Peter and Harry were now interviewing possible candidates for Parker Industries' head of security position. However, they both agreed that Hobie Brown, who used to be known as the Prowler, was the best of them all.

Hobie used to be a petty criminal but a skilled engineer, but Peter, as Spider-Man, convinced him to change his life. He did a little bit of hero work and eventually got married.

"There is no doubt that he is the best person we've interviewed, but I don't think we should be hiring the Prowler," said Harry as he looked through Hobie's file.

"Give the guy a break," said Peter. "Not many people can change their lives around like him; I think you, of all people, would understand that."

Harry sighed. "All right, let's give them a try."

A few moments later, Hobie stepped into the office, looking a little nervous.

"Hobie, both me and Harry agree that you are ideal for the job," said Peter.

Hobie sighed. "I can't tell you how much that means to me. It's not easy getting a job, and you can fight so many times, as I have."

"Peter likes to give people the benefit of the doubt," said Harry. "However, I'm a little bit more sceptical, but I am willing to give you a shot."

"I promise I won't let you down," Hobie promised.

"Then your first job is to increase security here," said Peter. "You may be unaware of this, but a few months ago, we were infiltrated."

"Seriously?" Hobie stared.

"Unfortunately," Harry sighed. "It was the Chameleon pretending to be Peter who used our company in order to create a dirty bomb. Fortunately, Spider-Man and his partners were able to put a stop to that plot, but it should never have happened in the first place."

"To that end, we need an ideal security system to prevent something like that from happening again," Peter explained.

"I make this place as tough as Fort Knox," Hobie promised.

"Trying not to make promises you can't keep," Harry advised. "Though I do like enthusiasm."

"I promise I'll come up with a security system that'll stop these kinds of thefts, but first, what's the current security of this building like."

"Practically non-existent," Peter sighed. "Both me and Harry have been a little bit more focused on our products than security."

"Not to mention the problems with our families," Harry sighed. "However, the Chameleon's attack was a big wake-up call. We won this place secure, but we do have a limited budget."

"I'll see what I can do. I have a few ideas," said Hobie.

"Well, run them by us before you make any decisions," said Harry.

"You got it."

Peter suddenly found himself busy as he began publishing his research and had meetings with Gayle about advertising. Fortunately, they had a little help in that regard, thanks to Marla, who introduced Peter to Max Modell, who was the CEO of Horizons Labs.

"I must say, Doctor Parker, I'm quite impressed with your research on neural net interface," said Max as they left the lab.

"Thanks, but you can call me Peter," Peter smiled. "Plus, we still have a lot to work out, which I make perfectly plain in my research."

Max nodded. "Yes, as you have mentioned, but at least you're taking it seriously. I have known many a scientist that take the easy way out, cutting corners in their research, which always comes with ghastly consequences."

"I'm sure that with time and patience, I will be able to overcome these issues."

"You've already made great strides. For this reason, I am more than happy to offer the resources of Horizons Labs with your endeavours."

"I appreciate it, Max."

"Marla highly recommended you, and after reading up on you, I have to say she wasn't exaggerating."

"You read up on me?" Peter blinked.

"I need to know what kind of person you are. I certainly have excellent references. You spent some time as Dr Richards' assistant, though I understand you had some problems when you were at Empire State University, and you nearly gave up on getting your doctorate."

"Let's just say some friends gave me a friendly push," said Peter.

"I also read about the tragedies in your life, including the death of your parents, uncle, and girlfriend. Not to mention your daughters been kidnapped shortly after they were born by Norman Osborn."

"I try to lift my uncle's expectations; I just hope to make him proud."

Max then placed a hand on his shoulder. "Peter, I'm sure your uncle is very proud. I have already gone through the business transactions with your head of marketing, and I must say she is quite an impressive young woman."

"She has to raise two kids by herself," said Peter.

Max nodded. "I also have a few people that I would recommend hiring, that is, of course, once you're in the position to hire more help."

"That may not be for a while because we just recently hired a head of security, and we want everything to be secure until we hire more people."

Max nodded. "Very understandable. I have to say, Peter, you're doing a fine job so far with this company, and I can't wait to see what else you are capable of."

A few days later, Peter and MJ celebrated their first birthday with the girls. They did everything in their power to make it perfect, buying a big cake, making a nice big birthday meal, and arranging a party for their friends.

"We do have everything, right?" MJ asked frantically as she went through the list.

"MJ will double and triple-check everything," said Peter as he put the candles on the cake.

"I just feel as if we're forgetting something, and I don't want the girls' first birthday party to go wrong," said MJ as she rushed around.

Peter approached her, grasped her hand, and looked into her eyes. "MJ, everything is going to be perfect."

"I know, I know," said MJ, taking a deep breath.

Peter pulled her in and kissed her on the forehead, rubbing the back of the head. "MJ, it's a birthday party. So long as everyone shows up and May and April have birthday cake over their face, it'll be a success."

MJ laughed. "I guess you're right; it's just that the past year has been so hectic."

Soon, all the guests arrived, including Flash, Felicia, Ben, and Harry. Additionally, May and April's friends from school, Davida, Wes and Courtney Duran, were invited. Aunt May, Gayle, and her boys were also there. They allowed May and April to choose the games, and everyone had fun.

"A shame that Gwen couldn't show," Felicia whispered to Peter.

"Today is her patrol night, and she couldn't really show with Flash here," Peter whispered back.

"Good thing you decided not to bring Normie here, Harry," said Ben.

"Given what nearly happened last time he was here, both me and Liz agreed that it was prudent to keep some distance from May," said Harry regretfully.

Peter sighed. "He still sees me as the bad guy, doesn't he?"

"The kid is unbelievably stubborn," Harry shrugged.

"Just like his father," said MJ as she moved past them while carrying some party food. "I hope you kids have worked up an appetite."

"It looks nice, Mrs Parker," said Davida.

"Just make sure you have room for dessert. We got birthday cake on the way," MJ smiled.

Courtney looked at May and April. "Your mom is really nice."

"She's the best," May smiled.

"Your dad is pretty cool as well," said Wes as he tucked into the food.

"Uncle Peter is fantastic," said Tommy. "He's the closest thing we've got to dad."

"Not much competition, considering our dad just left us," said Kevin.

"But who's a pretty lady with the silver hair?" Davida asked, looking at Felicia.

"That's our Auntie Felicia," said May.

"She's not really our aunt. She's just a close friend of our parents," said April. "Apparently, she used to date Papa, but don't tell his fiancee."

"Your grandma is pretty nice as well," said Courtney, looking at Aunt May. "But I thought she was your dad's aunt?"

"She is, but she raised him and considered him her son, which is why we call her grandma," May explained.

"One thing is for certain: you got one cool family," said Wes.

"May, April, I don't suppose your mom can give us some backstage passes at her next photo shoot?" Davida asked excitedly.

"We'll ask, but I don't think she will say no," said April.

"Time for the birthday cake!" Pete yelled as he placed the birthday cake down on the table. "Make a wish, girls."

May and April took a deep breath and blew out the candles with one blow, cheering everyone out.

The next few days, Hobie gave Peter and Harry his review of the new security system.

"As you can see, I've kept the budget to the bare minimum while also giving us the maximum security measures we need," he said.

Harry looked through it carefully. "You're suggesting a security code split between me and Pete for more sensitive equipment."

Hodie nodded. "Additionally, if any personnel wishes to remove materials, they must first go through a security check and have the approval of a higher member of staff."

"That would make it harder for an impostor to steal materials," said Peter.

"I also wish us to install security cameras outside and inside the building, even in the ventilation shafts. It may be a cliché, but crawling through the vents is the best way to get around the building undetected."

"We should probably also install some motion sensors as well," Peter suggested.

"I have to say, Hodie, this is quite impressive," said Harry.

"Does that mean you want me to install the security measures right away?" Hobie asked.

"Do it," said Peter. "Also, if our profits increase, think about other methods of increasing security; we might just implement them as well."

"Just don't go overboard," said Harry, giving him the report back.

"I'll get on it right away," said Hobie and then left the office.

"So what you think of a new head of security now?" Peter asked.

"He was certainly a good choice," Harry agreed. "And Gayle has certainly made strides in increasing our funding. The military is specifically interested in these prosthetics we're building."

"And I made it plain to them that we're not converting them to weapons," said Peter, folding his arms. "There is no way that Parker Industries is going into the weapons business."

"That won't stop them from adapting the prosthetics themselves," said Harry.

"Not a lot we can do about that," said Peter regretfully.

A few days later, Peter and Gayle were at the launch site after Max invited them to the joint project venture. John Jameson was heading up back into space, and Horizons Labs had been commissioned to make the shuttle.

Gayle was going for a number of papers and now at her eyes at Jonah. "That man is so quick to praise his son, yet he is quick to condemn you."

"I've been working with Jonah for years, and I can barely understand," Peter shrugged.

"Is his son the same?" Gayle asked. "Or is he as bullheaded as his father?"

"Maybe you should ask him?" Peter suggested.

Gayle spun around and immediately felt embarrassed as John Jameson stood behind her.

John merely smiled. "It's lovely to meet you too, Miss…"

"Watson," said Gayle, blushing immensely. "But I am so sorry for my comment."

"Don't be; I happen to agree with you about my father," he said, looking at her curiously. "You said that your name is Watson."

"John Jameson, allow me to introduce my sister-in-law, Gayle Watson, to you," Peter introduced.

"Ah, I think I've heard of you from Mary Jane," John nodded. "So you recently moved to New York and now working for your brother-in-law?"

"I needed a job, and Peter needed someone in charge of marketing," Gayle shrugged. "It's not easy raising two boys on your own."

"Yes, I heard that you are a single mother," said John, looking at her sympathetically. "Can't believe that your husband would abandon a beautiful woman like yourself and expect to take care of his kids without support."

Gayle blushed. "You think I'm beautiful?"

"John!" said the voice of his co-pilot. "Will you stop flirting and get on board already?"

"I'm coming," said John. He then walked off but looked back at Gayle and smiled. "I hope we see more of each other, Miss Watson."

Gayle stood there as John went to the shuttle, absolutely speechless.

"He's gone now. You can topple over," Peter chuckled.

Gayle suddenly snapped out of her trance and looked back at her papers. "Yes, sorry, I should get so easily distracted with handsome men."

"So you think he's handsome, do you?"

Gayle's cheats turned a bright pink. "That's beside the point!"

Peter shook his head and went over to Max when he began reviewing the pre-flight checks.

"Everything appears to be green on the board," said Max. "I say we can get this show on the road."

Pete then noticed something and frowned. "Hold on, Max. Something seems off."

Max leaned over to him and frowned. "What do you need?"

"According to this, the shuttle seems to have some extra weight on board," said Peter.

"That can't be right."

Peter had a bad feeling about this. "I'm going to check it out."

"Peter, we're minutes away from launch!" Max argued.

"I know, I just have this feeling something is wrong," said Peter.

He ran off before Max could stop him and quickly changed into costume.

It turned out that his hunch was right as he spotted Scorpion had attached himself to the shuttle. He had just climbed onto the shuttle himself just as it took off.

"Oh, I'm going to enjoy this," Scorpion smiled.

He raised his fist about to smash through the shuttle, when Peter quickly fired some webbing, wrapping it around his arm before he had the chance to do anything.

"I don't think so, Scorpion," said Peter.

Scorpion narrowed his eyes. "I'm surprised you're here, Webhead. I figured you, of all people, would have enjoyed seeing Jamesson suffer."

"So, this is what it's all about," said Peter narrowing his eyes. "You still holding a grudge on Jonah for turning you into the Scorpion."

"He ruined my life, and now I'll go on his!"

Peter still felt as if something was off. True, Scorpion had a strong vendetta against Jonah, but there is no way he could pull this off. It then dawned on him that one person had the smarts and the motive to pull something like this off.

"You're working with Smythe, aren't you?"

"Clever as always, aren't you?" Scorpion smirked. "Smythe really outdid himself on this. We've all been upgraded, and now there's no hero to take us down."

"Us?" Peter blinked.

It turned out that Smythe had created a gang of insectlike villains to base them on him. With some great effort, he managed to get Scorpion off the shuttle and would have plunged to his death if it hadn't been for the timely rescue of Ms Marvel.

She lowered him to the ground, where Luke and Iron Fist joined them. There, Peter saw Smythe's army attacking Jonah and his father. Jonah then informed him that Smythe was a minute of his family and friends, including his wife, who, unfortunately, was having a spa date with MJ and the girls.

Marla had invited MJ and the girls to a spa, and the two women were relaxing while the girls were having fun in the pool.

"This is just heaven," MJ sighed.

"But this is the first time you truly relaxed in the last year," Marla smiled. "Both you and Peter have been working off your feet trying to support your family."

MJ looked at the girls and smiled. "I never would have dreams that I would have two perfect daughters. I didn't even realise that I have April."

"Most of them are shocked to discover that you had a second daughter taken from you," said Marla, looking at her sympathetically. "I can imagine what you and Peter went through."

"Thanks, and don't take this the wrong way, Marla. You look as if you need this relaxation more than I do."

Marla sighed. "It's Jonah; he's pretty much screaming non-stop about Spider-Man. Especially given recent events when he had to give the key to the city to him."

Otto Octavius had placed a bomb in the city that would have taken out half the city. Tony and Reed were able to locate the bomb and desperately tried to disarm it, but there was very little time. However, Peter saved the day by quickly linking the time to the universal clock.

Normally, that would have made a difference, but as luck would have it, today was the day when the clocks went back, which gave them an extra hour. Jonah was quick to offer thanks to Captain America, but that smile quickly disappeared when Steve mentioned it was Spider-Man who saved the city and deserved a reward.

"Well, he did save the city," said MJ.

"I know, but he always seems to think that Spider-Man is working with the people he arrests."

"Why does the Mayor hate Spider-Man, Mrs Jameson?" May asked.

"I don't know, but I think it comes down to what happened to his first wife, Joan," said Marla. "She was killed by a man in a mask, who believed himself to be above the law."

"That's sad, but Spider-Man isn't a bad guy," April argued.

"I know, dear, but every time he sees someone hiding behind a mask, that's all he thinks about. Think sometimes you forget about people underneath those masks."

MJ was about to say something when she suddenly saw the expression on her daughters' faces. She had seen those expressions a thousand times, every time Peter's spidey sense went off.

Suddenly bursting through the wall were several insect-based villains. Both MJ and Marla grabbed the girls and hit, but much to her relief, Peter arrived with Gwen and Ben in tow. They also have the added support of Ben Grimm, Mockingbird, Luke, and Iron Fist. Unfortunately, they seem to be having difficulty hitting their foes.

"Can't seem to land a blow!" Ben Grimm yelled.

"They seem to be able to predict our movements; it's almost as if we're fighting…" Gwen's eyes widened. "Like us."

"Smythe must find a way to lock onto our spider frequency," Peter theorised. "Both Chameleon and Doctor Doom have been able to do it before, though not to this extent."

"Is there some way of disrupting it?" Ben asked.

"I'll see what I can do, but I'm gonna need some time," said Peter.

"Do what you have to do, Webs," said Ben Grimm. "We'll keep your family safe in the meantime."

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

Peter quickly swung towards Horizons Labs, which was the closest place to get the technology he needed to disable Smythe's army spidey sense. Once, he quickly changed out of his costume and made his way towards the nearest lab he could find.

"Peter?" said a voice. Peter spun around and saw Max had just entered the lab. "What are you doing here?"

"Uh, I just need to borrow some equipment," said Peter.

Max gave him a small smile. "You don't have to lie, Peter. I know everything."

Peter's eyes widened. "You do?"

"Yes, I know that you have been developing technology for Spider-Man," said Max.

"I have?" Peter blinked.

"It is the logical assumption," Max nodded. "After all, as skilled as Spider-Man is, it is unlikely that he has the technical skills to create his gadgets."

Peter tried to take that as an insult. "I suppose."

"I'm assuming that Spider-Man sent you here for something?" Max asked.

Peter quickly gave Max the quick version of what was going on.

"So Alistair Smythe had given his cohorts the ability to sense danger, which would make it almost impossible for them to be touched."

"Which is why they need me to disrupt it somehow. I know the frequency that Spider-Man uses, and Horizons Labs was the closest place I could get the stuff I needed."

"Then allow me to help," said Max. "Two minds are better than one."

Peter was grateful that Max was lending his assistance; it meant that they were cutting the time needed to make the destructor in half. Their device combined a neurowave generator and transmitter to unleash a bioelectromagnetic pulse.

"That should do it," said Max as they finished.

"With this, we should be able to shut down everyone's spidey sense," said Peter.

"There would also include Spider-Man and his friends as well. You need to warn them that it cannot be in the impact zone when this thing is set off."

"I don't worry, I'll give them the warning," Peter promised.

"Best of luck, Peter."

"Thanks, and thanks for the help."

Peter then grabbed the device and ran out of the lab as quickly as he could, hoping that his family were all right.

Marla and MJ were hiding behind a corner with the girls as they watched the battle unfold, and it wasn't looking good.

"Mr Grimm doesn't look too good, Mommy," said May as MJ held her tight.

"Isn't there something we can do to help?" April asked.

"Maybe we can," said Marla as she noticed a damaged spider slayer in front of them. "Perhaps if I use my own spider slayer knowledge, perhaps I can lend a hand."

"We can help," said the girls.

MJ smiled proudly as she saw her girls helping Marla, proving that they had inherited their father's brains as well as his powers.

"MJ, your girls are incredibly clever," said Marla as they finished their work.

"I know," said MJ, hugging them both.

"Smythe is a special microwave frequency running through the power cells in his equipment, and it will really hate this frequency," said Marla.

She activated the device, and immediately, all of Smythe's insect army in the area yelled in pain, clutching their ears. Gwen and the two Bens immediately took advantage of this and struck them down.

Peter had managed to make his way over to the Flatiron building, which was the best place to put the device. He had initially planned to put some distance from the device so that he could activate it remotely, but Scorpion appeared and put a wrench in that plan.

"You think you're so clever, don't you?" Scorpion sneered as he swung his tail at him.

Peter quickly somersaulted out of the way. "I like to think so."

"Well, I'm smart enough to know that you got something planned with that thing you swiped from your Avenger pals, and I'm not gonna give you a chance to use it."

He then swung his tail and destroyed the remote control Peter had attached to his wrist.

"Now who's the smart one?" Scorpion smirked. "You can no longer use that device!"

"Wrong, I just can't activate it remotely; I can still operate it manually!" Peter yelled and quickly dived for the device.

He then activated it and activated the pulse that spread throughout the city. On the bright side, it did work. It deprived Smythe's army of their spidey sense, but it also robbed his, just as Max warned.

"You idiot!" Scorpion roared. "It felt like you cooked the inside of my brain, and you did the same thing to yourself."

"That's the difference between you and me, Gargan," said Peter as he clenched his fist. "I'm a hero, and sometimes I have to make the tough choices to save lives."

He punched Scorpion with a powerful uppercut, knocking him out, and then wept into the roof.

Peter soon met up with MJ and the girls, who were currently with Marla, Gwen and the two Bens. Then, Jessica, who was carrying Robbie, and Mrs Marvel joined the party. Jonah and his father soon arrived and hugged his wife immediately.

"Looks like everyone is safe," said Peter as he landed.

Ben Grimm smiled at him. "Thanks to you, I bet. Also, your girls saved my high using those big brains of theirs."

Peter bent down to his girls and ruffled their hair. "So proud of you."

The girls giggled.

"You okay, Tiger?" MJ asked, noting that something was off with him. "You seem a little winded."

Before Peter could respond, something shot out of the crashed airship in the middle of the street. Debris was then suddenly sent flying, and one of them struck Peter right in the forehead, knocking him to the ground.

It was now official: he had indeed lost his spidey sense. Peter knew very well this meant trouble.

However, the biggest trouble came in the form of Smythe, who had just shot out of his crashed airship.

"I'm so sorry to disappoint you, Spider-Man," he said. "But it was only my swarm army that enjoyed the insect sense gene engineering. So what you did to them had no effect on me. After all, my cybernetic enhancements are all I need."

He quickly struck the other heroes with his razor-sharp legs, knocking them down. The only ones still standing were Gwen and Ben, who were busy protecting MJ and the girls.

"I was going to leave you for last, Jameson, but since I am here, let's put an end to this," said Smythe, and his legs struck out towards Jonah.

"Jonah!" Marla cried and pushed him to one side.

Jonah's eyes widened in horror as the legs stabbed Marla.

Gwen and Ben quickly jumped at Smythe and took him down, but it was too late.

"Hold on, honey!" Jonah pleaded. "The doctors will be here. You're going to be all right."

"Sssh," said Marla, smiling at him. "The ones, please listen to me. Don't be mad, Jonah… don't blame anyone for this… Spider-Slayers… Spider-Man… Don't even blame Smythe. Don't waste more of your life on hate. I love…"

Her body then went limp, and Jonah cried, cradling her in his arms. MJ helped the girls close to her as they cleaned her.

Peter then slowly approached Jonah. "Jonah, I'm so…"

"I'm not going to say it," Jonah cried.

"Say what?"

"'This all is your fault, Spider-Man.' Because I know this is my fault. My fault. All mine."