Chapter 12: Machine Man 12
Inside the HK-Aerial, amidst the hum of its high-tech machinery, Specter and Spider-Man engaged in conversation when an unexpected sound caught their attention. A distinct knocking echoed from the Javelina.
Gwen Stacy's voice cut through the metallic confines of the vehicle, "Hey, can you let me out now?"
Specter, turning towards the Javelina, addressed Skynet, "Can you open the door for Miss Stacy please. "
Spider-Man, hearing the exchange, couldn't help but react with surprise, "Did you just say Stacy and with a pause he exclaimed Skynet? Isn't that from the movies?"
Gwen nodded with a smile, "Yeah, it's an A.I. created by Specter."
Spider-Man's eyes widened, "You can't be serious."
Amused by the reactions, Specter joined the conversation, "Believe it or not, I made a real Skynet. It manages most of my equipment and vehicles, including the Javelina the muscle car and this Aircraft the HK-Aerial that we are currently on."
Seated inside the HK-Aerial, Spider-Man took a moment to explain the situation with the lizard. "You see, the lizard is Dr. Connors. He used an experimental serum meant for regrowing limbs, but things went haywire, and now he has transformed into that creature."
Gwen, absorbing the information, questioned, "Is there a cure for him?"
Spider-Man sighed, "Yes, there is, but it's not that simple. We need to get him to a secure place where we can administer the antidote without putting others at risk."
Specter, listening intently, added, "We can take him to a secure facility. Skynet can help you analyze the serum and work on a cure."
Specter turned to Spider-Man, "What do you need to create the antidote?"
Spider-Man pondered for a moment, "Most of the required equipment and chemicals are at Oscorp. It won't be easy to get in there, but we have to try."
Gwen, determined to contribute, spoke up, "I can get them. I know my way around the labs; I used to intern there."
As the three of them were having a conversation. Within the Triskelion headquarters of S.H.I.E.L.D, Maria Hill urgently approached Nick Fury's office, concern etched on her face. "Director Fury, we've got a situation. Our radar detected a UFO flying at Mach 3, but the signal just vanished."
Fury, always composed, raised an eyebrow. "A UFO? Details, Hill. What did we see?"
Hill quickly briefed him, "It was a fast-moving unidentified aircraft, sir. No transponder, no flight plan. We were about to scramble jets for interception, but the signal disappeared abruptly."
Fury leaned back in his chair, contemplating the information. "Could it be a glitch in the radar system?"
Maria Hill concurred This doesn't look like a glitch or a random occurrence. While maria was speaking, Agent Coulson entered Director Fury's office with a sense of urgency. He brought up a video on his tablet, showing the HK-Aerial taking off. The sleek and advanced aircraft lifted from the ground with an otherworldly grace, its chameleon cloak revealing its form for a brief moment. Coulson described it to Fury, emphasizing its cutting-edge design, two massive engines on the sides, and the absence of conventional fuel sources.
"Director Fury, we've got a situation here," Coulson stated, concern etched on his face. "This unknown aircraft is raising eyebrows online, and people are speculating all sorts of things. We need to get ahead of this and find out more about its origins and connections."
Fury listened intently; his eye narrowing as he processed the information. "No conventional fuel, advanced design... Could be Stark tech, but it's not matching any of our known profiles. Keep an eye on it, Hill. If it resurfaces, I want to know about it immediately."
He leaned back in his chair, his eye fixed on the video. "Get our best tech teams on this. We need to know who's behind that aircraft and what they're up to. This might be bigger than we thought."
As the agents dispersed to carry out their orders, the tension in the room lingered, knowing that the unexpected disappearance of the UFO signal might signify a more significant threat on the horizon.
As the HK-Aerial approached the Arasaka Tower, its chameleon cloak concealing its presence, Spider-Man and Gwen couldn't contain their surprise.
Spider-Man, wide-eyed, turned to Gwen, "Wait, why are we going in there? Do you know anything about our friend Alex?"
Unfazed, Alex, taking off his helmet, revealed a confident smile, "Of course, I know. It's a me, Alex." Then, with a mischievous grin, Alex added, "I didn't know you and Gwen are dating, Peter."
Shock set in, leaving both Gwen and Peter speechless. The awkward silence was punctuated by the evident blushes on their faces, caught off guard by the unexpected revelation.
Peter couldn't help but ask, "Wait, won't we be seen when we land there? Even if we're concealed using your advanced stealth tech, they might still spot us."
Alex couldn't help but be amused at what Peter just said. This guy who wears his costume back and forth in his house is concerned about being stealthy? Alex replied to Peter's inquiry, saying, "You don't have to worry. The top of the tower has a hologram that conceals anything on it. As long as we're at the top of the tower, we'll be automatically be hidden from any prying eyes."
As the group makes its way down the tower using a hidden elevator, Gwen couldn't help but comment, "Wait, you have an underground bunker mansion in your building? Are you preparing for a nuclear fallout?"
Alex nonchalantly replied, "Of course. You can never be too prepared for anything."
Peter couldn't help but be amazed and chuckled, "You sure act like you're Batman."
While they were talking, Gwen couldn't help but look at the numbers displayed on the elevator. "Wait, there is still a floor underneath this? How did you achieve this?"
Alex replied with a smirk, "Money. Lots of money."
Peter asked, "Won't people find out? And is this legal?"
Alex just shrugged and said, "With money, you can achieve almost anything. Plus, they only know about the mansion. As for the lower floors, I did it with the help of Skynet. Luckily, just below the building, there's an abandoned tunnel from World War II."
Underneath Arasaka Tower in Alex's secret base, Peter couldn't help but marvel at the impressive surroundings. Gwen, too, found herself glancing around in awe while looking around at the expansive underground bunker. The air was cool, and the soft glow of computer screens illuminated the vast space filled with cutting-edge technology. Skynet, the advanced AI system, controlled the massive computer in the center of the room, surrounded by holographic displays.
The walls were lined with various high-tech gadgets, futuristic grenades, and an array of advanced weaponry. Specialized guns and equipment filled the shelves, showcasing Specter's dedication to advanced crime-fighting. In one corner, a rotating platform where the sleek Quadra Javelina just park itself, revealing the underground base's strategic capabilities which seems to be connected to various tunnels. The atmosphere exuded both awe and intimidation as Peter and Gwen marveled at the futuristic arsenal.
Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "So, how long have you known it was Peter?"
Alex, with a cheeky smile, responded, "Is that what you want to ask, or the part where I know you two are dating?"
Caught off guard, Peter interjected, "How did you know I was Spider-Man?"
Alex, activating a hologram, revealed Spider-Man's crime-fighting patterns. "I was analyzing the pattern of your movements, minimizing the locations. I found that you always come from the same place, and it all leads back to here in Queens and who got bitten by radioactive spider that live in Queens?"
As Peter and Gwen exchanged surprised glances, they realized that their secret weren't as concealed as they thought.
Peter, realizing his earlier oversight, admitted, "I'll definitely be more careful, Alex."
Alex grinned and offered, "You can use my base if you need to, Peter. It's connected to the underground tunnels of New York. It will it help you cover your tracks and feel free to upgrade your suit with my equipment. I don't want my friend getting shot."
Gwen, intrigued by the conversation, chimed in, "Skynet mentioned cyberware implants. Are you, like, part machine, Alex? Does it affect you negatively in anyway? Gwen with worry bombarded Alex with lots of questions"
Alex sighting acknowledging her and Peters worries, delve into the details and explained. "My cyberware operates like mechanical organs. I have various implants throughout my body, such as those in my Frontal Cortex an Operating System, Arms and Legs. Each plays a crucial role, enhancing my overall capabilities."
He gestured towards the holographic images, providing a visual representation to some of cyberware implants in his body like his Arm. Gwen and Peter, fascinated by the intricacies of the cybernetic enhancements, listened attentively as Alex continued his explanation on how they work, avoiding crucial details on their construction and other sensitive information.
This was the best he could do, giving them basic details to avoid worrying them about him having machine parts for organs, even though they were friends and like a family. Alex couldn't be too careful, especially with Spider-Man; you never know if the version in front of you will turn into a villain or not. Plus, the main reason he did this is to show Peter, just in case he goes rogue; he hopes that there is someone who can stop him.
With a chuckle, Alex invited, "Let me show you something that can be easily seen without cutting me open, shall we?" Extending his left arm, the silver liquid coating slowly receded, revealing the internal components beneath.
"As you know, I had an accident that left me with just one arm," Alex explained. "So, I pushed myself to learn anything I could, and that led to the development of all this." His mechanical arm stood as a testament to his determination and ingenuity. Gwen and Peter observed in awe as Alex demonstrated the capabilities of his cyberware.
Peter can't help but ask, why do all this? I get you made a mechanical arm due to your condition but why install more?
Alex excited change the display on his eyes took on a more machine like appearance and answered, From the moment I lost my arm, I understood the weakness of my flesh, it disgusted me. I craved the strength and certainty of steel. I aspired to the purity of the blessed machine.
Peter looking at Alex not knowing what to say, just made the sign of the Aquila, he crosses his arms like doing a bird shadow puppet. And said There is no truth in flesh, only betrayal. Praise the Omnissiah.
Gwen glanced at the two, feeling a bit weirded out. "What are you guys doing?" she inquired.
Peter, in a moment of geeky excitement, declared, "He said the thing."
Alex proudly affirmed, "Yes, I said the thing."
Curious, Gwen asked, "What thing?"
Peter, somewhat embarrassed due to his overflowing enthusiasm, explained, "It's a quote from the Mechanicus, you know, Warhammer 40k."
Gwen shook her head, dismissing the nerdy diversion. "Alright, enough with the 'thing.' Let's focus on the big problem at hand. Dr. Connors hasn't been cured yet," she suggested to both Peter and Alex.
Meanwhile, lost in thought, Peter found himself contemplating the transformation of his friend and examining Alex's cyberware implants with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Noticing Peter's preoccupation, Gwen nudged him with her elbow, bringing him back from his musings. "I still can't believe you did all this in just a few years," Peter admitted, his curiosity evident.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone