章 12: Super Suit
Ren made his way there, his mind buzzing with questions. Upon reaching the office door, he knocked and heard Rick's voice from within.
"Come in."
Ren stepped inside and saw Rick seated at his desk, holding a document. Rick looked up and said, "Sit down, Ren."
Ren took a seat across from Rick, confusion evident on his face. Rick smiled and began, "The x-ray results and other tests have been finalized, and they totally surprised me."
"What do you mean, sir?" Ren asked, leaning forward.
"Well, look at it yourself," Rick said, passing the document to Ren.
Ren opened it and stared in shock at the x-ray images of his back, which showed not only his bones but also four compressed appendages.
"This..." Ren stammered.
"Surprised, aren't we?" Rick said, continuing, "The appendages you have are composed of segmented bone structures, much like the human spine or an insect's exoskeleton. These segments allow the appendages to extend and retract by sliding past each other. Your specialized muscles control this extension and retraction. These muscles are similar to those found in the human tongue or the limbs of certain animals that can retract or extend body parts. They have strong attachment points on your spine and ribcage, providing the necessary leverage and control."
Rick paused, letting the information sink in before continuing, "As for your precise control over them, these appendages are deeply integrated into your nervous system. This involves a complex network of nerves that send and receive signals from your brain to the appendages, allowing for voluntary movement. The appendages retract by folding in on themselves, much like how a bat's wings fold when not in use. This involves the segmented bones and flexible joints collapsing inward, reducing their overall length and width. You have a complicated structure, kid."
"That really is complicated," Ren said, still processing the information.
"But that's just for your appendages. As for your organic webbing, the serum those scientists injected into you contains a mutagenic enzyme or virus that alters your DNA. As a result, your body developed specialized glands on your wrists that produce a silk-like substance. These glands are analogous to the silk-producing glands found in real spiders. The web fluid is expelled through small, spinneret-like openings on your wrists. The webbing is protein-based, similar to spider silk, making it incredibly strong, flexible, and adhesive."
Rick continued, "And for your web-crawling ability, your body has developed tiny hair-like structures called setae on your hands and feet. These setae create van der Waals forces with the surfaces you touch. Van der Waals forces are weak intermolecular forces that, when multiplied by millions of setae, can support your body weight."
"And lastly, your talons. They are composed of keratin, the same protein that makes up human nails and animal claws. This makes them strong, durable, and capable of piercing and gripping surfaces. When retracted, the talons are hidden within sheaths in your fingers and toes. Upon activation, tendons pull the talons out, and ligaments keep them in place."
Ren sat back, trying to absorb everything Rick had explained. "So, I'm like a human-spider hybrid?"
"In many ways, yes," Rick replied and with a serious expression on his face he asked. "Ren, do you want to be a hero?"
Ren felt a surge of excitement at the question. "Uhhm... Mr. Rick, aren't superheroes banned right now?"
Rick sighed, glancing at him. He had expected this question and was prepared with an answer. "The government is planning to bring the supers back," Rick explained. "The crime rate is skyrocketing. The police and the military can't handle it alone. They need the supers' help."
"The government is already cooperating with Winston Deavor," he added. "He's a billionaire businessman and a super fan. He's been working on a project to restore the public's trust and admiration for the supers. He's going to sponsor them and provide them with resources and support."
Ren nodded, understanding. 'So the plot has already started, huh?' he thought. He had heard of Winston Deavor and his company, DevTech. He had seen the commercials and interviews where Deavor praised the supers and advocated for their legalization. He seemed like a good guy, a visionary, a hero.
'But his sister can be classified as the villain of the plot, though,' Ren thought, amused.
"What's your decision, Ren?" Rick asked, bringing him back to the moment.
Ren took a deep breath. "I guess I'll do it. I want to become a hero too."
"That settles it, then," Rick said, standing up. "Now let's go."
"To where?" Ren asked, curious.
"To get you a super suit," Rick replied with a grin.
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