SPIDER-MAN: ALL ALONE (CHAPTER 22)
OSCORP TOWER…
After hitching the ride in the elevator, Curt was escorted to a nicely furnished office room by Norman himself. For Curt, this was unexpected and puzzling considering that he thought he would be interviewed by the head of R&D or biotech instead of the actual CEO himself.
"Please make sure yourself comfortable." Norman said with a grin as he sat on the chair.
"I-I'm quite surprised. Didn't expect to actually speak with you." Curt said sitting down.
"Oh, I've been busy 'rearranging' Oscorp. It's been chaos." Norman replied without giving away what actually happened.
"I see…" Curt said whilst getting a little distracted by the green veins on Norman's face.
"I have your resume in front of me, Dr. Connors." Norman said clicking on the computer mouse before eyeing Curt's distracted face, "Don't despair on the face by the way. It's just a little… medical experiment."
"Yeah, I studied at Tampa; graduated and earned a phD. Had some abroad experience." Curt began to mumble.
"I don't need the explanation about you when I heard a part of your story already." Norman interrupted while giving Curt a smile.
"Sorry?" Curt asked.
"You were notified through our data system as being fired by the Empire State science board." Norman said looking back at his computer screen, "I know this because Oscorp and ESU are hand in handl."
"So you do control scientific project after all." Curt assumed.
"And this city…" Norman added, "And soon… The world's attention."
Curt gulped as he felt uneasy. Norman pressed forth with the interview.
"So… You want a job, huh?" Norman asked.
"Of course. And it seems Oscorp offers the best opportunities thus far. I would love to work in a company that values creativity and vision. It's what interests me about this company." Curt said.
Norman took another look at Curt and noted the prosthetic arm he had on him. He knew some of the history behind it and was eager to know more.
"Dr. Connors, I have ample room for new scientists looking to make breakthrough for the right reasons. And in your case, you are someone special…" Norman said.
"Really?" Curt answered in surprise.
Norman smiled before turning over his computer screen towards him. On the screen was a photo of Peter which was taken when he entered into Empire State University.
"Know this kid?" Norman asked.
YURI'S HOUSE…
Back in Yuri's house, where it is a base of sorts for Yuri to conduct her own investigations and where the Spiders rendezvous; information about Mendel Stromm was discussed.
"There's the info." Yuri said after searching 'Mendel Stromm' on her laptop.
"Mendel Stromm… Former computer scientist at Oscorp and main creator of the Living Brain. Was the vice CEO as well and instrumental in pushing forward the companies' technical front paving way for its modern endeavours." Yuri summarised for Spider-Man and Gwen.
"And a former colleague of Osborn at college." Gwen added looking at the info on screen.
"So you talked with this guy?" Spider-Man asked Gwen, "But… Stromm's dead. Like it's been 10 years now that he's gone."
"Well…You know it is with A.I. Besides…Wait a minute; what is the cause of Stromm's death?" Gwen asked Yuri abruptly.
"According to known information; it was thought to be an accident of sorts where he was found strapped to a chair in front of a mega computer screen that was uploading something and electrocuted himself. Some believe this was a suicide however…" Yuri spoke out.
"Guy gave himself the electric chair. Pretty messed up. Anyway, what did 'Stromm' tell you?" Spider-Man asked Gwen.
"The gist is that Oscorp is bad and hides a lot of bad stuff. But the big underlying factor is how bad Norman Osborn is." Gwen said, "Like… It's as if our suspicions were true."
"Yeah but what about Stromm?" Spider-Man asked trying to lighten the idea of Norman being that sinister.
"Clearly from what I understand, the guy didn't like what he or the rest of Oscorp was doing and so he did something before he died." Gwen interjected.
Spider-Man paced back and forth. Norman is a current problem but the mystery of Mendel made things seem a little complex.
"We better find a way to talk to him again without being within Oscorp surveillance." Spider-Man suggested considering how the Living Brain had talked to Gwen beforehand.
"What are we going to ask?" Gwen asked with Yuri agreeing with her.
"We need more of his story if the Living Brain is willing to share. That way we can know if we need to know what plans Norman has and maybe save the city." Spider-Man said, "I will figure out the network protocols to make that happen."
"OK, so not only do you swing well and do gymnasium well but you're claiming to be a tech wizard." Yuri added, "Wonder, how much money you have."
"Oh, I'm made of good money." Spider-Man replied.
After the joke, Spider-Man's phone buzzed. Checking his phone; there was a plea from Forest Hills Community Hospital regarding Aunt May that prompted Spider-Man about his next meeting to check on her.
"What is it?" Yuri asked.
"Oh, um… My phone plan auto recharge." Spider-Man lied in order to keep his real life distant from Yuri whilst giving Gwen a look.
"Don't worry… He's just doing what he has to do to save the city." Gwen added.
OSCORP ARMOURY…
"Where is my armour?" Norman asked walking to the end of the assembly room.
The clinking and clanking done by the men he had hired from Marty's crew could be heard getting fainter and fainter as Norman approached. Clearly, there was a new difference in how the command worked and it ensured Norman the obedience he needed.
The workers nervously moved away as Norman walked forward excited to see the work that he demanded. Lying back first on the table was an armour that glistened in jade green and it was as precious looking as Norman wanted it to be.
Although it was heavy armour, strips of dark purple underclothing connected with the green armour plates which was part of Norman's vision to give the suit enough flexibility to move fast in. A more defining feature however was the helmet itself. It was sculpted to look monstrous like some of the masks hanging at his loft wall.
Its teeth were etched with jagged razor edges resembling that of canine teeth and stretched out like it was crooked. All as requested by Norman to instil the fear he wanted to bring. The eye lens were sculpted with piercing pupils and coloured orange-yellow like fire. On the green face were red and black streak marks. As intended, mask was a work of art and a nightmare at the same time.
"I think this is creative, Mr. Osborn." A worker murmured in an attempt to calm himself in front of the unhinged Norman.
Norman terrifyingly looked at the worker who spoke and took one step forward before being informed about something else by another worker.
"Mr. Osborn. The jetpack that you requested to be repurposed as a hovercraft? It's also close to being completed." The worker interrupted.
Norman shifted his attention away from the other worker and gave another one of his death stares. Finally, he gave out his command.
"Scram." Norman answered prompting the two workers to panic and run away.
Looking at the completed suit itself on the table; Norman was ready for the test run.
PARKER RESIDENCE…
Back at home, Peter began setting up the router in his room in order to begin the process of breaching Oscorp computer security to communicate with the Living Brain. However, the work was put on hold, when a text reminder on his phone kept buzzing to remind him of May.
Picking up the phone, he pocketed the device as he began to make his way to his aunt once again.
TO BE CONTINUED…