15 Night of Faith

"Good morning, everyone. Another day, another meeting."

Bobbi, Kavita, Maya, and Dr. Octavius appeared on his monitor. Indeed, it was another day of video calling.

A week had gone by since the funeral. Construction at Oscorp Tower was going by at a rapid pace. Even so, the damage to the piping system and underground was extreme. The estimates ranged from a month to three months depending on whether Oscorp wished to also improve rather than simply fix.

Dr. Octavius went on with her usual spiel. Something, something, data, something, something, vita rays (courtesy of Felix). At last, the project was making headway. The simulations were gaining clear results.

Felix, however, seemed slightly distracted as he sat in front of his computer. While discussions unfolded, he covertly shifted his focus to the other tab, his nimble fingers clicking on his mouse as he retraced lines and curves. The blueprint of the Spider-Man suit, with its omni-harmonic mesh and advanced functionalities, took deeper form under his deft strokes. Herbie in one ear and the video conference audio in the other, he switched between work mode and laziness.

Occasionally, he would glance up at the screen, offering brief nods or responses to maintain the appearance of engagement. When queried about his well-being by Dr. Octavius, Felix attributed his distraction to fatigue.

"I've been pulling late nights on the project, Doctor. Just a bit tired," he mentioned with a casual wave of dismissal.

Bobbi added, "As long as it doesn't affect your performance…"

"It won't."

He had been spending the past two days detailing his costume and its various modes. It was pretty much complete. Highly theoretical, of course with plenty of tests needing to be done. With Herbie's help though, the practical tests were being conducted in the same breath he was drawing.

The H.E.R.B.I.E artificial intelligence was connected by one server. Thus, by instructing Herbie to capture and send over the data, his little robot friend down in Daxter Labs was able to begin constructing. Since Herbie wasn't human, there was no time lag. There was simply doing.

"From our recent findings, it seems that vita rays could play a crucial role in stabilizing the super soldier serum. By harnessing their regenerative properties, we might be able to mitigate the adverse effects observed in earlier versions," Bobbi said. "The prescribed steroids and focus enhancers are doing their jobs."

"However, we need more power. The vita rays are too strong of a stabilizer," Kavita noted. "We need a third element on top of steroids and focus enhancers."

"Peptides, maybe?" Maya suggested. "They have gained traction in the lab and public, so buying some in bulk won't be an issue."

"Peptides could be a viable addition," Felix chimed in, momentarily setting aside his covert sketching. "They offer a more targeted approach, and their compatibility with the human body could address the excessiveness of vita rays. It's a delicate balance, but if we can integrate peptides effectively, we might achieve the stability we're aiming for."

Dr. Octavius crossed her arms, thinking. "Hm. Agreed. Let's explore peptide combinations. We'll need to conduct comprehensive trials to ensure safety and efficacy. Maya, could you spearhead the peptide research?"

Maya nodded. "Sure. I'll compile a list of potential peptide candidates and initiate the necessary lab work."

"You mean simulation work," Kavita corrected. "We won't be doing labs in a while."

"So, I hope that's that?" Dr. Octavius asked. "It's a little early but let's call it a day. I'm exhausted, obviously Felix is too, and it's the weekend."

Felix smiled faintly. "Sorry."

Dr. Octavius offered a reassuring smile. "It's alright, Felix. We all need our breaks. Maya, keep us posted on the peptide progress. Rest well, everyone."

"Bye."

"Bye-bye!"

Just like that, the virtual meeting ended. All of a sudden, the weight sank on him. Felix wanted to relax. He wanted to chill and have some downtime.

Then his ears twitched. He heard something. A small murmur.

'Huh?'

A phone call? By who? And what was that ringtone? It was coming from the drawer next to his bed. He opened it up and saw…

'Oh, right! Maria Hill's prepaid phone!'

On reflex, he answered.

"Hello? Maria?" he said.

"Felix." Due to the phone's lack of quality, the audio was also feeble yet captured her cool tone of voice. "You haven't called yet."

"I know." What to say, what to say? "I got some information but all it did was confirm what you said."

"Tell it to me anyway," Maria said.

How cautious. He contemplated his words with equal amounts of caution and vagueness. "There was Project New Element like you said there was, and one other project."

"What was it called?"

Should he tell her? She was his ally…

In terms of technological history, he had dug up everything he could. There wasn't much on Elsa Brock in the public sphere. Hacking into the deepest parts of the government was risky. He didn't want to go all out in that regard until his costume was ready.

Not to mention technological history could not make up for ground investigation. He needed testimony. He needed to know what people thought of Dr. Elsa Brock. Not just her, but everyone that was suspected to be a spy. If spy movies served him correctly, behaviour was most indicative of suspicion.

"Project Symbiosis," Felix said. "It was run by a name I don't recognize: Dr. Elsa Brock."

"A project title and a name. Excellent work. I will look into it."

"Coincidentally, I saw her at the funeral last week. She's blonde, wears glasses, and has green eyes," Felix said. "She's close to Dr. Octavius too."

"I see..."

The only person he knew with the expertise to conduct ground investigation was Maria Hill. If she was his ally, even if temporarily, he might as well use her.

"Lay low, Felix," Maria advised. "In the rare case I get caught, which is one in a hundred thousand, it is better to remain out of sight and mind." A pause. "Be very, very careful from now on."

"Understood."

Beep!

The call ended.

If hacking and investigating were off the table, then it was time to work on the suit again.

***

On paper, the building on top of Daxter Labs was owned by Reed Richards Sr. A forged identity that claimed he was born in California as the son of an overseas investor. Throughout the years, Reed Richards Sr forged a diverse portfolio, falsely declaring that his income came from hundreds of carefully selected investments. In total, Reed Richards Sr made about two million dollars a month.

Unfortunately, the only way to access the accounts was to get Master Control, which Felix wouldn't receive until a year later.

On the upside, Felix wouldn't have to worry about the building being taken. Reed Richards Sr, in the eye of the government, was alive and kicking in Wakanda. And since the mortgage was automatically being paid every month, it implicitly told the banks that the man was still interested in the building. There was no touching it.

Arriving outside Daxter Labs, inputting the necessary commands, and going down the elevator, Felix was slightly nervous. He was for all intents and purposes a criminal now. Going outside was a risk.

'But this is a risk I have to take.'

Find the spy. Find the man responsible for the tragedy on April 2nd.

the familiar hum of machinery surrounded him. His gaze fell upon Herbie, the robotic assistant, diligently working on the assembly of the Spider-Man suit. It was a moment of realization – the blueprint on Felix's digital pad was now taking physical form and that life with Herbie was super, duper convenient.

"Good job, Herbie."

"Welcome, Dr. Faeth," Herbie replied. "I've made significant progress on the suit assembly. The foundational structure is complete, and I'm currently integrating the omni-harmonic mesh."

Felix nodded appreciatively. "Excellent work, Herbie. Let's get this done. The sooner, the better."

Herbie extended its mechanical arm, gesturing toward the suit-in-progress. "I've organized the materials as per your specifications. The Unstable Molecules are there and the omni-harmonic mesh components are ready for integration."

"Perfect," Felix replied, rolling up his sleeves and joining Herbie at the workbench.

The initial hours were dedicated to shaping the foundational structure, with Felix meticulously aligning each piece of the graphene-based polymers while Herbie assisted with precision welding.

"Herbie, let's ensure the structural integrity is top-notch. We don't want any weak points," Felix directed, his attention split between the digital blueprint and the physical manifestation taking shape before him.

"Affirmative, Dr. Faeth," Herbie responded, its robotic appendages working in tandem with Felix's hands. The graphene-based polymers formed a resilient framework, lightweight yet capable of withstanding the dynamic stresses that a superhero suit would inevitably encounter.

As they progressed, the omni-harmonic mesh components were delicately integrated into the fabric of the suit. This part of the process required a careful calibration of each component to ensure the suit's cloaking and sound-canceling abilities would function seamlessly.

"Double-check that the omni-harmonic mesh is finely tuned. We mess this up and everything else we planned won't work."

"Understood, Dr. Faeth. Calibrating now," Herbie responded, the digital sensors on its mechanical fingertips syncing with the intricate mesh as the suit began to emit a faint, mesmerizing glow.

The addition of scaled pads on the shoulders, knees, and hands followed, providing not only an aesthetic touch but also additional protection. The web-shooters, a signature element of Spider-Woman's arsenal, were next on the list.

"Alright, then," Felix muttered to himself. "Web-shooters. I don't really understand the chemical composition but the mechanics are straightforward."

Indeed, Felix took a moment to test the web-shooters before their final integration into the suit. The web-shooters rested in Felix's hands, resembling sleek, high-tech wrist devices.

"Herbie, I want to see how these web-shooters perform," Felix said.

"Preparing for web fluid deployment." Herbie flew up to his level and clicked on two buttons at the bottom portions. Small compartments on the web-shooters opened, revealing the intricate mechanisms within. "No errors within."

"Excellent." Felix, holding the web-shooters in each hand, aimed at a designated target within the lab.

Thwip!

A ball of webbing zoomed across the lab and struck the wall. A decent-sized web was created, symmetrical and flat. Strong and fast was the best way to describe it. It was as though he was ejecting a bullet, except with none of the recoil due to his super strength.

"Honestly…the ejection force might be too much," Felix said to himself. "Hm, but it seems like a waste to not have it. Oh, how about different modes, just like with the suit." Felix considered the scenarios Spider-Woman herself had done – from swift transportation to strategic maneuvers. "First, we need a Swing Mode for efficient traversal. Then, a Grapple Mode for anchoring and pulling objects. Rapid fire mode for balls of webs and…"

BANG!

His eardrums ached. He remembered the gun shots. He remembered the taste of blood.

"...a Web Barrier Mode for creating protective barriers or to catch falling people."

"It is also possible to do all this by adjusting the web-shooters' pressure gauge," Herbie said.

"Except I'm not Gwen Stacy," Felix replied. "From what I can tell, it took her years to get to where she was. Plus, she was in high school at the start, I'm a grown man with a job. I don't have the time to train all day. It's better to switch from mode to mode."

"For maximum efficiency, calibration with the suit interface is suggested," Herbie said.

Felix smiled at the small robot. "Agreed. Let's run some simulations."

He headed to the Fantastic Computer and sat down. Already, Herbie had initiated the simulation, projecting holographic representations of the black Spider-Man suit in various scenarios. Felix observed that the Swing Mode allowed for graceful mid-air maneuvers, the Grapple Mode demonstrated precise object manipulation, and the Web Barrier Mode showcased a thick surface of webbing that caught bullets and safely functioned as an inflatable jump rescue cushion.

"Bring up the web-shooter model and adjust for these modes," Felix ordered. The Fantastic Computer slowly formulated a new model of web-shooters. Slightly thicker but overall the same in design. The large monitor in the middle laid out the blueprint while the remaining small monitors to the sides gave specifications on each piece and wire.

"This is going to take a while to make. Luckily, I have a weekend to burn through."

That was how Felix spent his Saturday and Sunday. Working, thinking, tinkering, and theorizing. Hours of meticulous craftsmanship, programming, and testing.

At last, Felix Faeth was finished.

Contained within a capsule was the black suit.

"Herbie, you think we've done it?"

"I believe we have, Dr. Faeth. The suit is now fully assembled and equipped with the specified modes and functionalities," Herbie confirmed.

Felix approached the black suit, running his fingers over the sleek graphene-based polymers, feeling the resilience of the omni-harmonic mesh, and marveling at the web-shooters that now boasted versatile modes for different situations.

"What would you like to call it?" Herbie asked.

"...the Big Time suit."

"That, according to my calculations, is a lame name."

"How about Arachno-Ensemble Prototype 3?"

"Big Time is fine."

There was silence. A sense of accomplishment as well as anxiety. It was dark outside. No one would know who he was, and once the Fantastic Computer hijacked nearby cameras, all traces of his existence would vanish.

So why was he still standing, nervous? Jittery?

It was because Felix Faeth was a scientist. His life was about to transform. Indeed, once he donned the suit, he would no longer be who he once was. He would no longer be ordinary.

The capsule containing the black suit was taunting him. In the glass, he was able to see his own reflection. He was taller and stronger, yet on the inside, he was the same Felix Faeth that travelled to New York in hopes of getting away from home.

His parents hadn't retired because they wanted to. His dad had suffered a heart attack, so now his mom took care of him around the clock. His mom was…a good woman. Too good for his dad. In her old age, she should have been doing what she wanted. She should have been free to as she pleased. She shouldn't have been spending the remainder of her life taking care of a half-crippled old man.

Felix hated her because of her kindness, because of her unyielding determination to help. He was also envious of it. He wanted to be like her, but he didn't want to end up like her either.

Everything was so complicated and the complications didn't want to stop. First with his family, then Reed, and now this conspiracy within Oscorp.

It was his last chance to step away.

In the end, he took it. He stepped forward, the glass encasing opening up, and stepped inside.

Due to its semi-mechanical nature, it didn't need to be traditionally worn. At his presence, the suit split open and enabled Felix to backstep into it. He felt the material envelop him like a thick second skin.

"Herbie, initiate the system check," Felix commanded, his voice resonating within the confines of the suit.

"Big Time Suit systems check initiated, Dr. Faeth," Herbie responded.

As the systems check progressed, Felix felt a surge of readiness. The suit was an extension of his own capabilities. He was himself. He felt comfortable.

Inhaling and exhaling, he left the laboratory and headed to the rooftop. In a mere minute, he went from the comfort of his seat to the edge of a ten-story building. His spider-given equilibrium granted him the confidence to stand on the edge without fear. He wouldn't trip over and fall like a normal person would. In fact, for his inhumane body the probability of death at this height was very low.

Still…

"Haa…"

His human side prevented him from taking the first step. Theoretically, he knew he would be safe. He glanced over at what was in front of him. There was a cramped alleyway, then New York City. The real New York with bright lights and darkness.

There was no complex interface in his green lenses. Well, technically there was, but only if he wanted it active. Right now, the interface was offline. Right now, Felix wanted to go old-school. He wanted to be like Spider-Woman, like Gwen Stacy. If he relied on technology too much, then he didn't deserve to stand here. He didn't deserve his powers.

'Deep breaths….'

Inhale, exhale. His feet shifted closer to the edge till they were practically dangling off. Then…

"Haa…let's do this!"

Felix leaped off the rooftop. His legs were shaky, his heart was pounding, but he remembered what to do. He remembered to dive head-first, glance over and find the perfect spot to arc off of, and then let loose.

Thwip!

The web-shooters activated seamlessly, releasing strands of web fluid that latched onto the nearby building. His hands kept a firm grip on the thick line of webbing. His spider-like body instinctively went into a legs-forward position.

He was…

He was swinging!

Through the cramped alleyway, he made his way out. He did a complete arc, released the strand of webs, and flew forward.

'I-it's working!'

In that exhilarating moment, Felix swung through the night air, the wind rushing past him. He didn't scream. He didn't shout. He held his breath and like a good little scientist observed his every move. Anxiety and exhilaration came at him all at once.

He was here! He was in New York City!

He needed to turn left!

Thwip!

With a quick glance and turn, he did his second swing. The city lights blurred into streaks of colour, and the rhythmic pulse of the metropolis resonated beneath him.

Felix marvelled at the precision and responsiveness of, well, himself! He was amazing! His new body adjusted to his slightest instincts! Everything he wished he could do was possible!

'Okay! Aim at that tall building next! Gain some height in my next release!'

The rush of wind against his face, the subtle vibrations of the webbing's activation, every sensory detail was heightened.

Thwip!

With the third swing, Felix's initial anxiety transformed into a surge of confidence. The city below became like an out of bounds area, and he revelled in the sheer joy of defying gravity.

Thwip! The fourth swing followed, and Felix couldn't suppress a grin. The night belonged to him. His hands tightly gripped on the string of white and he didn't let go till the last moment.

He flew in the air, simply basking in the night, and then rolled onto a rooftop, landing on one hand with the other behind him. The hard concrete ground that should have been cold and hard was nothing to him. Felix huffed and puffed, positively thrilled. He fell from what must have been fifteen feet, yet dropped and rolled with no injuries or pain. Not even a small scrape or ache on his knee.

Within the darkness of the city, no one had noticed. The green hue of his costume had been deactivated from the outside while night-vision had been activated for his own interface.

Thwip!

So he ran off of the rooftop and went for another swing.

He had perfect equilibrium. A perfect sense of balance. A perfect mind that let him accurately calculate how far he needed to go.

Thwip!

Everything was so easy! Every swing was so much fun!

This time, he was unable to hold back.

"Wooooooo!"