE ROOM…
The following morning, Norman walked to a set up stand where reporters; journalists and camera people alike were ready to capture the iconic moment New York's darling entrepreneur speaks out.
"Alright, let's start talking." Norman said waving at the cameras.
"Mr. Osborn, what have you been doing over the last months?" Someone asked.
"Busy. Keeping quiet." Norman retorted, "As I have said when I left… It was actually to help my son, Harry. I know most people think I'm the kind of guy who likes to take fun vacations over the welfare of others but no… I've been travelling to inspire this company's future."
"Can you name something specifically?" Another reporter questioned.
"Certainly. There's uh… New energy source that has been uncovered, no official 'trademark' name yet but we found that we could…Replicate it molecularly. In other words, we've found a source of renewable energy that I think is efficient; clean and sustainable. It will be unveiled at a convention expo that I've planned since my return." Norman said, "You'll see…"
"Could you talk more about this expo?" The reporter asked again.
"It's been advertised by us online for a while now and it's opening at Midtown Museum. Buy your tickets quickly because we can only ask for so much." Norman explained, "We're going to show the progress of our company and the ambitions going forth. Anyone interested can come and who knows…You may the next person to run Oscorp."
Behind the television screen elsewhere, Adrian watched with eagerness as he tinkered a broken spy drone.
TO BE CONTINUED…