Disclaimers
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Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Six Big Time Prologue
A Government Office in Manhattan two weeks after the events of the previous episode, morning
"I don't understand," Peter said. He, Mary Jane and Matt Murdock wear seated across a table from three dour looking government officials two women and one man.
"She's our daughter the DNA proves she is." Mary Jane added a hint of mounting desperation in her voice.
"No is disputing the result of the DNA analysis Mrs. Parker. The girl is indeed your biological daughter. That much is clear/" The man said. "The agents sent to assess you and your husband have expressed concerns in their report that you can provide a stable, secure, financially sound environment in which to raise young May.
"Neither of you is currently employed." One of the women interjected. SHIELD had terminated Peter's position at the Raft prison following the escape of Norman Osborn. Thankfully Tony Stark had skillfully covered up Mary Jane's role in the incident.
"Or have your own home." The other woman said. "Furthermore the vigilante activities Mr. Parker routinely engages in would likely place the child in undue jeopardy."
"I ask you, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, is it not understandable that the state expresses grave reservations about approving your transfer of legal custody petition?" The man said.
Peter felt numb. After everything he had done for this city and the world the government was going to keep his daughter from him. How was this fair?
"If my clients can fulfill, or clearly demonstrate they are working towards the fulfillment of, the criteria outlined, am I correct in assuming the government would lift objections to the transfer of legal custody for the minor child May Johnson (the surname provided to May by the government)?" Matt asked.
"That would be correct counsellor." The man said.
"May I have a moment to confer with my clients?" Matt said.
"Of course counsellor." The man said. "We'll meet back here in one half hour."
Residence of May Parker in Queens, a few hours later
"That was some quick thinking on Matt's part. We owe everything." Mary Jane said as she and Peter entered the house.
"I still wish I didn't have to sue Mr. Jameson or the Bugle," Peter said.
"Peter we've been over this." Mary Jane said. "You either sue Mr. Jameson for trademark infringement and slander or... I can't even say it." Her voice cracked.
"I know," Peter said squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "I won't let that happen ever."
"Looks who's home." Aunt May said. By her side was Jarvis.
"Mamma, papa, I missed you!" Mayday said she ran over to Peter who raised her up in his arms.
"How's my little pumpkin doing?" Peter asked smiling. Mayday giggled as he swung her around in the around in the air.
"Careful she'll get sick again. Remember what happened before?" Mary Jane cautioned. Being the worry wart of the paternal pair.
"That was because she had just eaten. She'll be fine, won't you pumpkin?" Peter said cheerfully.
"Uh-huh, papa," Mayday said.
Peter hoisted Mayday up on his shoulders. "And we're off to the playground for some quality father daughter time. See everyone later." Peter said grabbing Mayday's coat on his way out the door.
"Take her hat! It's cold outside!" Mary Jane called after him.
"Got it," Peter called back before he left with the child.
"How did it go?" Aunt May asked now that Mayday could not hear. An expression of deep concern on her face.
"Not good," Mary Jane admitted. "Let's go to the kitchen. I need a drink of coffee, or maybe something stronger."
"It went that badly, oh dear." Aunt May said.
A moment later the trio were seated around the dining room table. Mary Jane explained what had happened. Both Aunt May and Jarvis expressed their outrage at the situation.
"If Peter requires employment I'm sure I can persuade Mr. Stark to hire him for the science division of Star Enterprises. I could also see about finding you a position with the company." Jarvis offered helpfully.
"Thanks, Jarvis, but I don't think Peter would be be comfortable with either of using working for Tony. There's still a lot of bad blood left over from the Registration Act debacle." Mary Jane said.
Mary Jane's eyes glanced at a copy of the Daily Bugle that lay on the table. The headline of which read in bold, block letters- Don't Miss The Explosive Tell All Book Spider-Man The Hidden Menace By Editor J. Jonah Jameson, Everywhere Next Week. Mary Jane scowled.
"I swear Mr. Jameson won't be happy until Peter is broken. Why can't that man leave us alone?" Mary Jane lamented. "The only good thing that came out of today is that Peter finally agreed to sue Mr. Jameson so we can establish control of the Spider-Man brand. Speaking of which a friend of Felicia's from California might want to develop a video game based on Peter's exploits. Isn't that exciting news?"
"Yes dear, but peter is going to sue Mr. Jameson." Aunt May said.
"He has no choice May. The Bugle constantly slandering Spider-Man has made it impossible for either of us to find gainful employment now that Peter's secret identity is publicly known." Mary Jane said.
"Oh dear," Aunt May said repeating her often used phrase of worry.
A Nearby Playground
"Faster papa faster," Mayday cried with joy as Peter pushed the merry go round on which she stood.
It was good to see his daughter happy and carefree like a normal child Peter thought. The poor girl had been through so much. Next door Peter absently noted a mayoral campaign rally was underway. Peter thought little of it until his Spider Sense suddenly tingled. He heard an explosion followed by screams of terror and a chillingly familiar whirring sound. No, it couldn't be! He ceased pushing the ride.
"What's going on papa?" Mayday asked with alarm. Peter had no doubt her own warning sense must be going haywire.
"Thank goodness," An onlooker said spotting Peter. "You're Spider-Man do something!" He urged.
Peter looked at the scene of mayhem. A grey & red colored goblin on a bronze glider was circling around the stage tossing out pumpkin bombs at random. He then looked at his frightened daughter. He had to make a snap decision.
"I can't. I'm here with my daughter. Her safety is my main concern." Peter said indicating a frightened Mayday.
"What, you're not going to do anything!?" The onlooker said flabbergasted. "Huh, Jameson's right. Some hero you are."
"I'm sorry you feel that way, but my daughter comes first." Peter said picking up Mayday.
Luckily for everyone involved a red & navy blue figure similar to Spider-Man swooped in. It was Agent Toxin. He pulled down the gilder of the new goblin with his tendrils and engaged the goblin in hand to hand combat which he soon won. Aware there was no chance of victory against such a highly skilled foe the goblin retrieved the glider via gauntlet builtin remote control then fled the scene but not before making the following announcement.
"You haven't seen the last of me! I'll yet even the score! Call me Menace!"
"Are you in trouble because of me papa?" Mayday asked innocently.
"No way pumpkin," Peter said kissing her forehead. "Lets head home. See what your mother and grandmother are doing."
Peter could not help but notice Agent Toxin was the center of attention. The crowd simply adore him. He wondered what had happened to Patrick Mulligan and who was wearing the symbiote now as it appeared to be a different host. Whoever it was Peter had more immediate concerns weighing on his mind, like this new goblin. Peter hoped his suspicion was wrong but he feared that was not the case. If Menace was the person he thought big trouble laid ahead for everyone. It would seem high time he visited an old friend just in case. Sorry Harry if you are innocent I will apologize.
Elsewhere
Alistair Smythe sat in his hidden laboratory feverishly tolling away on his latest generation of Spider Slayers. These new units would possess a special hyper radar he had develop after years of research that mimicked Spider-Man's vaunted warning sens which in theory would render them extremely difficult to successfully attack, at least in theory. Practice would either confirm or refute this. He had already installed the system inside his own exosuite with no ill effects.
"Once perfect my pretties will make both J. Jonah Jameson and Spider-Man pay dearly for what they've done to my father and myself." Alistair Smythe declared with glee. If not for the cowardly duo his father Spencer would still be alive. Images of Jameson's and Spider-Man's impending demises danced through his head bringing a wick smile to his face.
To Be Continued