SPIDER-MAN: ALL ALONE (CHAPTER 16)
OSBORN LOFT…
"Son, you're going to be part of this legacy whether you like it or not."
"Why? Because I have the 'Osborn' name? Why can't you just let me do my own thing?"
"Because the risk is too damn high and we can't afford letting this company fall into stranger hands."
Within his own secret laboratory room, Norman was brewing more of the green formula that he had been working on and drank. Even in his time-off, the work never stops and for him, the matter was delicate.
"One drop of alkylating agent…" Norman said wearing safety googles as he pipetted the chemical into the flask.
As Norman continued to brew the formula, he was notified by the Living Brain AI system of an incoming message from mayor Randall Brown through an intercom in the room.
"Norman, I just want to say it's been a real pleasure getting that law signed in. I can't wait to see how this is going to all unfold." Randall messaged, "Come and see me soon when you have time."
Norman acknowledged the message as a small step for himself but until he knows what to do with his own employees, then he will be convinced that Oscorp is in good hands. He then stopped to talk to 'Emily'.
"Remind me that there are shipments of that 'mechlorethamine' coming in tomorrow." Norman requested.
After a brief moment of silence, the AI started talking back.
"Certainly." It replied.
"Anything else?" Norman asked back.
Norman then turned off the Bunsen burner and other equipment before getting up to leave the room. He set on a timer as he exited out of the secret room with the wall of masks concealing the place.
"Your inspection tour for the energy sector will begin tomorrow 10 am." The AI answered.
"Well, while the kettle back there is boiling, I think I will just kick back a bit." Norman said before taking a seat on the couch.
As Norman sat down to watch TV, he turned the channel to watch a soccer game however as this was playing, Norman noticed strange buzzing lines on the screen and wondered how despite the sophistication did his TV still look like it was getting weak signal.
"Norman…" A mysterious electronic voice sounded.
"What's this? Poltergeist?" Norman asked dismissively.
"I know of your sins. In fact, I know your company secrets." The voice continued.
"Bad time to be hacking again. Listen, I've doubled down on my security so I will know where you are coming from." Norman scoffed at the screen.
"There is nothing to stop me from revealing the monster that you are." The voice said.
"Oh, I'm a monster huh? So, you think I'm soft? Then you are talking to the wrong man…" Norman said getting up while his voice pitch changed a little.
The voice then stayed silent as Norman shifted his eyes all about, his paranoia on the cyberhacker prompted a snicker out of him before continuing his voice pitch change.
"A coward's silence…" Norman said, "Tell me you've got a pair."
"Very well, let us see which one of us was the true brain of Oscorp." The AI soon replied before shutting off as Norman blankly stared.
"True brain of Oscorp?" Norman murmured returning to a normal voice pitch.
As he pondered on the description, Norman saw the timer nearing its end before returning to the laboratory to see the formula waiting in its flask. Picking it up with a newly donned glove, he stared intensely at the green glowing formula with resolve.
"My company…" Norman sneered gripping the flask tightly.
OSCORP ENERGY SECTOR…
The next morning, Norman got ready to meet with the director of Oscorp Energies, Emil Drager. The Energy Sector was a full-on power plant sustaining Oscorp and giving room for the company to research into new energies. The Greenwave energy that they have in hands was the latest in keeping the company afloat.
"Mr. Osborn." Emil said politely and pretending to not know about Norman's rage.
"Emil, how's things? You're looking to impress me today?" Norman asked.
"Yes." The director laughed nervously, "I look forward to some… Frank discussions."
"Very well, show me this beauty." Norman replied.
The director then led Norman to a chamber housing Greenwave. A large reactor with a green sphere of swirling energy whirling around inside behind the glass. From that moment, Norman's pupil's dilated in response to the green mystical energy flowing around the reactor. His mesmerisation for Greenwave soon started to give him some new ideas.
"Magnificent and our scientists conclude that this energy is similar to wind. So even though it's colourful, it's not going to radiate on you." Emil explained, "This is going to change the world if we market it out right."
Norman however ignored the director's words and kept staring into the green. His eyes twitched as if he envisioned something coming through the Greenwave but it seemed that was only an illusion which he would see. The illusion made him think of a huge world that seemed ripe for his taking and indeed would give him more access for control.
"Yes, the world…" Norman replied softly.
"Mr. Osborn?" Emil asked curiously.
Norman turned his head slowly to Emil making him feel nervous as he began to say his next words.
"Change is coming." Norman replied.
OSBORN LOFT…
Back in his home again, Norman's own concerns that he had originally seemed to be further supressed by a strange sensation of optimism. Ever since he first took the formula out of grief, the after effects have been penetrating all sorts of boundaries within him.
Staring out into the city night skyline, Norman could not think of anything else beside his own ambitions and ignored a call from Donna buzzing on the table. Oscorp will stand strong and it will lead a global initiative in changing the world for the better, Norman had convinced himself.
"What do you mean he's irreversibly paralysed? He's always been a fine boy."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Osborn but it's the nature of things. He will need intensive care."
"No, this can't be it… My son, my…"
As Norman poured a bottle of whiskey from his kitchen cabinet, he took one gulp from his glass before feeling a little dizzy and dropping the glass. Taking a quick seat, Norman clutched his head as his vision began to spin. He growled in pain as his vision pulsated.
"Norman…" A sinister voice whispered.
At first, Norman thought his faulty AI system was talking on its own again before realising it was a voice that he never heard of before. In fact, it sounded close to his own voice but growly and weaselly.
"The hell-?" Norman grunted.
"Sad, sad man…" Emily's voice came in adding into Norman's confusion.
Norman jumped up upon hearing his wife's voice, he was getting agitated undoubtedly by the unknown force psychologically torturing him. He was unsure whether he had grown intolerant of alcohol or if there was something in the formula that is giving him the discomfort.
Staggering towards the window again, he pressed his hand against the glass and looked up to see the expression of his own face. Looking stressed out, it was at that moment Norman took the opportunity to try smiling again. A crooked smile was what he could give and from then on, a new force seemed to be envelope him.
FOREST HILLS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL, QUEENS…
A day before, Peter had been doing his regular visits to May as part of his commitment. For now, things are not getting worse but are not getting better just yet. The idea of his only known living family member at the risk of life's end had indeed been giving out a terrifying effect.
Walking out from the hospital empty handed, Peter reached the street sidelines before noticing a nearby parked car with Curt inside waving at him. Peter walked over to greet Curt as they began to talk.
"Ready to go to ESU today?" Curt asked holding the wheel with one normal hand and a prosthetic one.
Taking one look back at the hospital, Peter looked back at Curt to give his definitive answer.
"Yeah." Peter answered.
Getting into the car, the two drove off to their destination at Manhattan.
DELIVERIES FOR U, BROOKLYN…
"Gwen, what's going on? You're late…" The manager said watching Gwen walk in nonchalantly.
"Yes and because of that…" Gwen said throwing her ID badge down on the counter.
The manager looked up at her bewildered.
"See ya…" Gwen said as she left the building.
As she exited the building, she then pulled out a music sheet and smiled.
TO BE CONTINUED…