5) Spider Bite
30TH SEPTEMBER 2019 - OSCORP
Everyone was slowly getting off the bus conversing and gossiping, with Peter being the exception. As Peter exited the bus he could only look at the building in front of him with awe. It was the size of multiple shopping malls and was as tall as any hotel. Near the very top the word OSCORP stood proud. It was one of the only companies that could rival Stark Industries when it came to science.
"Everyone gather around, I want you all on your best behavior today. This is a place where some of the finest modern scientific minds work. Today you represent our entire school and science department, show them how amazing we can be" Exclaimed Mr. Dirk. "Everyone follow Miss Shannon into the lobby where we will wait for our guide".
While everyone started to follow Miss Shannon into the building Mr. Dirk stayed slightly behind to talk to Peter "Afternoon Mr. Dirk" Spoke Peter
"And a good afternoon to you Peter, excited about the trip" Replied Mr. Dirk
"Yeah," said Peter quite awkwardly
"That's good to hear. I know you don't have anyone to talk to here but I hope the chance to see scientists in action will make up for it. I need to go to the front now Peter, alright? Enjoy the trip" chirped Mr. Dirk before shuffling to the front.
After a while, they made it to the center of the lobby and it was grand. The ceiling was so far above them and loads of people were there working and talking in their white lab coats and their chatting filled the whole building.
Peter had his little camera around his neck and he wore a grey jumper with blue jeans with his school backpack on. He was just looking around the building in awe at its size and was excited to be there. Suddenly he felt a sharp pain around his neck and he quickly placed his hand there and saw a little red and blue colored spider scurrying across the floor. He was rubbing the place where he got bitten staring at the unique creature before someone stepped on it, killing it.
After a while, a young lady with a blonde ponytail stepped down and stood in front of the group of students and teachers. "Sorry for the wait everyone, My name is Gwen Stacy, and I'm currently an intern at OSCORP and your guide for today." she declared. She also wore the iconic white lab coat, blue jeans, a beige sweater, and some white low heels. "Now if everyone will follow me, I'll show you around our department facilities".
After around an hour of showing us the lab, she worked in and eventually took us to the main laboratory of the department. It was also a sleek white and had desks everywhere. On one of the tables stood a small glass pen in which around five mice were playing around, all missing a limb.
"Hello Everyone" spoke Dr. Connors. "I'm Doctor Connors, the head of the bioengineering department of OSCORP. My goal and what I research here, is for a way to regenerate lost limbs". He slightly pulled off his lab coat to show his missing arm and he quickly put it back in. "As you can see it's also something personal for me. I lost my arm in a building collapse when I was young. My arm got trapped under some debris and they couldn't risk getting rid of it because it would have caused further collapse, so they had to amputate it, to save my life" Lamented Dr. Connors. "But imagine if what I'm doing here proves to be successful. People who are victims of war, accidents, or even birth defects can live just like any other person, no monster or outcast. Anyway let's get back into the tour of my humble abode why don't we?" grinned Connors as he began to lead the group.
Eventually, he came to a stop around some bacteria cultures "Can anyone tell me why we place the bacteria with a bunch of amino acids?" He questioned and looked around the crowd and no one had their hands up "It's alright I didn't expect anyone to ac..." He stopped mid-sentence. "You, the young man." He pointed at Peter who had his hand raised slightly.
"Amino Acids would increase the rate of DNA Replication meaning you would get a larger quantity of bacteria in a shorter amount of time" Replied Peter as he fixed up his glasses.
"Very good, to save time and so we can conduct more tests with the bacteria it helps us make our research happen quicker and save some time" Stated Connors. "May I ask your name?"
"Peter Sir, Peter Parker" he hesitated slightly shy as almost everyone was looking at him.
"Well if you want to do an Internship here in the future give me a call on this number and I'll give you a space" Dr Connors held out a business card and handed it to Peter.
Peter tried to act calm and hold his excitement but it didn't exactly work as it was clear as day for anyone there that he wanted to scream. He carefully placed the card in his jeans pocket.
After around 30 minutes everyone was led back to the lobby and Gwen said her farewell before heading back to the lab. The trip was finally over and the students were rushed by the teachers onto the bus as they began to journey back home. "Well done Peter," said Mr. Dirk quietly as he trekked past him on the bus to sit near the back.
Peter finally made it home and his Aunt and Uncle could see the happiness Peter had through his eyes and uplifted demeanor.
"He's in a good mood," said Uncle Ben as Peter hurried up the stairs into his room.
"Good for him" replied Aunt May as the the both of them grinned and discussed what could be the cause of Peter's sudden uplifted change.
Peter lay in his bed, pulled out the card he got from Dr. Connors, and held it above him while admiring it. He blue-tacked some of the photos he took on his wall with his other Polaroids. The day continued as usual and eventually, Peter went to sleep, excited for tomorrow.