I can officially say I've never felt so guilty for doing the right thing before. I sat down on the couch in my apartment and rubbed my face. I didn't mean to attract so much attention. But it was nice to know that I could be of help. Even though my job could be on the line. I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, trying to calm my nerves. Stark Expo was several weeks away. I had to focus on that. I glanced over at the TV, the news was on, and the anchorman was talking about the latest crime spree.
"The New York Police Department is still looking for any information regarding the string of thefts that have taken place in the city over the last week. The most recent incident occurred earlier today at a convenience store in Queens. Eyewitnesses report that a group of armed men attempted to rob the store but were thwarted by a mysterious vigilante known as Silk."
The screen switched to a shaky cellphone video of Silk in action, dodging bullets and taking down the thugs with remarkable agility. The video then panned to a blurry figure—me—throwing a can and tackling one of the gunmen.
"In the video, we can see Silk, the hero known for her incredible agility and spider-like abilities, engaging the robbers. An unidentified man also aided in subduing the criminals. Sources say the man might be connected to Stark Industries, though this still is unconfirmed. The police are urging anyone with information about the suspects or the unidentified man to come forward.
"The anchorman continued, "This marks the fifth robbery attempt this week, leading authorities to believe that the crimes may be connected. The police have not yet identified the perpetrators, but they suspect the involvement of a known criminal gang operating in the area. The NYPD is working closely with Stark Industries' security team to enhance safety measures and prevent further incidents."
I leaned back on the couch, mortified. I just got done getting a lecture on not doing stuff like this from her and there's a video of it on the news. I was screwed. As the news droned on in the background, I ran through different scenarios in my mind. The worst case was that Stark Industries would terminate my employment for the actions I took. The best case was that they would sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened. But would they do that for a guy that has only worked for five days? I turned off the TV and tossed the remote on the table. I was a ball of anxious energy, and I didn't know what to do. I paced around the living room, my mind racing.
My phone rang. I jumped. I really need to get it together. I glanced at the screen and saw Pepper Potts's name. I took a deep breath and answered.
"Hello, Ms. Potts- ahem Pepper," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Lucas, it's Pepper. I have Tony on the line with me. We need to talk about the incident," she said, her tone calm but serious.
"Hey, Lucas! Nice work out there," Tony's voice chimed in. "But seriously, you can't keep putting yourself in these situations. It's a liability."
"Tony," Pepper interjected gently, "Lucas, we discussed this during our last meeting. While we appreciate your bravery, we need to emphasize the importance of your role here and the potential impact on the company. You're a valuable member of our team, and we don't want anything to jeopardize your position."
"I understand," I replied, feeling the weight of their words. "I just couldn't stand by and do nothing."
"And that's commendable," Pepper continued. "But as a Stark Industries employee, we need you to be mindful of how your actions reflect on the company. We're not going to terminate your employment, but we do need to establish some guidelines."
"Right, what she said," Tony added. "Look, kid, you're good at what you do, and we appreciate that. But leave the superhero stuff to the professionals. We need you focused on the work here."
"Understood," I said, relieved but still anxious. "I'll do my best to avoid these situations in the future."
"Good. We'll discuss this more in detail Monday at the office," Pepper concluded. "Take care, Lucas."
"Thanks, Ms. Potts. Thank you, Mr. Stark," I said before ending the call. I let out a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. Well, that answers that question. Doesn't make me feel any better. I would have to wait until Monday to find out more. For now, I had to try and relax and trust that my employers would work with me. I made my way to the kitchen to prepare dinner. As I was making a wonderfully gourmet ham sandwich a thought struck me. And it struck me hard.
Silk gave a slight nod and a reassuring smile. "Your secret's safe with me, Lucas." As she turned to leave, she called over her shoulder, "Stay safe, hero."
How the hell did she know my name?
Monday arrived and I was dreading the upcoming conversation with my superiors. I knew I was in the right for intervening, but that didn't make the prospect of being scolded any less nerve-wracking. I just hoped that no one else at work knew anything, even though that was asking for a lot. I spent the weekend trying to distract myself with various activities, but I was constantly preoccupied with thoughts of what might happen at work. As I rode the train into Manhattan, I did my best to steel my nerves. Whatever happens, I have to take responsibility for my actions.
I arrived at Stark Industries and made my way to my team's lab. As I entered the room, I noticed that my coworkers were already hard at work. I set down my belongings and took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. I headed to Dr. Patel's office, my heart pounding. I knocked on the door and waited.
"Come in," a voice called out. I opened the door and saw Dr. Patel sitting at her desk, typing away on her computer. She looked up at me and smiled.
"Lucas, hey. I'm glad you're here. I got some things I need you to look over." She said. Her tone was nice and neutral. Didn't sound angry. So far so good.
"Of course, Doctor. Happy to help," I said, smiling.
She gestured to a stack of files on her desk. "I need you to review those for me and give me your input. Make any notes for refinement. Stark Expo is soon, so now we're locking everything down. Any chance to improve is a welcome one." She explained. I nodded and took the files.
"No problem, I'll get started on those right away," I said. I turned to leave, but Dr. Patel called out to me.
"Oh, and Lucas?"
"Yes, Dr. Patel?" I asked.
She smiled again. "It was good of you to stand up for that young man. Don't worry, your secret is safe with us." She said. I sighed in relief. Looks like I'm already found out.
"Thank you, Dr. Patel," I said gratefully. I headed back to my desk and began reviewing the documents. They were incredibly detailed, and I was impressed with the thoroughness of the design process.
"Mr. Rojas."
"Jeez!" Not again. "Yes, F.R.I.D.A.Y.?"
"Ms. Potts requests your presence in her office." She said. I gulped.
"Alright, thank you F.R.I.D.A.Y. I'll be there shortly," I said. I took a deep breath and walked to the elevator. As the doors closed, I felt a sense of dread wash over me.
"Is everything alright, Lucas?" F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice asked.
"I'm just nervous, F.R.I.D.A.Y. I'm not in trouble, am I?" I asked.
"No, you are not in trouble. Ms. Potts simply wants to speak with you," she assured. I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, F.R.I.D.A.Y. That's good to hear." I said. The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the lobby. As I approached Ms. Potts's office, I noticed that there were two people standing outside. One of them was Happy and the other was... Oh my heart rammed itself into my ribcage. Tony Stark. Happy wasted no time.
"Two for two, huh?" He said to me. I looked at him, confused. "Meeting with Pepper, twice in a month. That's got to be a record."
I laughed nervously. "Yeah, it's definitely a new experience. I'm hoping it doesn't become a regular thing."
Happy nodded. "Don't sweat it. We all get hauled into Pepper's office for something. Last time it was because I accidentally booked the wrong meeting room for an important conference."
I chuckled, feeling a bit better. Happy patted me on the shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. I'll let you guys talk." With that, he walked off.
Tony looked at me and smirked.
"You know when veterans retire, they usually keep that part of their life behind them. You've got a real knack for finding trouble, don't you?" He said.
"It's just a bad habit, sir. I never meant to cause trouble. I just couldn't let those thugs hurt that poor guy." I said, trying to explain myself.
Tony waved me off. "I know, I know. Look, it's fine. We all have our quirks. But next time, maybe try to dial it back a bit. Come on, we have to go slap you on the wrist." I nodded and followed him into Ms. Potts's office. The atmosphere was tense as we sat down. Ms. Potts cleared her throat and began to speak.
"Lucas, Tony and I want to congratulate you on the work you've done so far. You've proven to be an excellent addition to the Stark Industries family. However, we need to address the situation that happened on Friday. We're not mad, and we know that you were only trying to help. But this is two times you've intervened in situations that could have turned out very differently. We need to establish some boundaries to ensure your safety and the company's reputation."
Tony leaned back in his chair, his expression serious but not unkind. "Look, kid, you're good at what you do, and you've got the right instincts. But we can't have you playing superhero on the side. That's not what we hired you for."
Pepper nodded, her tone gentler. "We understand that it's in your nature to help others, Lucas, and we appreciate that. But you're a part of Stark Industries now, and that comes with certain responsibilities. We need you to focus on your role here and leave the crime-fighting to the professionals."
I swallowed hard, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "I understand. I didn't mean to cause any trouble. I just couldn't stand by and do nothing."
Pepper smiled warmly. "And that's exactly why we value you, Lucas. But please, for your sake and ours, try to avoid putting yourself in harm's way. We need you here, working with us, not out there risking your life."
Tony leaned forward, his eyes locking onto mine. "So, here's the deal. We're not firing you, but we need you to promise that you'll focus on your work and leave the heroics to the folks in the suits. Can you do that?"
I nodded, my resolve firm. "Yes, I promise. I'll stay out of trouble and focus on my job."
Pepper nodded, satisfied. "Good. To help with that, we'll have regular check-ins to discuss your progress and any concerns. F.R.I.D.A.Y. will also keep an eye out, just to make sure you're staying on track."
Tony stood up, clapping a hand on my shoulder. "Welcome to the team, Lucas. Keep your head down, do your job, and you'll go far here."
Keep my head down. How many times have I heard that when I was in the Army. My meddling has done enough damage and I'm
"Thank you, sir. I won't let you down." I said. I shook his hand and walked out. My heart was still racing, but I was relieved to know that I hadn't lost my job, again. I had to prove that I was worth the second chance. I made my way back to the lab and resumed working on the projects. The rest of the day went by without incident. On my way out, I stopped by the convenience store to get some supplies. I made sure to check if it was getting robbed. Sounds like a joke, but it's the truth.
As I walked down the street, I noticed a familiar figure swinging through the city. Silk was in full view, making her way towards the more run down parts of town. I feel like staying away from her would be the best choice. As much as I would love to continue our dynamic duo thing we had going, I had to remember my promise to Tony and Pepper. I needed to focus on my job. I turned around and headed back home, determined to put the whole incident behind me.
The next few weeks went by in a blur, and it was time for the main event. The Stark Expo buzzed with energy, a testament to humanity's boundless curiosity and innovation. Held at the state-of-the-art Stark Convention Center in Manhattan, the venue itself was an architectural marvel. Sleek glass walls and high ceilings allowed natural light to pour in, illuminating the vast space filled with cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking inventions.
Booths and exhibits from top tech companies, research teams, and startups lined the hallways, each vying for the attention of the thousands of attendees. Digital screens flashed vibrant displays, and holographic projections demonstrated the latest advancements in various fields, from artificial intelligence to green energy solutions.
The Stark Industries booth was a centerpiece, strategically placed in the heart of the expo. Its design was modern and inviting, with a large stage set for presentations and a massive digital screen that cycled through visuals of Stark Industries' innovations. The booth featured several interactive stations where attendees could engage with prototypes and learn about the company's latest projects.
One of the most prominent displays at the Stark Industries booth was the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield. This advanced system, housed in a sleek glass case, promised to revolutionize data security. Holographic projections explained the Shield's features and capabilities, drawing a constant stream of curious onlookers.
The Quantum Cybersecurity Shield station featured a touchscreen interface, allowing attendees to see the system in action. Demonstrations showed how the Shield used quantum computing to generate unbreakable encryption keys and how its AI-driven adaptive defense mechanism could predict and counteract cyber threats in real-time.
I was stationed at the booth, ready to explain our project and answer questions. Dressed in a Stark Industries polo and ID badge, I moved confidently between groups of attendees, showcasing the Shield and its revolutionary technology. My excitement and pride were palpable as I explained the intricacies of the system, my passion for my work evident in every word.
Dr. Amara Patel, our team lead, was a commanding presence on the main stage. She delivered a compelling introduction to the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield, highlighting the increasing threat of cyberattacks and the necessity for advanced defenses. Her presentation was met with enthusiastic applause, and she stayed on stage for a Q&A session, expertly handling questions from industry professionals and media representatives.
The expo was a hive of activity. Interactive exhibits allowed attendees to experience virtual reality, explore the latest in robotics, and even see demonstrations of new medical technologies. The atmosphere was electric, with the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of applause or excitement punctuating the air.
As I continued to demonstrate the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield to an interested group, I noticed a journalist approaching. She had a camera in hand and a curious expression on her face. Her confident stride and the way she carried herself caught my attention immediately.
She was striking. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing a face with sharp, attractive features that highlighted her Asian descent. Her eyes were dark and expressive, filled with curiosity and intelligence. She wore a fitted black blazer over a crisp white blouse, paired with dark jeans and stylish, yet practical, ankle boots. A press badge dangled from a lanyard around her neck, identifying her as Cindy Moon from the Daily Bugle.
Her gaze locked onto mine. She smiled, her full lips parting to reveal a brilliant, dazzling grin.
"Hi, Lucas?"
"Yes?" I asked. Uh oh, was she planning to ask me about my 'heroics'?
"I'm Cindy Moon, Daily Bugle. Do you have a moment to answer a few questions?"
"Sure. Ask away." I said.
"Could you tell me a little about the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield?" She inquired.
"Well, the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield uses cutting-edge quantum computing to create unbreakable encryption keys, making it virtually impossible for hackers to gain access to protected data. The algorithms get processed is a new hashing protocol that dynamically change during packet transfer while the keys still maintain the ability to unlock the information. Long story short, no key, no info." I explained.
"Fascinating," Cindy murmured. "So, it's truly a game-changer when it comes to cybersecurity."
"Absolutely. This technology can be used by individuals, businesses, governments - anyone who values their data and needs a secure way to protect their personal assets. Even one of us would have a hard time unlocking the security, and we're the ones who made it." I said, my tone earnest.
"Do you think the shield could be used for other purposes? Say, military applications?" Cindy asked.
I hesitated. "While such technology is applicable to a wide variety of things, Stark Industries has a strict policy when it comes to the safe application of their products."
"I see," Cindy responded, scribbling something on her notepad. "This is a great system. It's interesting to see what Stark Industries is working on in the field of cybersecurity."
The 'Daily Bugle' name made me want to ask about that Jonah guy and his report about my involvement with the first incident. But I needed to fight the urge to do so. And yet, I ask myself why do I even try to hold back.
"You work for the Bugle, the one with the guy that likes to yell?" I said.
Cindy grinned. "Yes, that's the one. And you're referring to my editor, J. Jonah Jameson. He's not as scary as he seems. But he's passionate about his work and speaks his mind."
"He certainly has an opinion on Spider-Man." I said.
"Yeah, he does." Cindy admitted.
"Look... I wanted to ask about his cover about that guy who fought those guys with bats..." I tried to ask carefully, which I think I failed instantly.
"I'm sorry, but I can't discuss that." Cindy said apologetically. "You should talk to Jonah about that. He's the one that wrote that article."
"Right. He claimed the guy wanted to remain anonymous, but he didn't even know the guy." Now would be a good time to stop.
"I'm sorry, but I can't say anything about that," Cindy said, her voice firm but polite.
"Well, if I could say one thing, it's unfair how he bashes the spider people. I met... seen Silk twice. And she's a good person." I stated.
Cindy raised an eyebrow. "You've met Silk, then? What's she like?"
I shrugged. "I can't say I've met her. Just... seen her." My mouth will not stop running. I'm basically outing myself.
"I see," Cindy mused, jotting down some notes on her pad. "Thank you for your time, Lucas. This has been a really enlightening conversation."
"No problem. It's always a pleasure to talk about the Quantum Cybersecurity Shield." I said.
Cindy smiled again. "It's a remarkable product, and I'm sure Stark Industries will have a lot of success with it. Thanks again, Lucas. I'll be in touch." With a final wave, she turned and walked away. I watched her go, my mind swirling with thoughts about our interaction.
I continued to work the booth, answering questions and demonstrating the Shield to the many visitors. The afternoon passed quickly, and as the sun began to set, the Stark Industries team started to wind down the day's activities.
Dr. Patel returned to the booth, her energy level high after a successful presentation. She surveyed the area and nodded, pleased with the outcome.
"Great job, everyone. I think we made a real impression on the crowd today," she said. She turned to me. "Lucas, I saw that reporter from the Bugle talking to you. Did you get a chance to pitch the Shield?"
I nodded. "Yes, and she seemed really interested in the technology. She had a lot of good questions."
Dr. Patel clapped me on the shoulder. "That's great! A feature in the Bugle will be a huge boost for us. Well done, Lucas."
A thought suddenly struck me. "Is it okay for the company to be talking to the media about the Shield? I know we have a strict policy about discussing our projects."
Dr. Patel waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. The Expo is an opportunity for us to showcase our work to the public, and the Daily Bugle is a reputable media outlet."
"Reputable?" I repeated confused. "I thought the Bugle was just a tabloid."
"Jameson may be a blowhard, but the Bugle is a well-respected source of news. Besides, Stark Industries has a business relationship with the paper. They've covered many of our events in the past, and they're always looking for new stories." Dr. Patel explained.
I didn't know that. But then again, I didn't really care to know.
"Anyway, it's time for us to pack up and head home. We've got another busy day tomorrow, so I want everyone rested and ready to go. Good work, team!" Dr. Patel said. As we turned to leave the ground shook pretty hard, toppling many and knocking over some equipment.
"What the hell?!" Dr. Patel exclaimed.
Then, a loud, booming voice echoed across the convention center.
"ATTENTION STARK INDUSTRIES. WE HAVE TAKEN YOUR EXPO HOSTAGES. AND DON'T BOTHER, WE'VE GOT YOUR TECH NICE AND LOCKED DOWN. ANYONE TRIES TO BE A HERO, THEY'LL REGRET IT. HERE'S WHAT WE WANT:
1. ACCESS CODES TO YOUR SECURE SERVERS.
2. HAND OVER ALL PROTOTYPES AND BLUEPRINTS FROM THE EXPO.
3. A RANSOM OF $50 MILLION FOR THE SAFE RELEASE OF THE HOSTAGES.
4. SAFE PASSAGE OUT OF THE EXPO WITH NO INTERFERENCE FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT OR SECURITY.
FAIL TO COMPLY, AND WE START MAKING EXAMPLES."
I feel like I should blame my luck for this.
A hush fell over the crowd, the stunned silence broken by panicked murmurs and cries of fear. Amara swore under her breath, her hands balled into fists.
"Dammit! I knew something like this would happen. I knew it!" she growled.
"I'll call Tony and let him know what's going on," I said, pulling out my phone. Amara grabbed my arm, her expression fierce.
"No. Stark Industries has a strict policy of not negotiating with terrorists. We can't give in to these demands. I won't let our company be held hostage." She said, her voice resolute. "Besides, I'm sure he knows. It's just a matter of time before he makes his move."
"Are you sure? What about the hostages?" I asked, concerned.
Amara sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I don't know. I don't want anyone to get hurt, but we can't give in to these demands. If we do, it just encourages more of this behavior."
A rumble of thunder rolled through the sky, the clouds darkening as lightning flickered in the distance. I glanced out the window, the rain beginning to fall in heavy sheets.
"What do we do now?" I asked.
"I'll stay here and monitor the situation. You need to get back to the lab and make sure all our data is secure," Amara said. I nodded. I'm technically not playing hero right now. I'm securing company assets.
"Okay, I'll go get our systems locked down." I said. "Be careful, Amara."
"I will. You too, Lucas. Let's hope the storm passes quickly."
"Why, what's up with the storm?"
Amara looked at me, her expression grim. "Stark Industries has a history of dealing with hostile takeovers and corporate espionage. There's always a chance that someone could use the chaos of a crisis to launch a cyberattack against us."
I swallowed, the reality of the situation sinking in. "Right. I'll head back to the lab and make sure all our data is secure. Be careful, Amara."
She nodded. I looked at the crowd of people before making my move. First, I had to identify the attackers. At the moment, nothing is obvious, which means one of two things. One, they everything locked down from the outside, making sure we can't leave. Or two, they are in the crowd, waiting for someone to act out of line. The second option makes more sense. I don't want to draw attention, so I slowly make my way to the exit, keeping my eyes peeled for any potential threats.
As I approach the main doors, a man steps out from behind a display. He's dressed in all black with a balaclava covering his face. His hand reaches for his belt and pulls out a pistol.
"Not another step," he growls.
I freeze, my mind racing. I'm too far to do anything, and I'll die the moment I make a move.
"Listen, I'm just trying to find the bathroom." I lied. I mean obviously it's a lie. But why not gamble?
"I said, don't move." he says, raising the gun.
My heart is pounding. I can't believe I'm going to die here.
"Just take it easy. I'm sure we can work something out." I said, maintaining my cool. The guy took his aim, and he flew backwards, his body covered in a familiar white substance.
"We should stop meeting like this." A familiar voice quipped from behind me. Silk!
"You were following me, weren't you?" I accused.
"You're a trouble magnet, Lucas. I was just... being cautious," Silk explained.
I looked at her, trying to keep the surprise from my face. I can't seem to escape this girl.
"I'm trying to get back to our lab to secure our assets." I explained.
"Then let's go. I'll watch your back. I don't like these guys. The Ghost Dragons aren't your average gang." She said.
"Ghost Dragons?" I asked. "Who are they?"
"They're a Chinese organized crime group. They've got a presence in New York and other major cities, but their headquarters is in Hong Kong. They've got their hands in all sorts of criminal enterprises, including drugs, weapons smuggling, cybercrime, and human trafficking. They're ruthless and they don't mess around. If they've taken hostages, they won't hesitate to kill them." Silk explained.
"New York has everything, huh?" I joked. Have to keep a cool head. Plus, if I don't say something funny, I'll focus on the potentially dying part of this thing.
"Yeah, the city is a real melting pot. So, let's get you to that lab of yours," Silk said. I nodded. I pointed to a set of elevators.
"Ordinarily we use those elevators. I can imagine it's locked down now. I have to get to a terminal, which we keep one floor up, to be able to remotely access everything and lock down the systems." I said.
"I could climb up the outside and come in that way. Assuming the windows are open for fresh air." She said.
"That would work. But you'll need me nearby, so the automated defenses don't put holes in you." I said.
"Automated defenses?" She asked.
"Yeah, Stark Industries isn't one to be a sitting duck. So, they put in countermeasures. The security system recognizes me and ignores me. I'm praying it's the one thing the Ghost Dragons haven't accessed. Defense and everything else on separate networks for obvious reasons." I explained.
"Got it. Looks like I'm going to need you to climb on my back," she said.
"Climb on your back?" I asked, confused.
"Yeah. We'll swing over there. I'll have a better vantage point for a landing spot." She said. I paused. Swinging through the city was something I never imagined I'd be doing. Much less up one floor.
"I'm 200lbs of pure density." I joked.
"I can handle it. Trust me." She said. I did as I was told and climbed onto her back. She can indeed carry me. I shouldn't have been shocked. She looked up and saw a vent.
"Think you can squeeze through there?" She asked.
"You're stealing a lot of my firsts. My first piggyback ride by superhero. First crawling through ducts." I said. She chuckled.
"Well, there's more where that came from." She said. She fired off a web line and pulled us towards the vent. I held on for dear life, my fingers digging into her shoulders. I won't lie, this girl had muscle. I went in first, ignoring the fact I was two to three stories off the ground.
"You sure you should be in here with me?" I asked. If she's here, what about the hostages?
"You forget I'm not the only spider hero in town?" she quipped.
"Fair enough. And for the record, this is the furthest thing I had ever envisioned myself doing." I said.
"Having fun?" she asked.
"I'd prefer to be riding the subway home right now," I muttered. She kept up quite nicely with my jokes. I have to say, helped even more with keeping my wits. I was never in the middle of combat like the offensive side of my brother in arms, but as they say, 'you're a soldier first'. I had an appreciation to how Stark Industries kept the vents clean.
I reached the end of the duct and kicked the grating open. I popped out and looked around. No signs of life.
"All clear," I whispered. I heard the clanging of metal behind me, and she crawled out, sticking to the ceiling. Her shoulder length black hair hung down, and she brushed it out of her face.
"Which way to the terminal?" she asked. I pointed to the left.
"Through those double doors. The terminal is on the right, it's the only one on the floor." I replied.
She nodded and motioned for me to follow her. We crept along the hallway, staying close to the shadows. My heart was racing, and the adrenaline was coursing through my veins. I was breaking Pepper's and Tony's promise times a thousand. But I one hundred percent certain they'd make an exception. I hope. We reached the doors and slipped inside, the darkness enveloping us. I fumbled around, my hands brushing against the familiar shape of the terminal. I quickly turned it on, and the screen glowed to life, the soft blue light illuminating the room. The rest of the room illuminated, showing a pretty snazzy employee break room. Alright, username, password... second password... biometrics...
Screaming in a foreign language broke through the air. Cue the bad guys.
"You keep going I'll handle them!" She instructed me. I looked over and nodded. Her hand went to her ear. "Spider-Man, we've been made. Get ready to intervene on the show floor."
I got to work on the terminal, my fingers flying over the keyboard. The lines of code scrolled by, and I could feel the sweat beading on my forehead. The door slammed open, and I whipped around, my blood running cold. Silk wasted no time and dived straight at them. Bullets whizzed by, ricocheting off the walls and narrowly missing her. The sound of glass shattering rang out, and I peeked my head out the doorway. I couldn't help but stare in awe as Spider-Man swung through the broken skylight, launching web balls at the triads. Oh sh##! That's the kid Spider-man. The one with the black and red costume. No! Focus Lucas! I need to finish this. I went back to work, my hands moving faster than ever. The last line of code was inputted, and the screen flashed green. I slammed my fist down on the button, and a low hum reverberated throughout the building. The processes started to go through. First thing, I locked down our info. Since I had two spider people protecting me, I went ahead and gave F.R.I.D.A.Y. access back to the building.
"Happy to see a familiar face." I told her.
"Nice to be of assistance, Lucas." she said. "I am detecting a massive breach in the Stark Industries servers. I'll take care of that."
"Guys call themselves Ghost Dragons. A better name must have been taken." I joked. But I wasn't paying attention to my words. I had to focus on the task at hand. I was hoping and praying that Tony had the security team in place. Otherwise, things could go wrong quick.
The terminal screen blinked, and I frowned.
"What the..."
"I hope that's a good 'what the'!" The young Spider-Man yelled.
"I'm resetting the security protocols. But I think the Ghost Dragons already managed to compromise our system. The protocols are taking a little longer to complete. But F.R.I.D.A.Y. is working to reboot the security system." I said.
"Oh, boy. Okay, well, try to hurry, we're getting a little overwhelmed down here!" Spider-Man shouted, firing a web line and swinging out of view. Silk grabbed my waist.
"Gonna move you really quick!" She spoke quickly.
"You're gonna Wha-AAAAAAA!" I screamed, as she tossed me into the air. She had a web line attached to me. "YOU CAN'T JUST THROW PEOPLE AROUND!" I was pulled out of the way of incoming fire.
"Can and will!" She quipped. She moved me around, while she zipped through with Spider-Man. This was way different than the last two times. I was the prize being protected. I had to stay calm and focused. I had to trust her. My grip tightened on the webbing, my knuckles turning white. The web line yanked me forward, and I braced myself. My feet touched the ground, and I stumbled. My stomach and brain switched places.
"Hurry up and get that system back online!" Spider-Man demanded.
"Don't rush him!" Silk said.
"We've got a whole convention center full of civilians to protect!" Spider-Man argued.
"And he's the only one who can do it!" Silk countered. "So, be patient and let him do his thing!"
I ignored the exchange, focusing on the terminal. Come on, system, boot up! The screen flickered to life, and I breathed a sigh of relief.
"I got it! I got it!" I cried.
"Well, what are you waiting for?! Do it already!" Spider-Man called.
"I'm on it!" I punched in the commands, and the security system activated. That's when the first explosion went off in the distance.
"Ah crap!" Spider-Man exclaimed.
"Spider-Man, what happened?!" Silked yelled with her finger pressed to her ear. I didn't know what was being said, but it couldn't have been good.
"Lucas, incoming message from Tony Stark." F.R.I.D.A.Y. announced.
"On screen." I commanded. The terminal projected the image of a very frazzled and stressed out Tony Stark.
"Lucas Rojas! The one time we need you to play hero. How's the situation?" He asked.
"The security system is back online. I'm working with the spider duo to make sure our assets are secured.." I said.
"Alright, I'm sending a security team your way." He said. The video feed ended, and I turned to see a wall of drones descending upon us.
"We've got company, guys!" Spider-Man warned.
"Friendly or not?" Silk asked.
"Not friendly!" I yelled.
"I've got the friendlies!" Spider-Man said.
"I got the not-friendlies!" Silk said.
The spider duo went to work, webbing up the drones.
"Stark guy, we good in here?" The younger Spider-Man asked as he swatted away a drone.
"We can go!" I said. "We need to get the civilians out of here. They've had a rough day."
"I'm on it!" Silk said. "Spider-Man, where are they?" She asked in her ear. I sprinted as the spider people Followed up, making sure none of the Ghost Dragons followed. And explosion erupted before us, a hole being made. Through it came the infamous original Spider-Man.
"Oh, hey guys. Fancy meeting you he- LOOK OUT." He yelled as he used his webbing to pull himself toward me. The other two seemed to be on the same wavelength as they dodged out of the way of another explosion, but the shockwave knocked them back.
"Holy Sh##." I gasped. I was about to run to them, when I felt a tug. The older Spider-Man had his webbing wrapped around me, and he was pulling me towards him.
"Not a good place to be!" He scolded me as he threw me up and over him. I landed on my butt with a grunt. "Ah... Not having fun with being tossed around." I groaned as I slowly stood.
"No time for chit chat. Good news is that the security kicked in and the civilians are safe. Bad news is that we're on the other side of it and I became target practice. They still have the place locked up tight. Figured Stark would some sort of super anti-hacking measure." He said. He looked over at me. "Alright, I've seen you on the news. Third time's the charm, as they say. What's the plan?" He asked me. That's when it hit me. I was helping superheroes. It's only been a month and a half of being in New York.
"If everyone is safe, the quickest and best thing we can do is open the rest of the Expo and let Mr. Stark's security team in." I explained. The guy nodded.
"Right. Anything specific to that?" He asked. I shook my head.
"F.R.I.D.A.Y. is doing her thing. We just need to make sure they don't blow anything else up. What weapons do they have?" I asked the older Spider-Man.
"Rockets, machine guns, goggles that seem to have different ranges of spectrums... oh and drones." He listed. I nodded. Combat operations wasn't my specialty, but I could plan like no other.
"I'd hate to ask you, but could you guys keep them busy? I'll need to work on one of the entrances to lift the security protocol. The moment the security team gets in, we win." I said. He nodded.
"Will do. Spider-Man, Silk, I'm heading to the south entrance to distract them. You two keep the Triad busy and protect Lucas." The other two nodded. He jumped back through the hole.
"You guys miss me?" He taunted, catching their attention. I ran down the hall, toward one of the now unlocked doors. It slid open, revealing a back staircase. I skipped steps hoping to make it to the show floor. But my luck wouldn't have it that way. More shouting in Chinese occurred, quickly followed by machine gun fire. The Spider-Men are keeping the Ghost Dragons busy. I took a deep breath and bolted down the stairs. I burst out on the show floor, my eyes scanning for a way toward the northern exit. I could see the red and blue Spider-Man swinging through the air, dodging the hail of fire coming toward him.
"I came for an educational Expo and you guys ruined it with your guns. I want my money back!" He quipped. The Ghost Dragons responded with more gunfire. I spotted the exit on the far side of the expo. I started sprinting. I could see the barriers that kept the participants safe. I had no time to look for Dr. Patel to let her know I was alright. All I needed was to reach the door.
I skid to a halt, grasping the panel and furiously typing away. On the other side of the bulletproof glass was the Stark Industries security team. They were shouting something. Or at least the animated faces they were making told me they were yelling. But my eyes were glued to the screen. it wasn't until I heard faint thumping on the glass that I finally looked up. One of the members pointed behind me and I turned. More Triads. How many of these guys were there? They wasted no time in shooting, the endless amounts of gunfire they seemed to have. But I didn't stop. Couldn't stop.
UGH! F###! My shoulder! No! Don't stop Lucas! We're almost there! I'm so close! The pain was unreal. My mind was on auto-pilot. My body moved on its own. I finally unlocked the door, but the mag lock was going through verifying my clearance before unlocking. I held my shoulder with my other hand and turned to see the Triads on their way. At least I don't regret being a hero now. I wonder if this is what the infantry went through? They train rigorously, day and night to make sure they weren't shot. To make sure their squad mates lived to see another day. I felt a surge of pride.
"Lucas!" I heard. At this point I know that voice anywhere. Silk and the younger Spider-Man caught up, swinging across the show floor. They webbed up some Triads while they stomped on the others, bounding forward off their bodies. The pain was so immense that I didn't realize all the ricocheting that was going on above me.
Beep. 'Maglock opening'. I stumbled out of the way and the Stark Security team rushed in. I had never felt such a sense of relief. But it was short lived. I realized how much pain I was in. My hand was wet with blood, my shirt stained red. It started to go numb, and I knew I had to get to a medic. I also realized I was tired. Like really tired.
"I just want to sleep." I muttered to myself.
"Don't fall asleep yet." I didn't realize I had said that out loud. Then, everything went dark.