Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Marvel Comics are copyright Marvel Entertainment and Walt Disney Company. No infringements of these copyrights are intended and are not authorized by the copyright holders.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
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-Nine Superior Spider-Man Part Four The Big Three-O
Parker Residence Western Long Island, afternoon
"I'm surprised you've lived long enough to turn thirty considering the company you keep, Parker. Your boss and his friends are a collective menace." Mayor J. Jonah Jameson said slapping Peter on his back. Jameson was flanked by a pair of burly black-suited sunglass-wearing stone-faced security guards.
"Thanks, Mayor Jameson," Peter said smiling weakly. Mary Jane shot the Mayor a dirty look he either did not notice or did not acknowledge.
"This cake is very tasty, did you make it, um?" Mayor Jameson said after taking a bite from his plate.
"Mary Jane," Mary Jane said in annoyance.
"Yeah, Mary Jane," Mayor Jameson said around a new mouth full of cake.
"No, I'm not much of a cook that's more Peter's and Aunt May's thing. She made it." Mary Jane said.
"You should try picking up the skill. My Marla was a professional woman too yet she found time to hone her culinary skills." Mayor Jameson said.
"Well, we all have different priorities." Mary Jane said forcing a smile. "I'm sorry about your wife, Mayor Jameson."
"We both are," Peter said. "Marla was a good woman. She deserved better."
"The only thing that keeps me going is that they'll off Alistair Smythe soon." Mayor Jameson said. "I wish it were the old days back then they knew how to treat murders. They'd fry 'em in Sing Sing Prison using old sparking, bzzzt." Jameson jerked his body in mock spasms. "Those were the days I tell you."
Mayday and April stood nearby with their friends Wes, Normie, and Heather. The children could not help but hear Jameson's words and see his actions. Their eyes went wide.
Mary Jane fought hard to suppress a scowl but failed. "Mayor Jameson could you please not talk about such things in front of the children." She pleaded.
"Ah, kids like this sort of exciting stuff, isn't that right boy?" Mayor Jameson said to Wes.
"Not me, Mayor, sir," Wes said. The other children also voiced their disapproval.
"Who asked you little punks, anyway?" Mayor Jameson snapped.
"You did, Mr. Mayor," April said with a sweet smile.
Mary Jane grinned. 'That's my girl, give him hell.' She thought.
"I'm not surprised you lot don't want to see criminals punished, you folks work for some. You have to watch your girls and their friends, Parker. Spider-Man and co's bad influence is rubbing off on them. And aren't you the grandson of that nutjob Norman Osborn?" Mayor Jameson said looking at Normie.
"Yes, I am Mr. Mayor." Normie said.
"You have my sympathy, boy. Your grandfather is one messed up loon." Mayor Jameson said causing Normie to tear up.
"You're really mean," Mayday said defending her friend.
"Indeed he is." Harry Osborn said after making his way through the crowd. "I don't want you talking to my son like that, Jameson."
"Cool your jets, Osborn. I was only having a spirited conversation, no lasting harm done." Mayor Jameson said.
"With grade-schoolers?" Harry said quirking an eyebrow.
"Uh, will you look at the time." Mayor Jameson said glancing at his expansive watch. "See you around, Parker, and happy birthday."
"Bye, Mayor Jameson," Peter said waving Jameson off he was the only one who did.
"I can't believe he got elected," Jarvis said walking over with Aunt May. They had watched the conversation from afar.
"Neither can I." Mary Jane said.
"Mayor Jameson isn't so bad once you get to know him," Peter said.
"Leave it to you Pete to defend the indefensible. You always see the good in everyone. I don't know how you do it." Harry said raising his styrofoam cup of soda in a muck toast to his friend. "You're one of a kind."
"What can I say, I had a great teacher," Peter said nodding at Aunt May who nodded back.
"Hey Parker," Flash called walking over with Felicia on his arm. "How is life treating you as an old married man with kids and a home in the burbs?"
"Hi, Flash, Felicia. I'm glad you guys could make it." Peter said. "Life is good, better than I ever thought possible."
"I hear you're going to be joining us in suburban bliss soon. You purchased the yellow house the next street over, congrats. It'll make a great home once you tie the knot." Mary Jane said to Felicia.
"We sure did," Flash said excitedly before Felicia could answer. "Andi is there now helping the movers unpack."
"She should have come with you. Any friend of you and Felicia is a friend of our family." Aunt May said.
"I'm sure Anya would have liked to meet someone her age. Few teens live on this block." Mary Jane said.
"Andi is rather standoffish around new people," Felicia said. "We're working on her social awkwardness."
"She's a good kid whose been through a lot," Flash said.
"How about you Harry, ready to settle down?" Flash asked.
Harry hesitated not knowing what to say. "I'm hoping Lily gets paroled soon. My lawyer feels we have a strong case for temporary insanity due to the effects of the goblin formula on her mind." Harry turned to Peter. "Pete, when you see Spider-Man again thank him for the antidote he developed. Once it is independently tested we should be good to go."
"No thanks necessary. Spider-Man was happy he could be of help. He felt it was the least he could do after having to arrest Lily, which tore him up inside." Peter said speaking from the heart.
"You know, I used to think Spider-Man was a bad guy pretending to be a good guy, but now I know I was wrong. He's a least trying to do his best to make the world a better place." Harry said.
Peter wished he could tell Harry how wonderful he felt hearing those words. "I'm glad you finally see Spider-Man for the hero he is, Harry," Peter said smiling.
"Where is your cousin, Ben Reilly?" Felicia asked glancing around. She spotted Miguel and Anya but no Ben "We haven't seen each other in years. I want to say hi for old times' sake."
"He's away on business. He should be back this evening at the latest." Peter said.
"His business couldn't wait until after your party?" Harry asked.
"Its Spidey Inc related. Ben went in place of Peter so Peter could attend his party." Mary Jane explained.
"What a nice guy," Flash said.
"He sure is," Peter said. "Ben is like the brother I never had but always wanted. He's always there when I need him. I'm blessed to have Ben in my life."
An Underground Bunker just outside of NYC
"Hello, anyone here!" Iron Spider called out into the darkness. Although the lead on Cindy Moon that Peter uncovered said this was the place he had his doubts. The bunker he gained access by hacking its security system appeared to be deserted.
Iron Spider cautiously ventured deeper into the complex. His spider sense was on high alert. In recent months his powers had fully returned, thank you, healing factor! Despite being back at full strength he kept wearing the Iron Spider suit. He liked being Iron Spider it was an identity he could make all his own. Plus, the suit made a bold fashion statement and possessed unique abilities. Also, it was not as if he could ask Kaine for his Scarlet Spider gimmick back after bequeathing it to his other clone brother
Wait, was that movement off to his right? "Hello!?" Iron Spider said. There it was again. Something moved in the shadows he was certain this time. There was a vaguely feminine figure watching him from the shadows. He took a couple of steps towards the figure she retreated further into the shadows."Don't be afraid. I won't hurt you. I want to talk, nothing more. I'm Iron Spider. What's your name?"
"C-Cindy," The figure said softly. "I am the bride. Are you my groom? You look like my groom only different." She said stepping out of the shadows.
"Your groom?" Iron Spider said in confusion. "I'm not sure what you mean." Iron Spider felt a wave of dizziness pass over him then as quickly as it came it diminished. What was that all about?
Iron Spider could not get passed how strikingly beautiful Cindy was with her long jet black hair and matching eyes. Her lithe body was nude from the waist up. She wore only a white thong made from some type of silky material. Seemingly unashamed of her semi-nudity she moved to within inches of him. Her firm moderately sized breasts, which were perfectly portioned for her frame, pressed into his chest when she moved still closer.
"Will you be my protector?" Cindy whispered into his left ear. She put her arms around his neck.
Ben experienced an uncontrollable urged to disrobe. He fought it for only a short time before his resolve crumbled. He used the built-in telepathic command codes to cause his suit to peel away from his body. Cindy's hard nipples eagerly pressed into Ben's muscular chest, he had to admit the sensation felt good.
Cindy mashed her mouth against Ben's. Their tongues wrestled with each other. Cindy's body moved with urgent need as it molded to Ben's own which readily reciprocated. Entwined they sunk to the floor.
Hidden Underground Lair of the Superior Spider-Man Brooklyn recycling center
"Have I displease you master?" One of the Gwen clones asked the seated Otto Octavius as she knelt before him. "I can try harder."
"Number Two, am I a good man?" Otto asked pulling up his pants.
"You are my master. I obey you without question, as do my sisters. You are our world." Number Two said smiling warmly up at Otto.
Ever since Otto began dating Anna Maria Marconi two weeks ago something inside him had begun to change. For one, he felt disgusted with himself for how he used the enhanced Gwen Stacy clones for his sexual gratification. He could barely look them in their eyes anymore. Perhaps a mind wipe for each Gwen was in order? Yes, that was it. They could have a fresh start free from their tainted past. He would not abuse them again, he swore. If they did not remember what he had done to them no lasting harm done, right? Everything would be fine. He might even give them names, that would be a nice gift for them.
"Number Two gather your sisters. I have a surprise for you three, that I'm certain will be of great value to our mission." Otto said getting to his feet. He patted Number Two on her head as one would a pet.
"If you say so, master." Number Two said cheerfully getting to her feet.
Number Two skipped out of the control room. Otto had to mentally admonish himself when he gazed longingly at her supple curves. He controlled his urges his urged did not control him he told himself, not that he quite believed his own words.
The Baxter Building
"It's not that we don't believe you. Rather we are unsure of what steps should be taken to rectify your particular situation." Mr. Fantastic Reed Richards said to Jessica and Miles. Next to him stood his wife Susan Storm the Invisible Woman. Not knowing what else they could do Miles Morales and Jessica Drew sought out the Fantastic Four for possible assistance.
"You say Peter Parker is alive in this universe. Could you please contact him for us. I think we've more than adequately explained why we need to speak with him." Jessica said.
"Peter is not a member of the Fantastic Four proper. He has his own life and responsibilities. We'd rather not intrude on his domain unless there is no other option." Mr. Fantastic said.
"What old stretch-oh means is, we might be able to handle this without involving Spider-Man and his group." The Thing Ben Grimm said.
"Wait, Spider-Man has a group in this universe?" Miles said.
"Yup, they call themselves the Web Warriors." Thing said. "They work with the webhead's company, Spidey Inc."
'Peter has a company too." Miles whistled. "Our Peter could barely hold his shit together before, well, he died."
"Miles, watch your language. You're still a kid." Jessica snapped.
"Sorry, Jess," Miles said sheepishly.
"We understand your point of view but we need to see Peter. He and his team could be in grave danger if Spider Reaper chooses to target this universe next." Jessica said.
"While it is against my better judgment until we know more, I'll contact Peter." Mr. Fantastic said, "Johnny."
"I'm on it. I was about to head over to Long Island anyway for his birthday party leave him a gift from us on the QT." Johnny Storm the Human Torch said.
"Thank you both," Jessica said.
"I can take you two with me if you want?" Johnny said offering them a ride.
"That would be great. We swung here from Central Park and I'm a bit tired as I'm sure Miles is too." Jessica said grateful for the offer.
"You know it," Miles said.
"Come right this way, cutie. You to Miles." Johnny said causing Jessica to blush.
"Down boy," Thing said. "She's way too young for you. hothead."
"How old do you think I am?" Jessica said somewhat perturbed it was not every day a handsome guy hit on her. Her relationship with the Johnny Storm from her universe had been strictly platonic. He could never move beyond the fact she was a clone of his deceased male best friend with many of that friend's memories.
"Eighteen, maybe nineteen tops?" The Thing offered.
"According to my last medical examination from SHIELD, I'm twenty-four," Jessica said.
"I'm thirty, the same age as, my buddy Pete," Johnny said raising his hand.
"I'm sixteen," Miles said not wanting to be left out.
"Six years isn't that much of a difference so buzz off," Jessica said.
"Okay, whatever you want spider lady. He's all yours, enjoy." The Thing said putting his hands up.
"She has spunk. I love spunk." Johnny laughed amused by how uncomfortable the Thing was.
"Right this way lady and gentleman." Johnny ushered Jessica and Miles out of the room.
Susan Storm burst into laughter followed by Reed Richards the moment Johnny, Miles, and Jessica left. "Go suck on a lemon, you two." The Thing growled.
A Motel in Houston Texas, morning
"Thank you again for buying me medication for my cough. You saved my life a second time. I'll repay your kindness, I promise." Aracely Penalba said sitting on one of two double beds.
"I only did what anyone would have done," Kaine said insisted. He stood nearby gazing out the bedroom window.
"Nah-uh," Aracely said shaking her head. "Not many people would mess with the Lobo Cartel by freeing a sick slave. You're my hero, big guy." Aracely got up and hugged Kaine.
"I'm not a hero. You're thinking of the other spiders. I'm only a deeply flawed man who tries to muddle through life best he can." Kaine said. He continued to gaze out the window at the Texan skyline.
"I don't know the other spiders I only know you. Thanks to you I'm alive and healthy." Aracely said finally letting Kaine out of her embrace.
"The money I used to buy your medicine wasn't mine it belonged to the other spiders. Two of them gave it to me when before I came here, the same goes for my car." Kaine said.
"Wow, your family must care about you a lot if they gave you such nice stuff, big guy," Aracely said.
"They say they do, not that I deserve their love," Kaine said.
"You're too hard on yourself," Aracely said. She picked up the remote control from the TV stand. She sat back down on one of the beds and started flipping through channels. "I wish I could remember my family. Everything is one big blank before I arrived here in Houston. I don't know where the cartel snatched me from."
"Consider it a blessing," Kaine said. "Oftentimes not knowing is better. The truth can be painful."
"Is your truth painful?" Aracely asked innocently looking at Kaine.
"Yeah," Kaine said simply.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Aracely asked.
"Not right now," Kaine said.
"If you change your mind I'm here," Aracely said. "I'm a good listener, I think."
"How would you know? You never stop long enough to listen," Kaine said cracking a smile despite himself.
"You big meanie," Aracely exclaimed. Kaine turned to Aracely letting her see his smile. "Oh, you had me there for a minute, good one." Aracely remained silent for a moment. "What's next on the agenda, big guy?"
"We find where you came from so I can take you home," Kaine said.
"What if I don't want to go home? What if I want to stay with you?" Aracely said.
"We hardly know each other. It has only been six weeks." Kaine reminded her.
"Not true, yeah it has been six weeks but we've bonded. We're a team. Scarlet Spider and Hummingbird." Aracely said.
"We're not a team and you're not dressing up as Hummingbird again. We got lucky last time with those bank robbers." Kaine said.
"And the time before that with those boat thieves and the time before that with the sports show terrorists," Aracely said counting on her fingers.
"Aracely I said no. It's dangerous out there you could get hurt. For fuck sake for once listen to me." Kaine ranted.
"Hey, swear jar, pay up!" Aracely said. She jumped from the bed and ran out of the room. She returned a few moments later with a large glass jar half full of change.
"You can't be serious?" Kaine sighed.
"You know the rules," Aracely said sternly.
"I don't have any change on me," Kaine said.
"Okay, this one will be an IOY or rather you owe me," Aracely said. "And FYI I was sick two of those three times we fought and did just fine. I'm an asset, not a liability. I can look after myself, thank you very much. So we're partners, right partner?"
"Right partner," Kaine said reluctantly.
"Good," Aracely said satisfied.
Kaine sighed for a second time. He turned to again gaze out the window. What had he gotten himself into?
Parker Residence Western Long Island, late afternoon
"What are you doing, Ben? Who is she?" Peter asked aghast after shaking off a dizzy spell.
Peter glared at Ben and the pretty young Asian lady. The pair was giving everyone a free master class in sexual education, including April, Mayday, and their friends. Both Ben and Cindy were also all but nude.
"This is Cindy. Isn't she lovely?" Ben said between kisses. He and Cindy could not keep their hands off each other.
"Ben, Cindy, let's go inside, shall we?" Mary Jane said feeling more nauseous than usual. With help from Anya and Felicia, she shepherded Ben and his new friend inside. Meanwhile, Miguel stood dumbfounded as if mesmerized
No sooner had the Ben and Cindy situation been dealt with than Johnny showed up with Jessica and Miles. He made a beeline straight for Peter. "Hi, Peter, Jessica, and Miles here need to talk with your boss, Spider-Man. Could you call him for us" Johnny said ignoring the screaming people who were clamoring for his autograph.
"He's kind of busy right now. Can this wait by any chance?" Peter asked hopefully.
"Sorry, but no," Johnny said.
"Go inside he'll be with you shortly," Peter said resigned.
Mary Jane once more outside had reached Peter when a car swerved into their driveway sideswiping several parked vehicles. Thankfully no one was hurt, the vehicles being empty. MJ's father Philip Watson fell out of the car a half-empty bottle of scotch in his left hand.
"I guess my invitation got lost in the mail." He slurred before he vomited then passed out.
Not knowing what else to say Mary Jane said. "Happy birthday, tiger."
To Be Continued
Next Up – Superior Spider-Man make way (for my version of) Spider-Verse!
Author's Note -
This Ultimate Universe is a variant of the original and not the main one (similar to Another Strand Universe in relation 616 Marvel, the same in general but with a few key differences), thus I took some liberties with the background of Ultimate Jessica Drew (for reason that will become clear later on). I chose to make her older and to invent her doomed relationship dynamic with Ultimate Johnny Storm.