The midday light in New York pierced through the gently floating curtains, illuminating the slightly narrow but not overcrowded living room of an ordinary house in Queens District. With its two-story building and a small yard, it wouldn't pass for a villa compared to the houses in the wealthier districts, but it does scrape the threshold of a typical middle-class residence.
A turn signal light from a car blinked once. The man in the driver's seat, Ben Parker, had a touch of grey at his temples. He was a middle-aged man of average height and build, always fond of wearing plaid shirts with jackets, or overalls of various colors. He always had a small tool bag attached to his waist, prepared to perform emergency repairs at any given moment.
In New York, being an electrical engineer isn't an extremely lucrative job, but it's decent and pays well enough to support a family. Although occasionally stretched thin, most other residents in this community are in a similar situation.
These individuals weren't impoverished. They were nowhere near the state of being unable to afford food. That's because they caught the tail end of America's Golden Age in their youth, when a single blue-collar worker's income could support an entire family. Ben Parker was one of these people.
In his youth, he left home early to study and skilfully worked in electrical engineering. Before he was 20, he had independently secured a pretty good-paying job, got married, and the parents of both sides contributed a small sum of money which, as a capital for newlyweds, was used to buy a house and a car, with some additional purchases of financial products for long-term income.
However, this situation only lasted a short while. Ever since the US economy began to decline, with its ability to capitalise globally becoming weaker and weaker, the Golden Age ended and blue-collar workers were no longer as privileged as before. Their income wasn't as high as it once was, but prices had gotten more expensive.
Most residents in this community were in the same predicament: although their incomes were still decent, they had to bear high real estate taxes and insurance, making ends meet required pinching pennies, and by the end of the year, there was still no savings.
Ben Parker removed his hand from the steering wheel, opened the car door and got out, looking back at his Cadillac with a satisfied expression.
This satisfaction wasn't over any bragging rights, despite the achievements of Peter Parker pleasing him greatly, this car had in fact been purchased with his own salary, not Peter's.
Ben Parker had always wanted a Cadillac, but throughout these years, the Parker family's financial situation had left them with no spare capacity to buy a new car. Even the Ford they later bought had been acquired on the secondhand market - as long as it could run, they couldn't care less about the brand or its features.
Standing in front of the car, Ben Parker stared blankly at the Cadillac's emblem. Aunt May, from her vantage point at the second floor window, disapprovingly tapped the balcony rail with a feather duster, noticing this.
Awakened by the sound, Ben Parker looked up at Aunt May, waved, pocketed his keys and quickly walked towards the house entrance.
But just then, Aunt May stopped him, she gestured something at him, and he instantly understood Stephanie's - Peter's girlfriend - must have arrived.
At that moment, the sunlight was just right as it shone on the armrest of the Parker family's couch. Gwen was leaning her arm on it, looking somewhat distressed as she said to Peter, "Great, not only do you have to create an alibi, I have to create one too. I should never have agreed to her when I was going soft!"
Sitting next to her, Peter, who was unwrapping a box of cookies, gave a mirthful smile, "What could be more terrifying than Chief George finding out his daughter's boyfriend is Spider Man? Its him finding out his daughter is also Spider Man!"
Gwen pushed him slightly, glanced left and right to make sure no one was watching, then said in a slightly annoyed tone, "Stop laughing, you have experience in this, start thinking of a way to help me. My dad'll figure it out sooner or later!"
Shaking his head, Peter said, "I realised that before you did, so I've given up. The truth that there are over 200 Spider Man in New York can't be hidden; you'd better prepare some blood pressure medicine."
Dressed in a floral dress, Gwen slumped to one side of the armrest, propping her head with her hand, and said weakly, "My dad'll go crazy, he really will. I mean, over 200 Spider Man, he'd be overwhelmed!"
Suddenly, as if she remembered something, Gwen turned to Peter and asked, "Weren't you planning on buying a new house for your aunt and uncle? Have you chosen a location yet?"
"It's not me buying, my uncle is considering moving." Peter took a cookie from a box of treats from another cosmos and handed it to Gwen, then said, "Ever since he changed jobs, his income has increased by a lot and his benefits have improved. First he bought a new car, and now he plans to move to a more spacious house."
"Uncle Ben got a new job?" Gwen asked, mildly surprised, "Wasn't he working at the New York Power Management Bureau before? I think he was doing emergency repairs for municipal facilities?"
"Yes, but that job is tiring, dangerous, and doesn't pay much." Peter made a face and added: "If it weren't for the subsidies in winter and summer, he wouldn't have wanted to do it. After all, he used to be an electrical engineer at a big company, it was only when the company went bankrupt during the economic crisis and he unexpectedly lost his job. Then, in great haste in order to provide for me and Aunt May, he had to quickly find another job."Peter broke off a piece of biscuit and popped it into his mouth, recalling, "It must have been when I was still in elementary school. Uncle Ben stayed with us for a while. Those were lean times and we were utterly broke. Left with no choice, he found a job to get us through the difficult period."
"But when the hard times were over, he had aged more. Despite his expansive experience, he lacked professional qualifications, and many private companies were reluctant to employ such a worker. Hence, he settled for a job as a power grid repairman."
"So why is he thinking of changing his job now?" Gwen enquired.
"He didn't initially want to change jobs." Peter sighed, "Ever since many interstellar transport routes were established, due to their advanced technology which doesn't align with New York's slightly outmoded electrical grid, power outages started occurring frequently."
"Although the implementation of new energy sources has been placed on the agenda, unfortunately, replacing the grid for an entire city isn't that simple. So now, we can only make do with what we have."
"But when something breaks, it can't just be left broken; it still has to be repaired. Stark had installed alarm bells in the New York Power Management Bureau, but there's not a moment in the 24 hour day when the bells aren't ringing. Problems are springing up everywhere, and that includes the company my uncle works at."
"Their team consists of over 60 electricians and apprentices, yet even when every one of them is mobilized, it's still not enough. The problem lies in the fact that during each repair, they've already fixed half of the breakdowns and can quickly complete those. But the other half of the malfunctions involve more advanced technology, which no one understands. All they can do is wait for Stark Group to send a technician."
"Wait!" Gwen interrupted Peter, "Why not just have Stark send technicians? Isn't it true that anti-monopoly laws have made exceptions for companies like Stark?"
Peter shook his head, "Didn't we all work for Stark Group? Don't you know? Those so-called 'technicians' from Stark Group are really researchers. It's straightforward for them to design circuit diagrams and explain principles, but hands-on repairing is hard for them; they could literally electrocute themselves."
"Now, the biggest problem with power failures in New York is that experienced electricians don't understand the new technology, and young researchers who understand these technologies don't know how to repair them. Both sides have to struggle together for hours just to fix a minor problem."
Gwen sighed, nodded, and said, "If that's the case, it really is a big problem. You still haven't explained the relevance of any of this with Uncle Ben's new job."
"I was just about to," Peter said, but Aunt May, beaming, came over with two cups of tea. Placing the cups in front of them, she gently clapped her hands, "Biscuits should be eaten with tea, as the British say."
Peter picked up the tea cup and gulped down the contents, Aunt May gently tapped his shoulder, giving Peter a glance hinting that he shouldn't be so uncouth in front of his girlfriend.
Peter wiped his mouth and said, "My uncle simply couldn't stand the situation any longer. He felt it was entirely a waste of time. As a result, he picked a researcher at random and made him explain all the details about the technology used at the shuttle platforms."
"In fact, the circuit technology used at the shuttle platforms isn't complicated and hasn't fundamentally changed from the previous principles. It only presents different characteristics because some critical technologies adopt new materials for conductors and lines. Experienced electricians could understand it after getting their hands on it a few times."
"Uncle Ben would grab onto the young Stark Group technicians whenever he met them and have them explain things to him. Before long, he became the most efficient repairman in their power management bureau, even becoming an expert in the repair of shuttle platforms."
"As time went on, Uncle Ben got better and better. Other personnel of the Power Management Bureau were already at the point where they'd call him whenever they encountered operational problems."
"With such skills, it would be difficult not to get a promotion. Nowadays, my uncle is a senior technical consultant in the Interstellar Transport Technology Power Service Department of the New York Power Management Bureau. This was a job traditionally held by electrical engineering professors. It's respectable and well-paying without being very exhausting; all he has to do is help answer difficult technical questions."
Peter chuckled, "Right now, my uncle is in charge of training nine apprentices. They keep running back and forth among all the interstellar transport route stations throughout New York to rapidly accumulate technical experience for these apprentices, so they can graduate sooner. The Power Management Bureau keeps pressing this matter. They're so desperate for workers they'd do anything!"
Gwen initially started asking questions out of concern for Peter's relatives. But the more she heard, the more engrossed she became. When the conversation reached this point, she couldn't help asking somewhat doubtfully, "Is the Power Management Bureau really short-staffed?"
"Absolutely. And not just the Power Management Bureau." Uncle Ben's voice echoed from the door. He hung up his coat, placed his tool bag on the ground, and said, "I just returned from the Shuttle Boarding Center in the Queens District. Old Pence from the Transportation Management Bureau has complained to me for the eighth time about the lack of platform security officers and has asked me if I have any relatives or friends to recommend."
Gwen slowly furrowed her brows, as if she had thought of something. She asked, "Since there's such a shortage of staff everywhere, why are there constant protests in the Bronx because of unemployment issues?"
However, the smart lady soon figured out the crux of the matter. So, she looked at Ben Parker and asked, "Do all these vacant positions require specialized skills?"
Ben Parker was taken aback but after a bit of recollection, he said, "My department at the New York Power Management Bureau indeed has quite a few positions that require certain expertise. After all, when dealing with electrical work, one must have relevant knowledge, even if they're just receptionists."
"However, the New York Power Management Bureau has always provided training services. The training, in the past, had higher entry barriers; you needed certain qualifications and ages were restricted to around 20 to 30 years old, as that's the age one learns most rapidly."
"Because of a severe personnel shortage, they have lowered the training age limit to between 16 to 38 years old, and it can be extended to 48 for those with relevant experience."
"One of my colleagues used to work in the railway department. He is already 45. The department started losing steam once space trains appeared, salaries dropped, so he came here for training. He's been on the job for a month now and is doing quite well."
"For jobs like platform safety officers at the Transit Authority, everyone has to go through three months of training regardless of who they are. There are no huge technical requirements, the job is to stand on the platform, reminding passengers not to get too close to the flightline and landing points. What technical difficulty is there in that?"
Gwen rubbed her jaw in thought while Ben Parker had already sat across from her on the sofa. He said, "The New York Power Management Bureau collaborates with developers and contractors. Many of the apprentices under me are dispatched from local contractors."
"They're young, some have just finished high school and some others come from decent households, better off than the Parker House."
"However, their parents are about my age, coming from the golden era. They are fully aware that it's a good opportunity to keep up with the wave of the era, learning a new skill is better than anything. It is the same as when they were young, and that's why they strived to get into the power system to familiarize themselves with new technology."
"In fact, it's working. After all, getting into the Stark Group by studying is too hard. Not everyone has such brainpower and talent, right, Peter?"
Peter shyly lowered his head. Aunt May slapped Ben Parker on the back. He coughed lightly, toned down his proud smile, and said, "Of course, although I'm proud of my nephew's genius mind, the other youngsters aren't too bad either."
"Young people always absorb knowledge well and are full of energy. Just a few months learning from experienced technicians will do the trick. Their parents made the right choice, and their situation is somewhat similar to when I was young."
Ben Parker put on a nostalgic look and said with a touch of emotion, "When I was young, the job situation was pretty good in New York. It was common for young people to leave home as soon as they came of age, making a living on their own without help from their parents."
"It was mainly because everywhere was hiring with good conditions. No qualifications were needed, just knowing a skill was enough to support a family easily, just like me."
Then Ben Parker sighed, "But it wasn't the same afterward. Not only did job opportunities shrink, many companies went bankrupt. Homeless unemployed people were everywhere. Fortunately, I had a skill that came in handy, or else I really didn't know how I could have raised you."
"Was unemployment high then?" Gwen asked again.
"Are you asking about when I was young?" Ben Parker thought for a moment and said, "There were always unemployed people, but in our time, most people who refused to work were either drunks or gamblers. As long as one was physically capable and mentally sound, you could find a decent job."
"If you can exchange an easy job for a stable life, who wouldn't do that?" added Peter, shrugging his shoulders.
Gwen's eyebrows stayed furrowed. She took up the responsibility of accepting tasks on behalf of Gwen Spiderman, joined the New Warriors team for spider points, and investigated the frequent protests erupting in the Bronx.
After some investigations, she found that someone might indeed be instigating the protestors behind the scenes, causing the crowd to become more agitated and expressing their anger through violence.
If you were to say they were trying to escalate the situation to fight for their rights, it wouldn't be entirely correct. There were plenty of journalists in the Bronx, but none of the protestors could articulate what they wanted.
They kept saying that at least they had jobs in the past, but times have changed, they don't even have jobs anymore, they can't even support themselves and their families, so hasn't the era changed for the worse?
Since the old era was good and the new era is bad, why can't we return to the old era and let them continue living their stable lives?
This is the logic they continue to repeat. Their main focus is not how to fight for their interests in the new era, but they want the environment to return to a state they can adapt at.
And various media and hidden forces continue to fan the flames, greatly exaggerating the idea to the extreme. It's gotten to the point where they want to loot and destroy the artifacts of the new era.
Nobody has ever told them that the era will not go backward, and now is the golden time to seize a better life in the new era. Ben Parker is a perfect example of this.
Although he inherently had some skills, if he didn't actively learn and seize opportunities to integrate into this era, then he probably wouldn't have been able to attain the better life he has now.
But on the other hand, is it the protestors' fault for not realizing this themselves?
Gwen was lost in thought, her brow furrowed. She wondered if the contents of the newspapers they see, the news pushed to their phones, the daily discussions with their neighbors, didn't include this reminder?
Didn't it remind them that as long as they attempt to actively integrate into the new era, there will be more and better positions waiting for them? Even if they themselves can no longer make changes, they could at least cultivate the younger generation and let their children gain an advantage as early as possible?
Why don't they realize that they're going against the wind? Didn't they realize that if they don't seize the opportunity now, they will be eliminated by the era?
Is it because they're foolish themselves and don't bother thinking, or is it due to various obstacles that prevent them from realizing it?
"Who's to blame for all this?" Gwen mumbled to herself softly.
Just as Gwen was deep in thought, Peter suddenly exclaimed. He got up from the sofa, walked over to the kitchen window and looked out.
"My God, isn't that Iron Man and the Supreme Magician? Why are they fighting again?!" Peter said helplessly: "I thought things would get better after I came back from the 2099 cosmos, but they're still fighting!"
Gwen woke up from her contemplation, stood up and walked over to the window to look out. She saw two shadows chasing each other across the skyline. Leading the chase was the Supreme Magician, who was waving red ribbons, and chasing behind him was Iron Man, wearing his advanced Iron Armor.
Watching them battle in the sky, Gwen didn't react at first, but then her face changed, exclaiming, "Oh no, they're heading towards the Bronx, we can't let them go there!"
Peter paused, then said, "Why? Are you worried they're going to hurt people? Don't worry, everyone can fly now. They will control their altitude during fights and won't endanger people on the ground."
"No, I mean, the Bronx is packed with reporters now. If they catch a snapshot of these two fighting and put it on the newspaper, the crowd will say 'ordinary people are struggling in the mud, while superheroes are only engaged in infighting', they would absolutely do such a thing!"
Gwen ran a hand through her hair, gave Peter a look, and Peter immediately turned around and said, "Aunt and uncle, Gwen and I are going to go for a walk. I have something to talk to her about. We'll be back before dinner."
"Off you go, off you go. " Ben Parker waved to them. As the two young people walked out, he said with a chuckle: "When your Aunt May and I were young, we were just like you guys, always having endless things to talk about."
"But now you don't even consult with me before buying such a gas-guzzling car!"
"I did discuss it with you!"
Amid their bickering, Gwen and Peter casually left the house as if they were leisurely going out for a stroll. After they were out of the sight of Ben Parker and Aunt May, they swiftly took out their folded battlesuits.
Gwen threw the little piece of paper in her hand, and in an instant, Gwen Spiderman's battlesuit was equipped onto her body. Peter's eyes widened, looking up and down at his girlfriend as if she was a stranger, then he cried out, "Cool!"
Proudly adjusting the Spider Silk Launcher mounted on her wrist, Gwen replied, "I'm not your delicate lady anymore, see you!"
With a shot of Spider Silk, Gwen swung up into the air. Spiderman didn't want to be outdone. The two zoomed along the skyline of New York, resembling intertwined falling meteors, their pursuit of each other adding a fascinating dynamic.
"Hey, how are you doing so many tactical moves?" Spiderman shouted. "I remember you aren't good at sports or gymnastics, right?"
"It's the battlesuit that does it!" Gwen swung out a beautiful arc, answering, "Just like Mr. Stark doesn't know how to fight hand-to-hand. There's nothing technology can't solve!"
"Wow!" Spiderman broke into a brilliant smile.
He then shot out another strand of Spider Silk, albeit at a slightly off angle. As he swung sideways, one hand wrapped around Gwen's waist. Gwen let out a yell, and in the end, the two dropped straight down. Just before they hit the pavement, they swung up high again.
"How was that?!"
"Not bad...I mean, not bad at all!"
"You're becoming a bad influence!"
"You started it earlier than me!"
The two, one in front and one behind, swung to the Bronx district as fast as they could. By this time, the New Warriors Team was already waiting on the rooftops. They too had noticed the two mega-superstars having a brawl in the New York sky.
After retracting her telescope, Nightingale spoke with a puzzled look: "Why would Iron Man want to fight the Supreme Magician? I mean, why would they fight over a dozen times in one month? What deep-seated feud can't they settle?"
Standing behind her was not a member of the New Warriors Team, but Treasure Woman Jessica. The long-haired girl in a cloak sighed: "In the past, they fought, no big deal. Ordinary people weren't affected, and the fights provided them with some post-dinner entertainment."
"But is this the time for a brawl? Ordinary people are marching for their careers below, while superheroes are throwing punches in the sky. Even if they're practicing combat skills, it's not okay. The reporters are bound to go crazy again."
Xu Shang-Chi also looked up at the grand fireworks show in the sky. To him, this indeed appeared to be nothing more than a fireworks show. The fight scene between the two was completely different from what he'd seen in movies.
If he remembered correctly, shouldn't the Supreme Magician be using something called Mirror Space? Iron Man was just doing some maneuvers, firing some missiles that's all.
But why are these two making such a grand spectacle of themselves in mid-air?