Power to Protect, Power to Destroy
Next chapter of my crossover, enjoy. Just a note, this chapter and the next three, except for a big part of chapter 15, will be mainly about setting up for the chapter 18-19 climax.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Stranger Things, Spider-Man or their characters.
Chapter 13
Once more in his underground lab, Norman smiled, things were progressing nicely with at least one of his 'black projects'. It was enough at least to make overlook the lack of progress in the other one.
"We should still be careful." Stromm was saying behind him.
Brenner scoffed. "Of course you'd say that, you know full well these tests prove the formula is practically ready. You just don't want to accept the failure of your project."
Stromm glared. "All three of us worked together on BOTH these projects, Martin. Any failures in that project reflect on you as well."
"Doubtful." Brenner remarked. "Given your track record, Stromm."
Norman just shook his head. "Gentlemen please, we have more important things to discuss than petty squabbling."
They turned to him as he turned to face them. Stromm wouldn't say it out loud but the sight of Norman standing there, bathed in the green light coming from the formula and special lighting it was under was unsettling.
Undeterred however, Brenner spoke up.
"Contrary to Dr. Stromm's comments, the formula has shown itself to be exponentially useful. Tests on its structure show capabilities to increase strength, endurance and an individuals stamina to almost unprecedented degrees. It also seems capable of healing all but the most fatal of injuries." He explained.
"Meaning it could easily cure Harry and keep him safe." Norman said breathlessly.
Stromm quickly interrupted. "But it is still too unstable, we haven't ascertained the effects it would have on the users mental state."
"A minor concern for a non-issue." Brenner interjected. "Regarding the other project, since it doesn't seem to meet requirements for this plan...I may have a new plan for that creation."
"Oh?"
"Considering what it IS capable of, we should try and mass produce it." Brenner stated. "It would be the perfect weapon to counteract the Mutant menace."
"Say what you mean, Brenner." Stromm scoffed. "The perfect weapon to deal with those two girls who humiliated you."
Brenner rounded on him, the colour rising in his face.
Norman however cut off any sort of retort by stepping in between the two men.
"I will take the matter under consideration, Brenner. In the meantime Stromm, get a move on and do those tests you're so concerned about." He paused then added. "Make sure it's done by my re-election rally, I'll be along for a report after the rally."
With that he walked away, leaving the underground lab. He had barely gone down the corridor before he saw Harry approaching.
"Dad, we need to talk." He said at once.
Norman stopped and nodded. "Of course, so, what exactly-"
Harry cut him off. "Dad, you cannot deny the board of directors are right. You being mayor but still having an active interest in Oscorp is a bad move, both politically and for business. The conflict of interest is far too great and obvious."
"You know I can't just give up my life's work Harry, or my ambitions, my legacy." Norman remarked.
Harry shook his head. "But you must, you must give up one...or that legacy will be a very grim one indeed."
"You know the board members, Harry." Norman snapped. "I will not sign over Oscorp to those vultures."
"I wasn't asking you to." Harry pointed out, hinting his true intent with a simple raise of his eyebrows.
Finally Norman understood and laughed.
He took the form from Harry and quickly signed before handing it back.
"That's the Osborn spirit, son." He said cheerfully. "Oscorp is in safe hands, if only your mother could be here to see this."
"I know dad, I know." Harry replied gently.
"Don't worry, I know I'll succeed." Norman replied.
Harry tried to call after him. "Dad, there is no-"
But he stopped, knowing it was pointless. His dad wouldn't listen. Still, things had worked out well and the board of directors still only held forty-nine percent shares and power in Oscorp. But thanks to Norman signing that document, Harry was now in charge at Oscorp and the board could never overrule him, with his shares and power forming the remaining fifty-one percent. How Norman wished he could be there when Harry met the board and they learned the truth.
XXXXX
It was supposed to just be a simple hang out together for the party, a normal evening which would give them, especially Will, a chance to react. But that sadly would not be the case. Everything started out well enough with Will meeting up with Mike, on time for once, and the two of them going to meet up with Lucas and Dustin before heading to Max's place. That was when it all fell apart. The first hint they got that something was wrong came as they drew near and could already hear the male voices shouting from outside.
"Uh oh." Lucas muttered.
Dustin nodded. "Yeah, Neil AND Billy, that's not good."
"Not good at all." Lucas agreed.
Mike and Will shared their worried looks, in full agreement with their friends.
They knew right away the shouting meant that Max's step-father and step-brother were arguing again and that is most likely Max and her mom were caught somewhere in the middle. Neil and Billy Hargrove were infamous in this neighbourhood for their fights.
"What do we do?" Will asked. "Should we get Max out of there first, or call Hopper?"
"Get Max out of there, of course." Lucas remarked, already texting on his phone.
They knew that trying to get Max's mom out the way would be a waste of time, she always refused to move and always excuses for it. After getting a reply, Lucas then very quickly led them around to the back, where the fire escape was. Max had already climbed out the window, they could see, even from this distance, that she had been crying.
"Max..." Lucas called out, while trying not to draw the attention of those inside.
Max shook her head. "I can't lower the ladder or they'll hear."
"Don't worry, you can jump it." Mike reassured her as he stepped up.
Being the tallest of them all, they knew Mike would easily catch her and greatly reduce the distance she had to fall. Reassured by that, Max indeed jumped down with Mike catching her and setting her down gently. They all gathered around her, their original plans forgotten. Instead they focused on trying to comfort Max after once more getting caught in the crossfire of yet another of those arguments.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.