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Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Thirty-Two Spider-Island Part II
Offices of Spidey Inc, evening
"Thank goodness they didn't find it," Spider-Man said after he surveyed the devastation caused by She-Hulk's stand against Spider King, Tarantula, and Electro, which he had witnessed after reviewing security footage. He then retrieved a large canister of glowing yellow liquid from a wall safe.
"Mind filling us in Spidey? What's the glowy junk and why was coming here to get it so important?" The Thing asked. Along with Human Torch, Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic he had answered Spider-Man's call for help several hours before.
"Simply put a gene cleaner I've been working on with Max Modell of Horizon Labs, so I can make good on a promise I made to an old friend," Spider-Man said. He thought of Harry Osborn and how he hoped the component he held in his gloved hands would one day soon free Lily Hollister of negative effects of Goblin Serum, including insanity. "Maybe it can help us combat the spider virus? Here see what you can do, Reed." Spider-Man offered the canister to Mr. Fabtastic. He then moved towards the door.
"Where are you going, webhead?" Human Torch asked his best friend in the superhero community. "I have to find my brother, Iron Spider. He went with those goons so Jackal wouldn't take my daughters instead. He saved them. Now it's my turn to save him."
"You have no idea where Jackal's hideout is located. You don't even have a lead." Spider-Man 2099 remained his mentor. "Iron Spider's exosuit is on the fritz which makes tracking his signal moot. There is no way to find him. Besides the city needs your help and we do too."
"Iron Spider also needs my help. The thought of him being tortured by that deranged maniac is, is, horrifying." Spider-Man protested. "I can't abandon him in his hour need, I won't."
"No one is asking you to abandon anyone." Mr. Fantastic said putting his hand on Spider-Man's shoulder. "Once we have a viable lead we'll be right behind you, I promise."
"There's a situation developing downtown." Invisible Woman said placing her fingers to her earpiece so she could better hear what was happening. "A large group of people dressed as Spider-Man are wreaking mayhem."
"There goes our sterling reputation. I wish I hadn't applied for that auto loan." Spider-Man 2099 joked but no one laughed Spider-Man included. "ah, sorry."
"We could really use your expertise dealing with other spider powered individuals, son." Mr. Fantastic said. "Will you help us?"
"What choice do I have?" Spider-Man asked a note of resigned regret detectable in his voice along with a hint of bitterness.
"Hey, Pete once everything is under control I'll personally help you find your lost bro." Human Torch said.
"Same goes for me." Spider-Man 2099 said.
"And me, webhead." The Thing said.
"We'll all gladly help you." Invisible Woman said.
"Thanks, guys," Spider-Man said. "Reed, I've been working with Max Modell on the gene cleaner. He's expecting you at Horizon, here," Spider-Man handed Mr. Fantastic the canister.
Parker Residence on Western Long Island
"They're so sad." Aunt May said. "I wish there was something we can do to cheer them up?" She looked through the living room doorway where Mayday and April sat listlessly on the sofa. A cartoon played on the big screen HD TV set but neither girl seemed to be enjoying it. Between them sat Mary Jane a concerned expression on her face.
"I hate seeing them this way to May, but I don't think there is an easy fix to their problem," Jarvis said. He turned his head away from May to sneeze. "I'm coming down with something, I know it."
"As do I," May said with a cough of her own. "I haven't felt at all well since we came back."
"This is a good movie huh girl? I've watched Frozen a million times and it gets better with each viewing." Mary Jane said. The twins, however, said nothing. Mary Jane sighed. "Girls I know what happened is a lot to deal with at your age but I'm here if you want to talk."
"I'm scared, mom," April admitted which surprised MJ as April typically put on a tough exterior.
"Of being a clone?" Mary Jane asked.
"Not really," April said.
"What then?" Mary Jane said.
"Dad," April said. "Maybe he won't want us once he knows what we are."
"Why would you think that?" Mary Jane said fighting back tears.
Mary Jane felt horrible this was happening. Why did her family have to constantly suffer? The girls didn't deserve this and neither did Peter. Peter gave and gave of himself and this was the thanks the universe bestowed upon him in return, constant heartache. It seemed so unfair.
"Jackal said he made us because Norman Osborn hates dad. Mr. Osborn wants to use us to hurt dad. We're his punishment." April said she looked up at Mary Jane with watery eyes. "I don't want to hurt dad or you or anyone else in our family. I know running away was wrong. Uncle Ben got taken because I ran away. But I'm not a bad girl, I'm not!" April threw her arms around Mary Jane.
Mary Jane didn't say anything. What could she say? She just sat there and held April while her daughter cried. Soon Mayday started crying too and Mary Jane put her free arm around her other daughter. She hated Norman Osborn more than ever for what he had done to her family. Would they never be free of the man's evil legacy?
"You're good girls. You're the best daughters a mother could ever have. My special little angels." Mary Jane said. After April and Mayday had cried themselves out they asked if they could talk to their father. Mary Jane said she would try to get in touch with him. "Spider-Man this is Spinneret come in Spider-Man." Mary Jane said in her Spinneret voice after she left the room and returned with her communicator (in truth a specialized smartphone with a dedicated line).
"Spider-Man here." The voice of Spider-Man crackled over the line a moment later. "Is everything okay? Is this an emergency?" There were sounds of combat in the background.
"Your daughters need to talk to you." Mary Jane said.
"Hello, dad," April said.
"Hi, papa," Mayday said.
"Hi, girls how are you?" Spider-Man said.
"Um, dad Jackal told us we are both clones," April said after a pause to gather her courage.
"We're sorry, papa," Mayday said.
"Your mother already told me," Spider-Man said. "You don't have anything to be sorry for, May. But I am upset you two ran away from home."
"You aren't mad we're clones," April said.
"You still want us, papa?" Mayday asked.
"I couldn't care less if you are clones, April," Spider-Man said. "Your uncle Iron Spider is a clone of me and I couldn't love him anymore if we were twins in the more traditional sense. And of course I want you both around but you might get tired of me. That said, listen to your mother and don't ever run away again. You're still not off the hook for that."
"We won't," April said.
"Honest," Mayday said. "Please bring back Uncle Ben."
"Yeah, dad you've got to find him," April said.
"I'll do my best," Spider-Man said knowing he couldn't promise more given the nature of the superhero game. "I have to go. Tell everyone I love them, especially your mother, bye."
Streets of New York City
"Sorry, bub, but you all look alike to me," Wolverine said. He narrowly avoided punching Spider-Man 2099 in the face.
"That's racist," Spider-Man said from nearby where he pummeled a doppelganger who wore the exact same type of Spider-Man costume as him.
"How is it racist?" Ms. Marvel Carol Danvers asked while tossing aside a white-suited wanna be Spider-Man. "Spider people aren't a race." She added with a frown. "I don't think so anyway."
"Whatever you say, bigot," Deadpool said after he knocked out three bag guys at once with some well-timed blows from the butt ends of his swords.
"Not helping Wade," Spider-Man said.
"Last time I give you a joke assist," Deadpool grumbled.
The Avengers and some of X-Men (who just so happened to be in town after their headquarters were recently moved to Central Park) had joined the fray when it became clear the situation was too much for Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099 and the Fantastic Four to handle. Even with their combined numbers, the superheroes were having a hard time of it. Someone (who later turned out to be Jackal and Spider Queen) had outfitted hundreds of criminals with mock Spider-Man gear (most of it purchased in bulk from Spidey Inc) to sow confusion. There were even a few faux Spinnerets and Iron Spiders in the crowd. Many of the superheroes sneezed and coughed their way through the night while fighting the ongoing crime wave. Little did they suspect like millions of their fellow New Yorkers they were infected by the rapidly spreading spider virus.
The Jackal's Secret Lair somewhere in Manhattan
A battered and naked Ben Reilly stripped of his Iron Spider exosuit which lay in a pile in a far corner of the spacious, although all but empty, room hung from the ceiling. Ben's hands were shackled to a heavy chain wrapped around a rafter high overhead. Jackal circled him occasionally jabbing a cattle prod into his bare torso.
"Oh, Ben my boy how I've missed our play dates," Jackal said.
"I thought you were going to make some practical use of him not indulge your sadistic side?" Spider Queen said with a hint of disdain. Behind her stood Spider King, Tarantula, and Spider She-Hulk. The three spider mutants followed her around the compound like puppy dogs. Electro, on the other hand, stood far away leaning against a wall as he took in the scene without comment or concern.
"Eventually," Jackal said jabbing Ben in his ribs with the cattle prod which elicited a scream of pain. "In the meantime be a good queen and have two of your drones go to Project Rebirth in the Catskills Mountains. The people there are engaged in researching alien symbiotes, among other things. Samples of symbiote matter might be helpful for the next phase of our mission; spreading my spider virus beyond Manhattan and its immediate environs."
"Don't you mean our virus, Jackal?" Spider Queen said a bit annoyed.
"Of course, my queen," Jackal said.
"You and you," Spider Queen said turning to and pointing at Spider King and Spider She-Hulk. "Go to Project Rebirth and bring back samples of symbiote matter."
"Yes, my queen." Spider King and Spider She-Hulk said in unison before departing.
"I wish I had taken the children as well," Jackal said punching Ben in his face leaving behind a nasty shiner around Ben's left eye. "It would have been interesting to observe how their young flesh dealt with such trauma."
"You swore you'd stay away from them. I expect you to keep your word you bastard!" Ben said angrily.
"What can I say," Jackal said grinning. "Promises are made to be broken.
"NOOOOOOOOOO," Tranatula roared. "They must not be harmed!"
Tarantula made a beeline straight for Jackal but was stopped by Spider Queen who calmly stepped in front of the hulking beast. She lightly placed her right index finger on his forehead. He instantly halted his forward progress and seemed to fall into a sort of stupor.
'Interesting,' Ben thought.
"There, there, be at peace." Spider Queen said. "Forget not you are my tool. Jackal is of use to me yet you shall not harm him or any other here unless I command to do otherwise."
"Yes, my queen," Tarantula sad duly.
"Good," Spider Queen said. She removed her finger from the brow of Tarantula. "Jackal, you may continue your sick fun. I think my drone, as you term him, needs some air." Spider Queen departed with Tarantula in tow. Electro having nothing better to do followed a few steps behind them.
"Where were we?" Jackal said grinning sadistically at Ben, "Ah, I remember." He shoved the cattle prod into the right side of the abused young hero and held it three for several seconds while slowly twisting it. Ben's screams echoing around the chamber were music to Jackal's depraved ears.
An hour later when Jackal grew tired of tormenting him. Ben hung there panting. His gaze traveled to his discarded armor. He watched the indicators slowly blink from red to yellow then a few to green. By morning, if his calculations were correct, his armor should fully reboot then he could mentally summon it to him. He only hoped last that long. Jackal had a nasty habit of killing and reviving his projects. If he was out when the armor was ready somebody might notice before he could escape.
Project Rebirth in the Catskill Mountains of Upstate New York the next day, morning
Agent Toxin was having a hard time of it. Usually, he was up for any challenge but Spider King and Spider She-Hulk were proving too much for him to handle alone. Twice he absorbed gamma bursts from Spider She-Hulk which would have disabled most other heroes instantly.
"Join us become one with the hive. Accompany us back to New York City, soon to be brother." Spider King said. From his furry hide sprang hundreds maybe thousands of large spiders. These quickly swarmed around Agent Toxin.
"Gross," Agent Toxin said as the symbiote attempted to swat them off with a multitude of navy blue and red tendrils. "Keep your babies to yourself creepy." While he was distracted a third gamma blast hit him full force followed by being bitten by a dozen of the plague-carrying spiders hatched from Spider King's eggs. "Uhhhh," Toxin groaned even his formidable composite immune system could take so much. He stumbled off and collapsed about half a mile away.
Their pathway clear Spider King and Spider She-Hulk disposed of the few robots guarding Project Rebirth. They made their way inside and stole three samples of alien symbiotes. They then headed back to New York City knowing their queen would be pleased with their success.
Some minutes later Agent Toxin regained consciousness. The Toxin Symbiote was holding the infection in Flash's system at bay, but for how long? He glanced over his shoulder at the smoking runs of Project Rebirth. There was nothing more he could do here. "They said they came from New York City." Agent Toxin groaned. "I best head there. See if I can stop whatever they have planned."
City Hall in New York City
Mayor J. Jonah Jameson was not a happy man. Not only was he facing a mounting public health emergency but it was a Sunday. Sunday was usually his day off yet here he sat at his desk listening to those eggheads Reed Richard and Max Modell tell him how dire the situation was. Along with a cadre of public health officials, they showed him graphs and charts which apparently predicted imminent catastrophe unless drastic countermeasures were soon taken.
"Risk of exponential expansion." Max Modell said wrapping up the group presentation.
"Okay, everyone agrees this spider virus is bad. Question is, how do we stop it?" Jonah said finally being given a chance to speak.
"At present, we can only contain it." Reed Richards said.
"And how exactly do we do that?" Jonah snapped his bad mood deepening by the second. Why couldn't scientist ever say what they meant upfront? Why did they have to beat around the bush with their fancy language?
"We quarantine New York City and by extension, Long Island, where it is more than likely the infection has spread. We restrict access to all entry/exit points. No one comes in no one comes out." Max Modell answered.
"I'll need to okay this with the governor and the municipal authorities on Long Island," Jonah said. 'What a headache that'll be.' He thought unhappily.
"We need to act soon. The longer we wait the worst things could get." Reed said.
"Meaning?" Jonah asked not knowing if he really wanted to hear the answer.
"If the infection spreads beyond the area it could go nationwide in a matter of days," Reed warned.
"I see," Jonah said grimly. "I take it you people are working on a cure, right?"
"We are indeed working on a cure at Horizon." Max Modell said. "However, we have no timetable for the completion of an effective countermeasure to the infection yet."
"Alright," Jonah said after giving the situation some thought. "I'll do what you want. I'll order the city quarantined and recommend the same is done for Island Long to the governor. But I'm going to announce Horizon Labs is working on a cure. I need to public to know we have the situation in hand, so they won't panic."
"I'm not sure that is wise, Mayor Jameson," Reed said. "If the criminal agent or agents who we suspect are behind this infection learn of our efforts at finding a cure they might very well attempt to destroy our research."
"I must concur with Dr. Richards, Mayor Jameson." Max Modell said adjusting his glasses which had a nasty habit of slipping off his large nose.
"Take it or leave it, gentlemen. That's my deal. No announcement no quarantine order." Jonah said folding his arms over his chest.
"Very well," Reed said. There was no other choice. They could not risk the infection spreading any further. Jameson had them over the proverbial barrel.
"There's one last thing before we return to our research, Mayor Jameson," Reed said.
"Which would be?" Jonah asked impatiently.
"To maximize our efforts we require the assistance of a certain individual, a fellow scientist of some notoriety. A near unparalleled expert in mutagenic infections." Max Modell said.
"Well, go get him or her. Just don't expect the city to foot the bill." Jonah said.
"It isn't so simple. The person in question is currently a prisoner." Max Modell said.
"Who are you talking about here?" Jonah said his eyes narrowing.
"Michael Morbius," Reed said simply. The room fell totally silent. You could have heard a pin drop.
"Why am I not surprised." Jonah lamented head in his hands. "It's true what they say. It never rains but it pours."
The Bronx
Anti-Venom stabbed his white tendrils into the shoulder of a woman who screamed in pain. "Worry not my child. The pain shall pass and the wound heal. Enduring such minor hardship is a small price to pay for a clean soul free of sinful impurities." Anti-Venom said. The woman passed out from his purging of her darkness asleep but alive. She joined the heap of unconscious saved or as some would say victims at his feet.
Anti-Venom was in his element. His divine purpose renewed. He could finally cleanse New York of evil. God was great and life was good.
The Jackal's Secret Lair somewhere in Manhattan, late morning
"Horizon Labs is working on a cure which should be ready soon." The image of J. Jonah Jameson said on the computer monitor.
"No, no, no, it's too soon! The virus has not yet reached total area saturation nor have secondary symptoms began to manifest in the population!" Jackal raged tearing the monitor from the desk where it sat. He tossed it aside in his anger. "Send Tarantula and Electro to Horizon! Have them destroy the cure!" He said to Spider Queen. Spider King and Spider She-Hulk had yet to return from their upstate mission.
"Tarantula, Electro go to Horizon Labs. Destroy any research that pertains to a cure for our spider virus along with any actual cure should it exist." Spider Queen said.
"Yes, my queen," Tarantula said.
"Yes, my queen," Electro said in spite of his best efforts to exert his own will. He had no desire to go on a mission. The pair were soon gone on their way.
Outside, a few minutes later
Fully reequipped Iron Spider watched Tarantula and Electro depart from a nearby rooftop. He could not shake the feeling there was something familiar about Tarantula, but what? He had encountered the creature somewhere before? Iron Spider could not help but wonder where the gruesome twosome was off to in such a hurry? Wait, did one of them say something about Horizon Labs? He was ready to give chase when a group of several people landed on the rooftop where he stood. Before he could say a word be was embraced by Spider-Man in a heartfelt brotherly hug.
"I came as soon as I picked up your tracking signal. Believe me, I would have been here sooner if I could have located a lead." Spider-Man.
"Jeez bro I'm happy to see you too. But lay off the pda (public display of affection), will you. I have a certain reputation to keep." Iron Spider said. Even with the protection offered by his exosuit Ben's injuries still hurt which caused him to wince in pain.
"Ah, sorry," Spider-Man said releasing Iron Spider from his embrace. "Are you okay?" Spider-Man asked due to the wince he had felt from Iron Spider.
"I'm fine." Iron Spider lied. "Jokes aside the fact you came looking for me means a lot." Iron Spider said. He paused briefly his tone became somber. "How are the girls doing?"
"They're okay. They'll be better once I tell them you're okay." Spider-Man said.
"I meant about, you know." Iron Spider said.
"Oh that, yeah, they're taking it best as can be expected," Spider-Man said.
"Not to put a damper on your mini family reunion but we still got a city to save. So, you two webheads can the mushy stuff any time now." The Thing said. Next to him were Human Torch, Invisible Woman and Spider-Man 2099.
"Speaking of which, everyone's favorite dim bulb Electro and some sort of spider monster called 'Tarantula' are headed to Horizon Labs as we speak. Jackal and a chick he calls 'Spider Queen' want the dull duo to destroy the cure for this spider virus." Iron Spider explained.
"Spider Queen is back, great," Spider-Man said shaking his head in dismay.
"You know her?" Spider-Man 2099 said.
"Unfortunately," Spider-Man said. "Her name is Adriana Soria. Besides having some low-level powers she can telepathically influence anyone with the 'insect gene' or 'spider gene' in our case. Be on your toes around her. She's cagey."
"Duly noted," Spider-Man 2099 said.
"Where is Jackal's lair?" Invisible Woman inquired of Iron Spider.
"Right down there." Iron Spider pointed at the nearby seemingly abandoned warehouse.
"Bro, do you feel up for a fight?" Spider-Man asked.
"Always, bro," Iron Spider said in spite of his sore body.
"Iron Spider and I will head off to warn Reed at Horizon Labs," Spider-Man said.
"And we'll deal with the not so good doctor and his queen." Invisible Woman said.
"Good luck," Spider-Man said.
"Same to you." Invisible Woman said. With that Spider-Man and Iron Spider headed for Horizon Labs while the others headed for the warehouse.
The Jackal's Secret Lair
Spider-Man 2099, Invisible Woman, the Thing and Human Torch smashed inside and quickly confronted the two startled supervillains. Oddly, once Jackal and Spider Queen recovered from their initial shock they became calm, smug even. In fact, Jackal openly laughed in the faces of his foes.
"What's so funny ya furry freak?" The Thing demanded to know.
"Four new recruits who don't know they're recruits, you rocky faced orange fool," Jackal said. "Do your thing, my queen."
"Gladly," Spider Queen said.
Spider Queen opened her mouth to emit an ear-splitting screech. The four heroes fell to their knees including the airborne inflamed Human Torch. No matter how much they mentally struggled they felt their control slipping. Soon they were under the influence of Spider Queen save for Spider-Man 2099 who somehow managed to resist her influence. He escaped while Spider Queen made the others attack him.
"Let him go. He can't stop us. Once Tarantula and Electro destroy the cure, all possibility of defeat will evaporate." Jackal said. Just then Spider King and Spider She-Hulk lumbered into the warehouse ready for their next assignment. "You've finally returned and you brought me the samples, good." Jackal laughed when Spider King passed him three vials each of which contained a different colored viscous liquid: yellow, green and purple.
"Go to Horizon Labs. Assist Tarantula and Electro in destroying any possible cure or cure research about our spider virus. This is your top priority." Spider Queen ordered her two favorite minions.
"Yes, my queen," The duo said before again shuffling off.
"What do you desire of us, my queen?" Invisible Woman asked.
"How may we be of assistance?" Human Torch asked.
"We'll do whatever you want." The Thing said.
"I'll let you know when I have an outside mission for you three. In the meantime, your orders are to protect the site of our new hive, my person and the Jackal. Stop anyone who should attack us or our home." Spider Queen said.
"Understood, my queen," Invisible Woman said.
"Today Manhattan, tomorrow the world!" Spider Queen proclaimed lifting her arms to heaven.
With each infected person who came under her thrall, she could fell her power grow accordingly. When millions of New Yorkers were at long last her's she would achieve godhood. Her ascension was only a matter of time now. Queen of the spiders, queen of the insects, queen of all. It was her destiny!
To Be Continued
Next Up – Anti-Venom vs Agent Toxin and Mania (this AU's version of Venom). Jackal's and Spider Queen's plot reaches its terrifying climax as New York reels. Spinneret swings back into action. Kaine truly returns. All this and Araña (Anya Corazon)!