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CONTENT/LANGUAGE WARNING –
THIS EPISODE CONTAINS EXTREME CONTENT THAT MAY OFFEND SOME READERS. READER DISCRETION IS STRONGLY ADVISED
Another Strand In The Great Web – Episode Thirty-Seven Superior Spider-Man Part Two First Blood
Empire State University, morning
Elliot Tolliver, in truth Otto Octavius, clandestinely known as Superior Spider-Man, picked his way through the crowd of students many of whom seemingly milled around aimlessly unlike Elliot who knew exactly where he was going. His destination the Faulty of Science Building an appointment with a representative of the faulty awaited him there. Elliot was impeccably groomed and clad in a light grey three-piece suit with matching white undershirt and polished black dress shoes. He carried a black briefcase in his right hand. Elliot cut an impressive figure on campus. When he reached the Science Building he pushed his way inside confidently. With ease, he located the proper office. He did, of course, possess an unfair advantage prospective students lacked he had been there before, in another lifetime so to speak. Impatiently he waited until he was called upon, drumming his fingers lightly upon the briefcase that sat on his lap the entire time.
The elderly white-haired and bearded man that met Elliot was typical of those found throughout academia. The stuffy man's sedate mood was as blue as his aged suit. Seated across a classical style teacher's desk from the elderly man Elliot briefly considered giving the gentleman a scare by using his enhanced reflexes to mock punch the old fart in the face but then thought better of it. While such an action would prove amusing if the dinosaur should kneel over from a heart attack Elliot would no doubt find himself in a sticky situation one he could ill afford until he further established his freshly acquired civilian identity. After what felt like eons, which given Elliot's current partner was not out of the question, the elderly man cleared his throat.
"With regret, I must inform you, Mr. Tolliver, what we can in no way accommodate your request to teach here." The elderly man said.
"May I ask why?" Elliot inquired trying very hard to keep the annoyance from his voice.
"Simply put Mr. Tolliver no factual evidence existences to form a basis for us to justify a different decision. Your teaching credentials are sorely lacking. Not a single one of your references checked out unlike your academic background (which Elliot had also forged) which is astounding for a man of your age." The elderly man said. He went on once he clasped his hands together and leaned forward slightly. "We would, however, have no reservations if you desire to join our faulty as a Ph.D. candidate. In fact, given your apparent scientific aptitude, we would welcome you with open arms. Frankly, we here in the Faculty of Science are perplexed by your intense desire to leapfrog, as it were, over levels of vital scholarship while lacking a significant practical background of any sort. By all indications you are young, no more than thirty perhaps a tad less by my reckoning, there should be no rush. Stop and smell the flowers young man, as they say."
"The documentation I furnished you with that supports my case has not persuaded you? What of the generous bequeathment my late uncle made, does it mean nothing?" Elliot said.
"Your late uncle Dr. Otto Octavius' bequeathment to our fine institution is a non-factor in your admission or rejection, nor should it be." The elderly man said. "In fact, I am outraged you mention his bequeathment in such a context. Furthermore, your late uncle was possessed of a less than sterling reputation given his extensive criminal background. Either seek admission under the terms I have outlined or do not at all, the choice is yours. Good day, Mr. Tolliver." The elderly man dismissed Elliot without so much as a handshake.
"Old fool," Elliot said not quite under his breath. He collected his papers and departed.
It would appear he would have to spend much more time in rebuilding his academic credentials than he had thought. How would he balance his studies with his burgeoning crime fighter career? His old life had never been a simple one it would seem his new life was following an identical trajectory in that regard. On the bright side, he did have millions of dollars he had embezzled from various parties over the years to tide him over. At least he would not run short of funds anytime soon.
By the end of that day, Elliot begrudgingly accepted the offer of admission. Besides a faculty advisor, he was assigned a fellow postgraduate student who would help him acclimate to his new role as a postgraduate student. Her name was Anna Maria Marconi. He would meet with her in a few days time.
Hidden Underground Lair of the Superior Spider-Man Brooklyn recycling center, afternoon
Elliot was deeply perturbed. While he or rather the Superior Spider-Man had the adoration of a grateful populace he lacked freedom of movement. He needed to further buildup his civilian identity so he could fully capitalize upon his success. What good was being a top tier superhero if one could not reap the benefits?
Elliot leaned over a workbench finishing modifications on the last of his Otto Bots which he had transformed into Spider Bots. Once fully deployed the small automatons would serve as his eyes and ears. They would ceaselessly monitor crime throughout NYC and its neighboring environs so he would not have to waste his valuable time on antiquated patrols let his competitor do such.
Widow Number One handed Elliot an incorrect tool which earned her a backhanded striker which left her cheek swollen and bruised. "Imbecilic copy you passed me a spanner when I needed a soldering iron." Otto snapped.
"My apologies master." She said rubbing her cheek.
"I don't want nor need your apologies Number One. See such errors don't happen again," Elliot said.
"Yes master," She said.
The very next day Elliot deployed his thousands of Spider Bots only an hour before they detected a matter of great potential interest. A deranged psychopath going by the colorful moniker of Massacre was terrorizing the good citizens of Elliot's fair protectorate. Elliot suited up and headed off to Massacre's last known location. He needed to put this miscreant in their place before someone beat him to the proverbial punch. He could not let someone else steal his rightful glory, perish the thought.
Residence of Miranda Coleman CEO of Fizzy Cola on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, early afternoon
"They didn't capture the shirt on video." Miranda Coleman said pushing her finger into the chest of the burly baldheaded man. Miranda was a thin woman with short grey hair clad in a silver bathrobe. Her companion sported a visible steel plate which had replaced most of his skull.
"Not my fault," Massacre said. He wore a pair of faded blue jeans and a red and yellow Mocha Cola tea shirt.
"I didn't spring you from prison and offer to play you twelve million dollars for nothing." Miranda ranted. "I want your heinous crimes associated with my main competitor. You better pull something big soon or our deal is off."
"I know just the thing." Massacre with an eerie lopsided grin which even unnerved Miranda Coleman.
Bus Stop, twenty minutes later
"Drive," Massacre said to the terrified bus drive when the driver failed to comply he shot the man at point blank range with his AK-74 Assault Rifle. Passengers screamed and tried to exit the bus but Massacre locked it down. Massacre then tossed the body out of the bus and jumped in the driver's seat. "We're going for a ride people." Around his torso was a suicide bomber vest packed with shrapnel and plastic explosives rigged to a deadman's switch. The vest was open so the Mocha Cola logo was prominently displayed. "If any of you have digital devices connected to the World Wide Web start streaming I'm about to make us all very famous."
Massacre drove the bus recklessly for the next hour until he reached the outer Pine Barrens of New Jersey. a caravan of police vehicles followed a safe distance behind. Massacre pulled the bus over and used a burner phone to talk with the police. When two young men tried to escape from the bus Massacre kneecapped them with his gun. He then made all the passengers expect the injured young men leave the bus via the emergency back exit which opened onto the Pine Barrens. He marched the traumatized group into the foreboding forest.
Pine Barrens
"Are you going to kill us?" One woman asked.
"Yeah, starting with you." Massacre blew the woman's head off.
Massacre sprayed the crowd with bullets killing many of them before a well-placed fist to his jaw knocked him back a few steps. Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099 and Araña had arrived! While Spider-Man 2099 and Araña got the passengers to safety and attended to the wounded Spider-Man squared off with Massacre.
"You made a big mistake hitting me, bug." Massacre said brandishing his AK-74.
"Not as big as the ones you've made, nutty putty," Spider-Man said in disgust.
Spider-Man expected Massacre to shot at him but that isn't what the lunatic did. Massacre gave Spider-Man his trademarked lopsided grin then fired again at the civilians. While both Spider-Man 2099 and Araña could have easily dodged his attacks but if they had innocent people would have likely died. The pair used themselves as human shields with Araña taking the worst of it. Although both of their costumes' contained interwoven soft body armor (courtesy of Spidey Inc and its partnership with Horizon Labs) Spider-Man 2099 and Araña took a beating. Three bullets even penetrated through the armor embedding themselves in Araña's lower and upper back. She began to bleed profusely as she collapsed alongside Spider-Man 2099. If not, however, for the body armor she and Spider-Man 2099 would have all but certainly died.
Enraged Spider-Man pulled the wiring out of Massacre's vest thus disabling it he also kicked Massacre off his feet. Massacre's AK-74 flew about one hundred feet away. Spider-Man shot a glob of webbing after the rifle before he ran to his fallen comrades.
"Are you alright?" Spider-Man asked Spider-Man 2099.
"I think so but Araña wasn't so lucky. She needs medical treatment now." Spider-Man 2099 said.
"Looks like it's just you and me now." Superior Spider-Man said as he landed next to Massacre who remained on his hands and knees. In Superior Spider-Man's hands was clutched the AK-74 refile he had retrieved a moment ago after cutting it free. The green light from his lenses cast an eerie glow on Massacre. "Perhaps I should end you right here right now. I suspect I'd be doing the world a favor if I did." Superior Spider-Man put his finger on the trigger. He leveled the muzzle with Massacre's head where he placed it firmly between the man's eyes. Superior Spider-Man towered over his Massacre like an avenging angel over a sinner.
"Do it, wast his fuckin' ass!" One of the irate survivors urged. She was covered in the blood of others.
"Kill him," Another chimed in who was bleeding from his left leg.
"Kill him," A third said. His right arm hung useless at his side.
"He deserves it!" A fourth said. She was cradling her dead child in her arms.
"As you wish my loyal public. The punishment shall fit the crime, farewell Massacre." Superior Spider-Man said.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO," Spider-Man said. He dove at Superior Spider-Man but tackled him a split second too late. Massacre lay dead in a pool of his own blood.
The survivors hissed their disapproval while Superior Spider-Man and Spider-Man rolled around on the ground exchanging blows. When they scrambled to their feet insults were heaped upon Spider-Man while his counterpart was roundly praised this in spite of the fact it had been Spider-Man and his allies who prevent an even greater loss of life from occurring. Spider-Man helped Spider-Man 2099 to his feet and the pair quickly took Araña away to seek the medical attention she desperately required.
Parker Residence on Western Long Island, evening
"If you need anything just call me on your phone," Peter said to Anya who lay on a bed covered by a soft blue comforter.
"I will Mr. Parker," Anya said. Beneath the blanket and sheets, Anya's body was heavily bandaged. The Fantastic Four who patched her up said that if one of the bullets had penetrated an inch further she would have died.
"Anya how many times do I have to tell you to call me Peter, not Mr. Parker," Peter said.
"Okay, Peter," Anya said.
Peter gripped the doorknob. He was about to leave but hesitated for a moment remembering a conversation Doc Ock had with Mary Jane about Anya while in his body. He turned to face the teenage girl once more. "Anya I wanted to tell you something. I couldn't be any prouder of what you did today if you were my own daughter. You're a very special young lady." He said with a sincere smile.
"Thanks, Mr, Peter, that means a lot to me," Anya said smiling.
"Get some rest you've more than earned it," Peter said.
"I will," Anya said before closing her eyes a contented smile on her face in spite of the pain she felt.
In the hallway, Mary Jane waited for Peter. While her pregnancy wasn't quite showing yet it should soon. She gave Peter a sad smile.
"How is she doing? Mary Jane asked.
"She's in a lot of pain but she should be okay given her healing factor. Reed said we should check on here every so often just to be safe." Peter answered.
"How are you doing, tiger?" Mary Jane asked.
"Hurt, confused," Peter said shaking his head. "Those people were so bloodthirsty, red. They wanted vengeance not justice and he encouraged them every step of the way. I can't believe there is someone out there who calls himself a spiderman and a hero who does such despicable things."
"Sadly it wouldn't be the first time this sort of thing has happened, remember Eddie when he was Venom and then there is Frank Castle the Punisher." Mary Jane said.
"This is different. I feel I've been personally insulted. That my legacy has been spat on." Peter said. "While I have no concrete leads yet on who this Superior Spider-Man is I intend to find out."
"And once you learn the truth, then what?" Mary Jane asked a hint of fear in her voice, seldom had she seen her husband so angry.
"I wish I knew I truly do," Peter said. "The only thing I know for sure is that I'll stop him one way or another because I have to." There was a fire in his eyes which frightened Mary Jane more than she could or would say.
"I can't help but think his appearance is somehow linked to the theft of those clones the Jackal made that you were storing." Mary Jane said eager to change the subject if only slightly.
"Same here," Peter said. "I hope the Jackal hasn't returned already." He added.
"Oh no, please be wrong." Mary Jane said. The thought of that monster coming anywhere near her daughters filled her heart with cold dread.
Peter pulled Mary Jane into a comforting embrace. Mary Jane started to sob softly. "Hush, I won't let anyone harm you, the baby or our girls."
"What if you what if we can't stop him." Mary Jane sobbed.
"I will stop whoever threatens us I promise," Peter said kissing Mary Jane's forehead. "Our family is my top priority. While there is a breath left in my body I'll protect you and them no matter the cost."
Residence of Miranda Coleman CEO of Fizzy Cola on the East Side of Manhattan
"Hello, Ms. Coleman we need to talk." Superior Spider-Man said.
"Who are you? How did you get past my security?" Miranda Coleman asked.
"Does it really matter how I gained access to your humble abode?" Superior Spider-Man said. "As for who I am I'm your judge, jury, and executioner."
"What are you talking about?" Miranda Coleman said backing away from Superior Spider-Man.
"I know you paid Massacre to smear your competition by committing his crimes while wearing one of their promotional shirts." Superior Spider-Man said.
"Preposterous," Miranda Coleman said.
"I have video and audio recordings of your meeting with him and of him subsequently leaving your residence before he hijacked that bus. Recordings I'll happily hand over to the proper authorities unless you accept my demands." Superior Spider-Man informed her.
"Which are?" Miranda Coleman said.
"I want my image on all your merchandise plus the twelve million dollars you were going to provide Massacre with for his services." Superior Spider-Man said.
"And if I refuse?" Miranda Coleman said.
"I make you very famous or rather infamous." Superior Spider-Man said. "Do we have a deal?"
"We have a deal." Miranda Coleman said hesitantly.
"Good," Superior Spider-Man said. He turned to leave but said over his shoulder before he departed. "A word of warning should you ever think of reneging on our deal you'll wish I had turned you in."
"What do you mean?" Miranda Coleman asked dreading the answer.
"I mean that you'll join your co-conspirator in death, Ms. Coleman." Superior Spider said leaving visibly shaken CEO in his wake.
To Be Continued
Next up – Anna Maria Marconi is introduced. Mayor Jameson requests a personal favor, which he'll later regret, of Superior Spider-Man.