Chapter 6: One Shot 1/2

Power Without Question – Chapter 6: One Shot

Author's Note: All properties are the rights of their respective owners, Marvel, Respawn Entertainment, etc. I don't have a whole lot to add other than that I like this chapter, there's no shootout so it's a little bit different. Also, as of this point in time all previous chapters have been updated to match the new format and added entries from 'Cooper's Logbook' to every chapter to serve as flat exposition and add a bit more of the protagonists dry sense of humor.

I've also decided to list out entries here by the chapter they've been added to so you can go back straight the ones you want.

Chapter 1 - Pilots

Chapter 2 - Jump Kit & Smart Pistol MK6

Chapter 3 - Tactical Ability: Phase Shift & Melee Weapons

Chapter 4 - Marauder Corps and Tactics

Chapter 5 - Armor & Tactical Ability: Pulse Blade

The chapter title is a song by Lansdowne that, if you asked me about it in person, I will deny having ever heard of, listened to, or liked. But this isn't real life, so I can admit that it is kinda catchy and has a groovy riff. And you can probably guess who I'm referencing with this one.

(4/15/20: Made a few tweaks and improvements.)

Power Without Question – Chapter 6: One Shot

One shot and she's feeling better

Two shots and she's on a role

Three shots and she's begging me to go

Give me a Hell Yeah she's my kind of woman

After nightfall, Cooper was in his armory, sitting on a stool wearing his newly repaired armor with a bevy of replacement parts and twirling his data knife. "So you can't make heads or tails of that data?" he asked finally.

"Correct Pilot Cooper" responded the Vanguard Titan. "My databanks have algorithms that I have modified to locate likely enemy positions based off of reported contacts to find previous targets" explained the Titan. "However, effective analysis and interpretation of this data requires extensive modification of my existing capability."

Matthew sighed, "All of this over some shipping manifests?" he asked dubiously. The blue eye 'nodded' in response. That was the majority of the data that he had pulled from the distribution center. Items coming in and out, most of it old, and neither the Pilot nor Titan were able to make anything out of it. "So what would it take to get something from that?"

The Titan blinked a few times as the machine contemplated. "There exists several options Pilot" he responded. "I have calculated the best course of action is to seek out help from an expert in the city."

"That could work" mused Cooper as he thought over the suggestion. "We're looking for an info broker, analyst, or an investigator…" he said as the lightbulb went on and he stopped tossing the knife as he looked straight at BT. "Maybe an investigative reporter?" he said, a knowing smile on his face as he sheathed the blade.

"That is an acceptable choice, did you have a specific one in mind?" asked the Machine.

The Renegade Gunslinger only smiled.

Mary Jane Watson sat cross-legged on her sofa, buried deep in her work while a light snow fell outside, the small TV giving some idle background noise. She growled in frustration as she looked down at her laptop, her sources continued to stonewall her.

There had to be something going on with the Fisk Distribution Center that burned to the ground last night. She had gone there in the day to find the entire property covered in NYPD and fire department investigators and no amount of prodding or pleading got her anywhere. She had called her sources after that and the last of them had just come back with what had become a familiar canned response about how it was still under investigation and an official statement was forthcoming. The Marauder had not been sighted in several days, and she had already gone to Jameson to ask for a different assignment, but the tirade she had gotten in response had been vehement and absolute. Something told her that this had been the vigilante's doing, he must have connected the Kingpin as Fisk and made a move.

The Redhead picked up the remote and began flipping idly through channels when she heard a tapping on her apartment window. Smiling at the pleasant surprise, expecting an unannounced visit from her Boyfriend as she stood up and went to the window. Opening it, she expected to be greeted by the red spandex clad superhero, but instead was met with nothing. "Peter?" she called out tentatively only to hear someone clear their throat off to the side.

She gasped when she realized she was staring face to visor with the Marauder, the vigilante had what looked like the reverse, 'pick,' side of an axe buried in the brick and was hanging on the implement casually. "Good Evening Miss Watson" he said politely, knocking Mary Jane from her stupor. "May I come inside? I have a proposition you might be interested in."

The reporter nodded dumbly, stepping aside as the Marauder removed the axe from the wall and launched himself towards the window, grabbing hold of the windowsill and pulling himself up and into her apartment. Now fully lit and standing in front of her she could see exactly who it was she had been tasked to expose. The green fatigues, grey armor, strange pack on his lower back, orange and white SMG slung over his shoulder, and the now famous MCOR logo over his heart were just as imposing as she had heard.

He sure did look the part of 'menace' if MJ was being honest, every part of his gear looked to be utilitarian and fulfill a purpose, more rough and ready than most of Spider-man's suits. "You…you're him" she finally stammered as the ruggedly equipped man turned to look at her for a moment before merely shrugging in response. "The Marauder" she clarified, only slightly annoyed that he seemed to have a sense of humor too.

"I must admit, I'm growing fond of the moniker" he replied thoughtfully before shaking his head and squaring up to the journalist. "But yes, you know me as 'The Marauder', and as I said, I have a proposal to make."

"Alright then" answered Watson, the shock now wearing off as she motioned for him to take a seat while returning to the couch. He sat in the recliner opposite the coffee table, taking the weapon from his back and leaning against said table. "What kind of proposal exactly?" she asked cautiously.

"I assume you are aware of the fire that occurred last night?" he questioned; MJ nodded as he leaned forwards in the chair. "That fire was the result of a few errant rounds during a firefight in a secret area under the facility. I may have hit the ammo depot" he admitted, though Watson could almost see the cheeky grin underneath the helmet.

The Bulge reporter tilted her head in a questioning manner, "and you came by just to tell me this?" she asked.

The Marauder chuckled lightly, "hardly, I'm here because I need your help" he said as he reached into a pouch and tossed something to the redhead. "I pulled everything from their system before the building did its best Dante's Inferno impression" he explained as Watson eyed the flash drive she had caught wearily.

She turned back to the vigilante who sat motionless as he awaited her response. Mary Jane wasn't going to willingly pass up a golden opportunity, but there was no such thing as free when it came to this sort of thing. "While I appreciate you coming here to give me this" she said, "I'm not that naïve, what's in it for you?"

"That's easy" he replied with a chuckle, "truth be told, I just point and shoot. I don't have a clue what any of that data means. Which is why I need your help. Do your investigative journalist voodoo bullshit and call me when you have something that tells me where to go and who to shoot" he said as he wrote down a number on a pad of paper on the table. "In return, everything on that drive is yours to use for your story."

Watson tried to scrutinize the man, but no emotion made it past his armor and helmet. "Alright then, let's take a look" she agreed as she plugged in the drive and pulled up the contents. "Looks like shipping manifests…a lot of shipping manifests" she said as she skimmed over a few. "What exactly are you expecting to find?"

"I know for a fact Kingpin is bringing in weapons, lots of weapons" he began. "And because of the way that facility went up I know they were using it at some point in the chain. I'm hoping from there you can find some of the other links" he explained. Watson raised an eyebrow as if to say 'is that all?' which drew a chuckle from the vigilante. "If this goes well then, I'll bring you any new info I find, is that fair?" he asked.

Truth be told, Mary Jane thought it was, but she took a calculated risk and pushed for more. "You think there really is something big going on?" she asked. He simply nodded as the reporter couldn't totally suppress a predatory grin. "Then at the end of it all I want an interview and your full story, deal?" she asked as she reached out while the grin turned into an innocent smile, going so far as to bat her eyelashes for added effect.

The Marauder gave a full laugh as he shook the offered hand firmly, "you drive a hard bargain Watson" he chided dryly before standing and heading back to the window. "Let's keep this between us, can I count on you to keep the arrangement a secret?" he asked. MJ nodded vigorously, the Marauder responded with a thumbs up before giving the journalist a quick half salute and casually jumping out the window, the pack on his back throwing out licks of blue flame before he fell out of view.

A pair of brown eyes slowly and groggily opened as the pair of attached ears registered a slow steady beeping and Captain Watanabe's brain finally put two and two together while pushing the last vestiges of grogginess from her mind. She began going back through what she remembered before losing consciousness, confronting the Marauder in the smoke-filled room before he vanished and left them to run for their lives as the cops realized they were standing on top of an inferno. The floor giving way and she fell to what she believed would be her death.

Despite her best efforts, the only other thing she could remember was looking up into the glowing blue visor and not being terrified. As for why she couldn't remember, a look in the mirror showed that her forehead had several stitches in it, and only now did she realize she was hooked up to a respiratory machine with a tube up her nose. She was knocked from her observations by the sound of the door opening and an older man walked into the room, judging from what he was wearing, clipboard in hand, and stethoscope around his neck, she had a guess as to who he was. "Good Morning Captain" said the man as he looked at the IV that was hooked up to her, "I'm Doctor Richardson, I've been taking care of you for the last day and a half" he said as he made a note.

He then looked at the monitors as he adjusted his glasses, "I know you have questions, but tell me, what's the last thing you remember?" he asked.

"Falling into the basement of the Fisk Distribution Center" she answered as the doctor 'hmmed' and made another note as he pushed his glasses back up. "How did I get here Doc?" she asked.

The older man frowned, "I'm not sure, I haven't heard much, but there is something I need to check on. You've got something in your system, something I've never seen before. But it's the reason smoke inhalation didn't kill you. Any idea what this could be?"

Watanabe shook her head, that came as news to her. Richardson gave a consolatory smile, "It's alright, I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that everything looks good, I should be able to release you in a few hours, you'll be cleared to return to work tomorrow" he said. "In the meantime, you'll be kept under observation, would you like some TV?"

Watanabe nodded as the doctor turned on the small screen on the opposite wall. "News please" she asked as the Doctor nodded and turned over to a local channel before placing the remote within reach and leaving without another word.

"…other news, Mayor Osborn announced that a special NYPD task force is being created to counter the threat posed by the vigilante known as 'The Marauder.' Who is the primary suspect in the fire that occurred at a Fisk Industries Distribution Center as well as several dozen other murders across the city.

The move has garnered support and criticism. Some even suggesting that Spider-Man should be asked for assistance…"

Yuri sighed, the NYPD Captain would be coming out of the frying pan and going into the fire.

Cooper jabbed the throttle, the subsequent growl and rumble of the V-10 up front momentarily dispelled his unease as the red Viper cruised through the streets of Manhattan. The Pilot was admittedly nervous, tonight was not usual.

"Hey Matt, its Peter Parker. MJ and I are going out with a few of her coworkers from the Bugle tonight. Just wanted to extend an invite, see if you'd like to come, we're meeting at that place we met, Club Solar, at 9. Please come if you can, otherwise I'll be the only guy there and it could get awkward."

Parker and Cooper had been and touch and the two shared a few beers since they met. The two had swapped stories about being nerds in high school or what it was like growing up. Peter would go on about whatever mad scientist tech he was working on while Cooper would pretend to understand. That didn't stop the Pilot from keeping his gear in his car and a sidearm with him at all times.

But he wasn't here to use it, he was here because of that voicemail and some encouragement from BT and stern reminder his wounds weren't fully healed, despite the stupid amount of future tech Militia drugs he'd been taking. Parking the car, he gave it one last rev before he reluctantly turned it off and opened door.

"Damn Matt" said a familiar female voice as he looked in the door mirror to see Parker and Watson along with two other women, "nice ride."

Cooper smirked, "Thanks, she's a beaut" he said as he closed the door and gave the double bubble roof of his 'V8 EATR' an affectionate pat. "Come on, let's get inside" he said. "With how my week's been going I need a drink" he said, drawing a laugh from the group as they went inside. On the way, Cooper saw the day's headline on a discarded newspaper. Marauder Strikes Again! Menace responsible for three alarm fire in Manhattan.

Once inside, the five managed to snag a booth and ordered their drinks over the pounding music. Cooper able to get a good look at the two new Bugle employees. One was a dark skinned African American woman, Glory Grant. The other was a more modestly dressed brunette, short haired, named Betty Brant, as if Matthew needed a reminder that he was technically in a comic book world.

"And this is Matt Cooper, he's new to the city" introduced MJ as Cooper was shaken from his thoughts and waved casually. "Genuine Texan, as he's keen to remind us" she added with a smirk.

Matthew shrugged, he had tried to say a lot without saying anything at all, something he quickly learned he wasn't very good at. Unfortunately for him, it seemed that Betty wasn't going to let him off the hook so easily. "What's your story? Texan in New York. Not something you hear every day."

At least he had given this some thought, deciding to go with the belief that the best lies were close to the truth. "Parents died six months back, after all was said and done, I decided I needed a change of pace. Came up here to be closer to relatives upstate" he lied, intentionally exaggerating his drawl. "I got a place off the island, don't get out too much" he admitted. That was mostly true, 'Matthew Cooper' didn't get out much at all.

"So what exactly do you do?" asked Glory as she sipped her drink, "Must be something pretty serious to drive a car like that."

He laughed, though the action was seen more than heard. "Nah, most of it is old family money. I don't really do much of anything" he answered with a shrug. "Most of the time I just tinker with my Viper or whatever other project strikes my fancy."

Peter seemed to be eyeing him oddly, but before he could say anything, Cooper decided to take some initiative and turned to the three women, "So y'all work for a newspaper? Well, what kinda news is happening?" he asked.

The question had the desired effect, the two women quickly went on an extended rundown of everything he could want to know about the happening of the city. He took it all in as they cut each other off and had to yell over the music, but it was mostly good information.

Eventually that led into the three going on about their work and some office gossip, with both of the men giving each other knowing looks as the twiddled their thumbs and hoped to all that was holy that they would be ignored for the time being.

But Cooper's luck was bound to run out. "So what's your take on this Marauder character?" asked the Queens Native casually as he sipped his own drink, a soft drink, Cooper noted.

"Always somebody who thinks he can do a better job than everyone else" he answered with an indifferent shrug. "Difference is this guy is actually trying to back it up."

Parker looked shocked at the indifferent answer, which Cooper didn't feel so surprised about. "He killed people" responded Spider Man as if that fact should have been enough.

Matthew was doing his best to contain his emotions, though it was difficult to not slam his head into the table at the comment. "And?" he shot back. "Do I like it? Not really. But I haven't been here long and even I can tell this place is a bit of a shithole. Looks like somebody finally reached the end of their rope" he said as he shrugged again.

"But aren't you worried about him just roaming the streets?" said Parker, the ire in his voice rising. "What if he decides to come after you?" he asked poignantly.

"I'll let you in on a little secret" replied Cooper as he leaned forwards and partially unzipped his jacket so Peter could see the concealed shoulder holster and the handgun inside, even if he couldn't tell it was a P2016 from the future. "If anyone comes then I won't go down without a fight."

The look on Peter's face went flat and neutral in an instant before steadily relaxing. "And if it's not enough?"

"Then I guess I'll see my parents a bit sooner" replied Cooper flatly. Or get shit into a different reality, maybe Mass Effect? Pretty lease he groused internally

"Sorry" mumbled Peter as he sat back, the argument dead.

The two went back to watching the conversation going on between the three women before it too finally came to its conclusion. "How about we hit the dance floor?" suggested Glory as the other two Women nodded immediately. "You two coming?"

Matthew shook his head, "Nah, this aint my usual two step" he drawled, though he did notice a faint look of disappointment on Betty's face.

Peter then surprised him. "I'll join you in a minute, okay MJ?" said the lab tech.

"Don't keep me waiting too long Tiger" advised the redhead with a mischievous smile before the three left the two men alone and soon disappeared onto the crowded dance floor.

Cooper simply waited for whatever Parker had in mind as he sipped his drink while Peter swirled his, evidently deep in thought. "Matt, I'm sorry about what I said" he began, but before Cooper could shrug it off and deflect, the Wallcrawler held up a hand. "I lost my parents when I was little, then my uncle was killed eight years ago. I know what it's like" he said honestly, Matt just nodding sullenly in agreement. The mood became more solemn as Parker was reminded of what the two had in common. "What can you tell me about your family? Were you close?"

"Not close enough" responded Matt sadly. "Been hard to think about them now, all the things I wish we could have done or should have said."

Peter knew what that was like, he had gone through the same phase when Uncle Ben had died and still had those kinds of thoughts from time to time. "You know you aren't alone, right?" he asked. After a few moments of silence between the two, Parker continued. "You don't have to be" he said as he pulled out his phone and texted Matt a phone number and address. "There's a homeless shelter, FEAST, where I volunteer sometimes. My aunt does too, I just texted you her number. She could always use more help, if you want" offered Peter hopefully.

"I'll think about it" replied the Texan after a moment of thought, the noncommittal answer not instilling a great deal of confidence in Parker. "Might be like home, I volunteered with a veteran's group, spent a lot of time talking with those folks. Hope they're doing all right."

"There are a bunch of veterans at FEAST" offered Parker suddenly. "They fall on hard times like everyone else."

Cooper nodded and 'hmmed' in acknowledgement. "I'll think about it" he repeated, though his tone sounded far less unsure than it did the first time he gave that answer.

"But there is something about this city, it may not be home, but it could be if you give it a chance. It might even surprise you" he suggested. Cooper listened to the words, not that he had much of a choice in the matter, but it didn't hurt. Parker's eyes seemed to lock onto something over Cooper's shoulder, "ah hell" he muttered, getting Matt's attention.

"Is that all you have to say?" asked a familiar purr like voice as Cooper looked at the uninvited guest. One look at the length of platinum hair and barely concealed curves nearly made the Militia Pilot shit bricks. Though thankfully she seemed to be focused on Parker, even if Cooper didn't have any electric smoke grenades for her to use against him this time. "Here I was thinking you'd be excited to see me" said the woman as she placed her hands on her hips.

Even if he tensed at her presence, he could not deny that, even without her provocative catsuit, the Black Cat was a strikingly gorgeous woman, and she had come dressed to kill. Her unzipped jacket revealed a partially unbuttoned blouse that barely concealed her impressive cleavage. Unlike the pony tail it was in the last time he had seen her, her exotically colored hair was down and free flowing in waves halfway down her back, contrasting with the black jacket that stopped above her waist. The similarly black mini skirt she wore clung tautly to her feminine curves, highlighted her ass, and stopped well north of the knees, leaving her toned legs on display, clearly sculpted by her activities as the Black Cat. Those were only further enhanced by the heels she wore, and part of Matt's mind wanted to know what it felt like to have those legs wrapped around him.

"It's not that I'm not Felicia" stammered Parker as his eyes immediately went past her and towards the dance floor. "It's just that I'm here with MJ" he finished.

Despite his dirty thoughts and the potential threat this woman was, Cooper wasn't going to let little things like that stop him from teasing Pete. "Friend of yours here?" interjected Cooper wryly, smiling faintly as he took another sip of his drink.

Parker squirmed in a way that the Pilot found quite amusing as 'Felicia's' smile became a pout, though it remained directed at Peter. "Yeah, we uh, dated for a bit. Broke up a month ago" explained Peter. Matt took a glance back at Felicia, eyes quickly going down before coming to a not so subtle stop on her hips and ass before going back to Peter. Matt's expression was the one universally recognized as 'dude, seriously?'. Parker's only response was to shrug haplessly.

"Well you could at least introduce me to your friend" said the woman as she turned her gaze towards Cooper. The way she stared down at him as her striking green eyes scrutinized him, clearly appraising him, didn't deter him. She was as alluring as she was dangerous, and, Matt decided, he was already a vigilante Pilot fighting a crime syndicate, a little danger wasn't something that scared him, or that he was opposed to. "He seems to be much more interested than you" she said.

It was a true statement, even if it wasn't for typical reasons. "Felicia, this is Matthew Cooper. Matt, that's Felicia Hardy" introduced Peter as he saw the two lock eyes. He couldn't recall seeing Cooper as tense as he was now, coiled like a spring as he stared up at Hardy.

Felicia seemed to be her normal self, staring down at the Texan in a predatory fashion that Peter was all too familiar with. The easygoing Cooper had seemingly flipped a switch, if Parker didn't know him any better, he would have been afraid the man would put a bullet between her eyes.

Instead of taking the hint, Felicia sat down in the booth next to Cooper and snuggled up against him. Matthew tensed even tighter for a second before relaxing as the platinum haired vixen pressed her curvaceous body into him. "Why so tense? Surely you aren't afraid of little ol' me?" she asked, only to get nothing from the Pilot. "Silence huh? Well come find me by the bar if you want to talk" she purred suggestively before reaching across his body and grabbing his beer, finishing it off before placing the bottle back down and effortlessly slipping out of the booth.

Matthew sighed as he picked up the bottle. "She's a handful" supplied Peter as Matt watched