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Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Two Brand New Challenges Part II
The Baxter building in New York City, night
"BREAKING NEWS - The Superhuman Registration Act has been abolished by the Federal Government following the recent Siege of Asgard. In related news disgraced Thunderbolts Director Norman Osborn was taken into custody earlier today by Steve Rogers who has returned to his role as Captain America. Mr. Osborn has been remained into custody on suspicion of espionage and treason Mr. Osborn will await trial at the ultra-maximum security Raft Prison for super beings in New York. Stay tuned for further details."
"Justice at last." Mary Jane said. She was giddy in spite of the fact she knew taking joy in another person's misery was wrong. "Too bad he'll never pay for his many past crimes." She added a moment later. Norman as the Green Goblin had murdered both her best friend Gwen Stacy and Peter's Clone Ben Reilly. Mary Jane also suspected Norman was somehow responsible for her miscarriage that caused the life of her unborn daughter May Parker, Jr.
"I feel bad for Harry," Peter said as he, Mary Jane, Aunt May and Felicia watched events unfold on the big screen TV in the Fantastic Four's Rec Room. Jarvis was away preforming his duties at Avengers' Tower.
"Yeah, it must suck having such a psychopath as your father," Felicia agreed.
"I'm relieved that vile man is finally behind bars where he belongs," May said.
Peter's Superhero ID card that was issued by the Federal Government when he registered picked that moment to beep loudly. He fished the ID card which he had almost forgotten about out of his pants pocket. He glanced at the others apprehensively before he answered the summons by pressing one of his thumbs against ID Card.
"Peter Parker Spider-Man here." Peter said.
"Parker we a mission for you." The voice of Nick Fury said.
"Hi Nick, I take it you've been reinstated as Director of SHIELD, huh?" Peter said making conversation.
"Do you know about Norman Osborn?" Nick Fury said ignoring Peter's words.
"I heard he was removed from his position with the Thunderbolts and arrested. If that's what you mean?"
"No one is more familiar with Norman Osborn's exploits than you. We want to bring you in as a special consulting agent on this case."
"If I agree, how will I be used?"
"Mainly you'd be supervising Osborn's stay at the Raft Prison, assist with his interrogation sessions, and the investigation of his crimes in general. Considering everything he's done we want to do everything we can to assure he does not escape. Everyone I've discussed this situation with feels you are the best choice son. Assuming you complete the mission without a hitch you'll become a full-time employee of the Federal Government."
"What about my family?" Peter said looking at Mary Jane, Aunt May, and Felicia. "If I accept the assignment who will protect them? Now that my civilian identity is known any one of my old foes could target them at any time."
"Each of your loved ones would be protected twenty-four-seven by details of SHIELD agents. Do we have an agreement?"
Peter glanced over a Felicia. "Can I bring a partner of my own along? One that the government will pay at the same rather they do me." Felicia raised an eyebrow curiously.
"I don't see any reason why not, assuming he or she is or can is eligible for governmental employment." Nick Fury said.
"I think we had a deal," Peter said.
Raft Prison two days later, afternoon
"Norman Virgil Osborn, aka the Green Goblin, aka the Iron Patriot, aka the Sinister Schemer." The lead SHIELD agent on the investigation a young man of about thirty said. "Looks like we've got you this time Osborn. How are you feeling, those cuffs tight enough?"
The agent slapped a thick folder down on the steel table that separated the handcuffed Osborn from him. Norman glared at the interrogator. Behind the agent stood Spider-Man and Black Cat their arms crossed over the chests.
"You've got nothing on me and we both know it. Otherwise, we wouldn't be having this lovely chat." Norman Osborn said with a grin. He then waived as best he could at Spider-Man. "Hi Pete, how's the Wife and Aunt? Hope they're well."
"Don't answer him." The agent said to Spider-Man. "We've got enough evidence to put you away for life Osborn or a dirt nap, which do you prefer?"
"Life or death, nice to see I have options," Norman said his grin fading.
"Which do you choose?" The agent asked.
"What exactly do you want from me kid?" Norman said. He added with a chuckle. "A full confession of my many, many crimes, is that it?"
"Yeah, actually that would help a great deal." The agent said. "Tell me everything you did and why you did it and the government will see the judge shows you leniency. The death penalty will be off the table. Let's start with Mendel Stromm. He claims you framed him for embezzlement to gain full control of Oscorp, is that true?"
"I have nothing more to say to you at this time," Norman said. "I will, however, talk with Spider-Man, of the record of course."
"Why should we let you do that?" The agent said.
"I'll make a full confession if I can have five minutes alone with Spider-Man," Norman said again smiling.
The agent glanced at Spider-Man who nodded his head in assent. "Alright, five minutes," He said.
"Be careful," Black Cat said. "He's up to something."
"Don't worry I can handle old Norman here," Spider-Man said. Black Cat and the agent then left the room. Spider-Man and Norman Osborn were alone.
"Spill Norman," Spider-Man said sitting in the vacated chair across from his arch-nemesis. He deactivated the voice recorder that lay on the table between them.
"First take off the mask," Norman instructed.
Peter pulled off his mask. "Happy," He snapped.
"Not really," Norman said. "I'd be much happier if I were free."
"Tough, because that's never going to happen," Peter said.
"It can with your help," Norman said.
"In what twisted universe would I ever help you," Peter said his expression dark. "You murdered my first real girlfriend, murdered a man who was the closest thing I'll ever have to a brother, abducted my aunt after making me believe she died and killed my unborn child. I hope you rot in here."
"I didn't murder your daughter," Norman said.
"Bullshit you engineered my wife's miscarriage. You told me so yourself. Are going senile Norman." Peter growled.
"I lied," Norman said dropping a bombshell. "Your daughter's alive. I faked her death. I'm rather good at that, as you know." He winked at Peter.
"What are you saying?" Peter said in shock.
"Little May is alive and well. Only I know where you can find her," Norman said his grin bigger than ever. "Free me, I'll tell you."
Without warning, Peter snapped. Fast as lightning, his gloved hands were around Norman's neck. He choked the smug supervillain until Norman's face turned blue.
"K-K-Kill me, y-you'll n-never f-f-find h-her." Norman wheezed.
With great emotional effort, Peter released Norman. "Tell me where my daughter is you sick freak!"
"G-G-Get me out-out of h-h-here,, I'll g-g-gladly d-do just that. Better y-yet, I-I'll lead -y-you r-r-right to her," Norman said between coughs.
"So help me Norman if you're lying." Peter said his hands forming fists.
Norman shook his head. "H-Help m-me, I'll g-give you y-your daughter b-back." He coughed. "D-Doesn't that-that sound d-d-delightful? B-But hurry, th-this is a limited time offer. Y-you h-h-have until next Monday."
Peter slammed his fist down on the metal table denting it. He stormed out of the room. Outside Felicia was waiting for him along with the agent.
"What did he say?" The agent inquired.
"Nothing of value," Peter said. "He wanted to taunt me."
"Unfortunate," The agent said. "I'll go back inside. See if I can pry any information from him."
Peter was now alone with Black Cat. She noted how upset her longtime friend seemed. She quickly caught up with him as he briskly walked away down the corridor.
"What really happened between you and Osborn? What did we say?" Black Cat asked.
"He claims Baby May is alive." Peter said. Behind him Black Cat stopped dead in her tracks her mouth slack. "Unless I help him escape, I'll never see my daughter. Ain't life a joy."
"What are you going to do?" Black Cat said once she gathered her thoughts.
"I have no idea." Peter confessed.
Home of May Parker in Queens three days later, night
"I'm pooped." Mary Jane said with a yawn. She and Peter had spent that Saturday at Coney Island after Nick Fury pulled some strings so they could have the place to themselves. "It was great being normal again."
"Mary Jane there's something I have to tell you," Peter said he sat on his old bed beside his wife. He turned around to face. Other than the agents outside of the house they where alone Aunt May being out on a date with Jarvis.
"What is it, Peter? What's wrong?" Mary Jane said noting the troubled expression on Peter's face.
"Norman Osborn told me something when we were alone three days ago after an interrogation session," Peter said he took Mary Jane's hands in his own. "He claimed Baby May is alive. He'll offered to lead me to her if I help him escape from the Raft."
"What," Mary Jane said not fully uncomprehending Peter's words.
"He said our daughter is alive," Peter repeated.
"Oh," Mary Jane said dumbfounded. "D-Do you think he's telling the truth, about, Baby May?"
"I'm not sure," Peter admitted. "I told Felicia. She's been unable to learn anything through her underworld contacts."
"Are you going to help him escape?" Mary Jane asked hesitantly.
"I honestly don't know," Peter said.
"Peter you can't. He's probably lying anyway." Mary Jane said.
"But what if he isn't?" Peter said. "What if by this time next week our daughter could be safe in our arms."
"I want Baby May to be alive more than anything I've ever wanted." Mary Jane said taking a deep breath. "When I miscarried I blamed God then after I learned what Norman did I blamed myself. I'd give anything to hold our little girl in my arms again. But this is Norman Osborn we're talking about he'd say anything, do anything to save his own skin, even lie, especially lie." Mary Jane sniffed. Peter reached out wiping away the tears that gathered in her eyes.
Peter reached a decision in that moment. "I have to take the chance MJ. Even if I'm arrested at least our daughter would be back where she belongs with you. If she's out there I need to find her." Peter said.
"No Peter," Mary Jane said.
"I'm sorry MJ," Peter said. "I have to know the truth." He and Mary Jane embraced each other.
"I know you do." Mary Jane whispered in his ear as they clung to each other. In that moment the rest of the world vanished all that remained was each other.
Streets of NYC the next day, early morning
With great difficulty, Mary Jane gave her detail of uncovered SHIELD agents the slip. She ducked into an alleyway and inputted a number into her smartphone she hoped she never would use again. Desperate times require desperate measures she told herself.
"Hello?" The raspy voice of Tony Stark answered after five rings.
"Mr. Stark this is Mary Jane Watson-Parker." Mary Jane said hating herself for what she was about to do.
"Hello, Mary Jane." Tony Stark said his voice noticeably changed its tone becoming more polished. "I certainly did not expect to hear from you again." Tony had put out many feelers to the Parker Family during the past six weeks, including through Jarvis, every one of which had been rebuffed. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"I want to take you up your offer of assistance. If it still stands?" Mary Jane said.
"It does," Tony Stark said.
"I need the use of the Iron Spider exosuit you designed for my husband." Mary Jane said swallowing her pride.
"That's a pretty big ask, Mrs. Parker. May I know why you want to use the Iron Spider armor?" Tony Stark said his tone becoming all business.
"I'd rather not say over the phone." Mary Jane said. "Can we meet in person?"
"Sure, be at my office at Stark Headquarters in fifteen minutes." Tony Stark said.
"I'll be there." Mary Jane said disconnecting the call.
'Please forgive me, Peter.' Mary Jane thought. 'I won't let you throw everything away on a hunch. At least if I get caught helping Osborn your hands will be clean.'
Mary Jane hoped she was doing the right thing. If it meant getting her daughter back she had no regrets. Baby May would be six years old now. The little girl had spent too much time away from her family already. Mary Jane left the alleyway a moment later determined to do whatever she must to make their reunion a reality, even if it meant dealing with Tony Stark again or helping Norman Osborn evade justice.
To Be Continued