= Chapter 163. Intentions and Accomplishments =
Commentary on Chapter 163. Intentions and Accomplishments If anyone would like to support your favourite and invaluable author with deeds rather than words (although I appreciate comments with your detailed opinion just as much), you are welcome to do so: 5469980470822129 - Sber A few days later.
Early morning.
The rooftops of New York City.
Peter Parker.
- So, functions accounted for, plus wind currents," I say, pushing back the auburn fringes that are in my eyes.
Looks like it's time for a haircut.
Carrier, are you sure you want to waste time on this experiment? - The symbiote said hesitantly.
Scared of heights, Tentacle? - I nudge my partner with my shoulder. - Or do you think that the cover will not take the desired shape?
I don't understand why, you already possess levitation charms and the Force... well, I'm not talking about Space Energy.
That's right, I specified that it's finite," I nod. - The same goes for magic, mana is not inexhaustible, and I usually use it for things more useful than short-term flight.
And flying with telekinesis?
Are you kidding me? I've only recently mastered telekinesis in its...pristine form," I waved it away. - And flying... is too painful.
Just clarifying, - I'm sure that if I could, the clintarian would shrug his shoulders.
Okay, let's not delay, - I slightly arch my back and concentrate, - let's go!
I close my eyes and rocket down in free fall from the fortieth floor.
AND THE WIND RIPPED MY CAP OFF MY HEAD.
If that's a metaphor for your recklessness, it's apt, Bearer!
Stop wailing, Raj, and do something!
In seconds, symbiotic wings grew from my back and a sharp curvature allowed me to change trajectory and gain altitude.
- Ha, it worked! - I reacted violently, flying higher.
It's a pointless risk," snorted the Clintarian.
Come on, Tentacle, it's all calculated, there's no such thing as failure! Besides, the fall wouldn't have killed me, and perhaps I would have had a chance to test the regeneration obtained after the introduction of the lizard serum.
The spider wasn't lying. When my inner Totem absorbed a part of the Lizard Totem, over time I developed abnormal regeneration, I think, like that of the original Lizard.
Even though I couldn't test it yet, it was good that I had some free days to research it. And judging by the readings I've received, I won't be growing scales and a tail in the near future.
You should only be testing theories and research," the symbiote exhaled.
I consider the craving for new things and a healthy desire to study issues thoroughly to be only positive traits," he said, leading with his shoulder blades because of the unfamiliar sensation of wings. - Better get the outgrowths under control, partner, heading for the Frontier! Need to check out some more experiments I've started. Plus my guest.
We got to the bunker in no time, I'd already teleported in. No need to crawl through the sewers, I'm not a Ninja Turtle after all.
- Voice control: Spider-Leader 371, activate power supply," I command my drones.
The lights come on and as I walk to the tables, I look up at the ceiling and walls where several dozen of my Spiderbots are positioned.
- Hi Carl," I wave, glancing at the cage I used to keep Zebediah in. - How are you doing today?
- Oh, hello, Spider," the scientist waved. - I'm fine, the pizza for dinner was delicious, thank you.
- You're welcome," I looked round the instruments. - Did the spiderbots clean up after your meal?
- Everything was done to perfection," the man nodded. - Amazing mechanisms you've created, you can't even tell that they're run by a simple script of the main programme," the blond scratched the back of his head. - Although, what can I understand? I'm a geneticist, not an engineer.
- I've learnt a little technique from a friend," I went to the safe and typed in the code. - I'm sorry, but I've got work to do.
- That's okay," the mutant nods understandingly.
I activate the camera's soundproofing mode and go to the microscope.
It's probably unethical to keep Lycos locked up, but I don't think he minds. After all, while I'm here his dark half, for some reason of its own, isn't taking control of his body, and that's more than enough for Carl. Besides, I'm interested in his work... I'll watch, and then maybe I'll let him near the equipment? Under the careful supervision of my observant subjects.
Did I say subjects?
What are you going to do today, Bearer, try to test the limits of your newfound regeneration? - the blabbermouth of his partner. - The experiment with our wings is off, we're in the lab... oh, have you settled the matter with Mr Grimm or are you planning to start making another suit?
The test tube in your hand didn't bother you? - I'm playing with the vial a little bit.
I'm more confused by the fact that you've locked a pteranodon in here," Raj grinned, judging by his tone. - I mean, why? Wouldn't it be better to, you know, let him go?
We need him alive for now," I drew a small sample into the pipette and dripped it onto the slide. - Besides, I wouldn't want to kill Carl, he's been working on getting rid of his mutation for a long time, but he hasn't succeeded, and now the webworm is afraid to stick his nose out, so maybe we can help each other.
Looking at the blood through the microscope.
There's no doubt it's Hulk blood.
Bruce didn't give me a fake.
Pure sample, all cells, self-repairing, resistant to any environment, heat, pressure... And if you think of the amplification function.
Bearer, you're not planning to inject the Jade Thunderer's blood into yourself like in that film, are you?
That's exactly what I'm planning to do," I screw the zoom in. - After a thorough, very, very, very, very thorough test.
You haven't forgotten what happened that time? I don't think I'd be comfortable cleansing you if there were negative consequences on my own.
I'm sure the Enigma power I'm bottling up right now will be a big help. And, yes, I plan to deal with it before the Cosmic Power leaves me," I exhale. - Intensify like that all the way through, right?
You can't wait to turn into a giant green monster in a fit of rage, can you?
That's where my training lies, Raj," I said, smiling wryly.
Um, Pete, I'm in your head, but I haven't learnt to read minds like you have," the Klyntaran hinted unhappily, wanting an explanation.
It is possible to argue about the nature of forces of our green friend for a long time, but one factor is invariable in its hypostases: the angrier, the stronger... almost always. That's what I plan to build on. Don't worry, no transformations, the Neogenic Spider form is enough for me.
Afterwards, Raj and I exchanged rare phrases, as I was fully immersed in studying the structure of Bruce's blood cells. I was making good progress in this area, because I was a geneticist, and I'd learnt a lot from working with Steve's samples, the Gene Purifier, and my father's work.
It's a bit of a pity, of course, that Bruce's story from my universe is closer to the comic events with that explosion in Mahave because of this circumstance the studies became more thorny, but on the other hand our Hulk is stronger than the guy from the films, and his potential is higher, as well as his abilities.
- So, if you put the cells in this medium, change the enzyme composition and dilute...
I was distracted from my immersive scientific musings by the mask's dial tone.
Ah, bad timing. And it's not even one of the guys in tights, they can be sent, referring to busyness. She's not.
Still, I told you I'd be spending time with my family now, and projects are an afterthought.
- Hey, sis, I'm answering the phone.
- Well, hello, big brother, - came the cheerful and cheerful voice of a French woman. - You have completely forgotten me, you don't call or write.
- Even though I can't see you, something tells me that now you're pouting your lips, - I snicker.
- Well, you've learnt me well, mister," Reza replies with our trademark Parkerian mirth in his voice. - Lunch?
- Hmmm... you know I could, I was just working on an experiment already," I look up at my watch, "huh, five o'clock, it's almost three o'clock.
- Remember that cool restaurant you took me to? - specifies sister
- Of course.
- Meet me there?
- I'll be there in an hour," I end the call.
At this time.
Ravencroft Psychiatric Hospital.
- I don't know, Dr Kafka, do you have to visit that psycho so often, and not alone? - The guard gave the psychologist and her friend a judgemental look.
- Marvin, please, the patient's name is Marcus Leeman," the doctor looked at the man with an even more piercing gaze.
- The Ripper is the Ripper," the brunet snorted. - A disgusting butcher, I hope Jimmy was good to him, he's still young and green," the guard muttered.
- Thanks for coming, Maria," Ashley said to her friend, turning away from her serious and negative companion.
- You asked," Dr Crawford smiled, trying not to show her nervousness.
The procession reached the cell.
- Hey, Jimbo, everything all right? - The guard waved.
The uniformed man, staring at the floor and covering his eyes with his cap, nodded.
At the odd behaviour of his replacement, Marvin just shrugged and walked to the door.
- Stay behind me," the guard nodded to the two women.
The brunet started to enter the code, but the second guard quickly approached and grabbed the man by the head and in one motion snapped Marvin's neck.
- Hello, Dr Kafka," came an emotionless voice.
- Marcus?! - Ashley shrieked in shock, watching her patient let his body fall.
- I think we should talk," Ripper looked around at his attending physician and her shocked friend.
* A little later.
Dancing Under the Moon restaurant.
Spider-Man.
- Finally!" Reza exclaimed as I approached the table. - Give me a hug!
- Whoa, careful sister, you'll crush her," I chuckled, pulling the brown-haired girl close to me in return. - You really have a bear-like grip.
- Oh, shut up! - The younger one punched me in the shoulder with her fist. - I ordered chops with potatoes and sour cream sauce, and to drink Pepsi, I hope I got into something? - Teresa wrinkled her eyebrow a little excitedly.
- It's on target," I said, sitting down across from my sister. - And still, you don't have to look after her like that, Res, though it's very nice," I winked at the slightly embarrassed brown-eyed girl, taking a quick glance around the room as usual.
The cafe is full, not a single free table.
- Yes, I know, it's just that," Reza began nervously rubbing her napkin in her hands. - We don't see each other very often... and I understand everything perfectly well, you have all this history with the company, your scientific projects family and...
- Teresa, - I interrupt the girl, putting my palm over hers. - You're my family too, so don't be afraid to call me and offer to have lunch, go for a walk, watch a film and, of course, come to visit, you don't just not come, do you?
- It's May," sighed her sister, not removing her hand. - I don't think she likes me and I'm uncomfortable even appearing in front of her, it's like I'm a stranger.
- Nonsense! - I waved her off. - You just don't know each other and you're embarrassed to change that.
- Well, in fact, I'm really not related to her at all," the brown-haired girl said sadly.
- You're my own sister, and the only thing that separates us in this respect is the circumstances of growing up separately.
The discussion is interrupted by the arrival of the waiter with our dishes.
- Think about what I said, Frenchwoman," I tie my napkin.
- Whatever you say, American," my sister responded much more cheerfully.
My sister and I began our lunch, rarely exchanging side news and plans.
Everything was going great until a very sweet flavour reached my receptors. At first I thought the cook had experimented with the seasonings, or mixed them up.
And then the strange odour was joined by the unexpected reactions of Spidey Sense.
Raj, review.
I'm on it.
The symbiotic cover was showing under my skin and through the pores I could see 360 degrees without even turning my head.
So, a family with two kids, a chubby guy finishing off a second scoop of ice cream, Jessica Drew ineptly disguised with a wig...
Bingo.
Oh yeah, how could I forget that "Agent Arachne" is spying on my sister on behalf of one of the heads of HYDRA?
By the way, I haven't reported to Ophelia in a while, I forgot that Steve is looking for Bucky, so it would be nice to help out an old friend.
But that's not what this is about.
How could I get away from the spy's table without arousing my sister's suspicion?
- Pete, I need to get to the ladies' room," Reza said, picking up her purse and standing up from the table.
- Oh, sure," I nod.
Sometimes things go right, don't they, Bearer?
Amen, Raj.
Once the younger one is out of my view, I remove my napkin and stand up.
I continue to monitor the situation just in case, but I cut off the Clintar omniscience.
- Excuse me, is this seat taken? - I ask, stopping in front of the blonde spy.
- Actually, I'm waiting for someone," I looked at her with bright green eyes full of undisguised displeasure, but a fake polite smile played on my face.
- I see," I pushed back my chair and sat down. - By the way, blond hair doesn't suit you," I looked at her more closely.
- What do you think you're doing?! - Jess is indignant with true acting talent.
- Let's not break the comedy, - I interlock my palms and put my elbows on the table, - Agent Arachne.
As soon as I finish the sentence, the spider woman's face turns into a cold mask.
- I see your training at Shield didn't go to waste, Mr Parker? - the spy asks in a sly voice.
- You're obviously aware of me," I smile softly. - Just out of curiosity, how big a file on my person has the London branch of HYDRA collected?
- Enough to know that we are not enemies," the natural brunette smiled seductively at me, "Hail HYDRA.
Ha, the phrase is like magic, though, if you remember the training of HYDRA, this phrase alone can turn into a universal soldier devoted to the tentacles with a skull.
- True," I smirk, "but you're spying on my sister, and if you remember that our superiors belong to different departments, by all factors you're an unpleasant competitor at best," I lean back in my chair.
- Mr Parker... You can just call me Peter, right? - The agent held out her palm and flirtatiously took my hand, scratching my skin with her fingernails. - After the Washington Operation, everyone is no longer a competitor, and HYDRA needs unity more than ever," her lips, tinted with pink gloss, said reverently, "we don't have to be enemies.
- Hmm, curious," I raise my eyes to the ceiling and tsk my tongue without removing my hand, "milk chocolate with a bitter citrus flavour... grapefruit? Your pheromones are interesting enough, but, not comprehensive, - I smile at the shocked girl.
- How? - only astonished spider gave out.
- For details later, - I take out a pen from the inner pocket, which I constantly started to carry with me after the beginning of the realisation of the company's affairs, even in theory. - My sister's on her way out now, if she's in good health, but last time I checked, she was," I quickly wrote the address of a warehouse in Northern Manhattan that I'd used more than once for Spider business, as well as one of my work numbers. - The details are on the spot, don't worry, it's not a trap, I don't recommend outsiders, I guarantee that the outcome of the meeting will remain between us, and you have my word that what I tell you may shock you, even make you hate me, Jessica, but that's the nature of the bitter truth, we don't want to hear it, but that's the way it is, have a good evening," I get up from the table. - Call me when you're ready to meet, and just one thing, please stop spying on my sister," I smile and wink.
Or there will be consequences," Raj lingered ominously in my head.
I return to my table with Theresa.
That was a fruitful lunch.
* At the same time.
Otto Octavius' rented flat.
Obsessions, in many ways their nature is pernicious.
One concentrates on what one is drawn to, then over time becomes fixated, cannot think of anything else, and if one is weak in spirit, eventually goes mad.
For Gunther Otto Octavius, such an idea was Spider-Man.
His hated arch-enemy, whose confrontation with him began with Norman Osborn's nudging.
And now, after a humiliating defeat, it had become personal.
Has Dr Octopus gone mad? Even if so, Otto's pride would never allow him to admit it. Especially to himself. So all the worry, the anger, the underlying fear, poured into a plan, in Octavius's opinion, to prove once and for all the undeniable superiority of Dr Octopus's genius to the Spider.
Total replacement.
The technology of personality capture by rewriting one's own consciousness into another's body. A triumph beyond anyone's reach, a complete and unequivocal victory.
It would seem impossible! What level of resources are required? The Sun Power Project seems like nothing.
But the answer came from them, its tentacles. A curse that has become a gift.
It will be a thorny road.
But Otto will get what he wants.
And he, let him live, enjoy it.
While he can.
Tonight.
"The Fringe."
Peter Parker.
Lunch was too good to be true. Just walked Reza home two hours ago. But the time with my sister was worth it.
Plus, the sample research isn't going anywhere.
Oh, and I did pull my finger off.
Barely got Raj to stay put. My injuries were too much stress for a Klyntarian, and my partner was so eager to fix me. Brother.
However, the regeneration took care of itself.
Not lightning fast, but my finger grew back. Yes, it took a dozen minutes, yes, there were some unpleasant facts of the "baby stage" but the fact is.
Even Spidey regeneration can't regrow limbs.
Well, I've reached a new level again.
This kind of development is sometimes frightening," I pondered, burning off the no longer needed index sprout.
As if the universe itself is preparing me for something...
What are your thoughts, Bearer? - my eternal interlocutor asked me a question.
Yes, the thought came again, about how I like to climb...
I was prevented from finishing my statement by an urgent call.
It's an emergency code. And only five people have it.
- I'm listening," I answered, taking off my dressing gown as I went.
My evening research had clearly just finished.
- Ravencroft. I need you, urgently," George Stacey's serious, metallic voice sounded. Commentary on Chapter 163. Intentions and Accomplishments *Jade Wall Climber... Furious Spiderwebber? - .ru/i/pBoQfAzHcYoNeA