Chapter 35

After meeting with Fury, he provided Ace with a burner phone to communicate. Ace accepted the phone and had Ark check it for tracking devices, which they found unsurprising. Ark then turned off the tracking function. Before departing, Ace left a Candroid to follow and track Fury. Although Ark controlled these devices, he believed more was needed. Consequently, he hacked into the surrounding area's devices to covertly track Fury, who remained unaware of their surveillance.

"Are you sure about this, Fury?" Natasha asked. Ace had already left, and only she and Fury were left inside the secret base.

"Yes, I'm sure. Although it is a shame only to take one Helicarrier, his fears are also warranted. You also profit from this deal. You will be getting your own suit."

"I still find it surprising for him just to give me one."

"No matter the reason for his generosity. It is still an opportunity we need to take. Hydra has its hands on many positions in the globe. We need every advantage we can get." said Fury

"So, what do we do now?"

"As I said, we are going to gather resources. SHIELD needs to be rebuilt. We are going to need resources, bases, and a workforce. All without alerting Hydra."

"That is going to take a considerable amount of time, and we both still have to do our jobs at SHIELD, or else it will set off alarms." replied Natasha

Both are still SHIELD personnel and high-ranking officers. If they suddenly disappear without notice, Hydra might catch on to them.

"You let me handle that. I still have a few strings to pull to get Hydra off our asses for a little bit." said Fury

"How about asking the Rider for help? He is already a part of this, and who knows what other things he might be able to help us with. We don't exactly know if he is only good at fighting."

Fury thought about Natasha's suggestion. She points out that they do not know the Rider's full capabilities, but Fury is still reluctant to trust Ace. He never has complete 100% trust in anyone, but since these are desperate times. He gave it significant consideration.

"I'll put that into consideration. I'll do it my way for now."

Natasha shrugs and leaves. She still has other missions to do, leaving Fury to contemplate by himself.

…

Oscorp

Peter and Dr. Connors are in their lab. The lights are dim, and only their part of the lab has lights on. It is late, and the rest of the scientists have already gone home except for them. They have been working for months on Connors' lizard serum. Many attempts have been made, but unfortunately, their attempts have failed. This, however, did not discourage them, and both continued to work on the serum.

A holographic screen was shown in front of Peter and Connors. The screen showed an experimental mouse, and Peter and Connors were running simulations on said mice using different formulas. The simulations kept showing results of the mice dying, and they had to make multiple attempts to find the right formula, but they couldn't find the right one yet.

"*sigh* I'm beginning to think we will never complete this, Peter." said Connors, tired after a long day.

"Don't give up, Doc. We are close. I can feel it. When we finish this, a lot of people can be saved, remember?"

"I admire your youthful vigor, Peter. I guess I'm just getting tired with age."

Connors has been very grateful to Peter ever since he joined. The research has progressed, and the serum has been making progress after months of no progress. With Peter's help, the serum is close to completion, and they are running trials on animals.

"How about we do one more trial, and we rest for the day." said Peter

"Yeah, you're right. One more, and we will continue tomorrow."

Peter simulated the following formula to test. The computer loaded up the simulation, but it unusually did not fail immediately like previous tests. The two held their breaths as they began to hope they might succeed.

"Formula accepted. Regrowth complete."

When they both heard of the test's success from the computer, they felt immense relief and celebrated.

"Dr. Connors, we did it! The serum works!"

"Yes, Peter. We did it. Now, we just need to test it on some mice, and if it is successful, we will move to human trials. But it is getting late, Peter. You still have school tomorrow."

"Right, see you tomorrow, Dr. Connors! Can't wait to see the results."

Connors watched Peter leave, looking at the successful formula and his remaining arm.

"Almost there, and I will be whole again."

…

Peter went to class the next day excited. He kept smiling the whole time and couldn't stay in his seat. He was waiting for the school to end to meet with Dr. Connors. His friends noticed this as well and asked him.

"Hey Peter, what has gotten you all so excited?" asked MJ

"Dr. Connors and I had a breakthrough! We might have finally found a working formula for our serum. We are going to change the world." said Peter passionately

"Congratulations, Peter, you are one step closer to your dream, huh." said Ned

"Are you sure you can say this out loud? Is this not supposed to be a super secret thing?" said Gwen

"Oh, right. Just please keep quiet about it. We are about to test on live animals. If things go well, we can start our test on other people soon," replied Peter, a bit embarrassed that he had forgotten to keep things a secret.

When Ace heard that the lizard serum was nearly complete, he thought the lizard might soon be born. He needed to warn Peter of its dangers, so he pulled Peter to the side, which confused him.

"Peter, you and Dr. Connors are about to test the serum, right?"

"Yeah? What is the problem, Ace? It is a great result. Why are you whispering?"

"Shush Peter, look, I know you are excited, but make sure to test the serum carefully, and don't ever test it on humans."

"Where did this paranoia come from?" replied Peter, even more confused

"Let us just call it a gut feeling. Anyway, just don't use the serum on a person, alright? You may be optimistic, or should I say Dr. Connors might be too eager to use the serum on himself to get his arm back. The serum might work on your test but could also mutate the user's genes. We still don't know why you and Gwen are a miracle. So, again, whatever you do, don't use the serum on a person. Make sure also to warn Dr. Connors."

Peter now realized the danger of the serum. The test showed that the regeneration was successful, but he and Dr. Connors haven't tested to see if there are other side effects or mutations. He heeded Ace's advice and hoped to tell Dr. Connors as soon as possible.

"Thanks for the warning, Ace."

"Don't mention it. Just looking out for my friend."

…

After school, Peter immediately went to Oscorp to check on the serum he and Dr. Connors had developed. When he arrived at the lab, he saw Dr. Connors holding a sample of the lizard serum.

"Ah, Peter, you have arrived. I created a sample of the serum while you were away. Come, I'm about to inject a mouse for testing."

"Ah! Dr. Connors, let us not be hasty now." said Peter, a bit panicked. He remembered Ace's warning and wanted to double-check the serum.

"What is wrong, Peter?" Connors was confused by his actions.

"Oh, I just wanted to check on the serum. When I went home, I had some time to think, and I thought that the serum might have side effects and would mutate."

"That… is quite valid. We did not test if there would be any side effects."

"Right! So I thought we should take precautions before we do any testing."

"I suppose we should have safety measures before we start testing."

Hours later, they constructed a more robust cage for the mouse intended for testing. Connors then injected the serum into the mouse, and astonishingly, the mouse's leg began to regrow visibly before their very eyes. Peter and Connors are sure their serum is a success.

"Now we just need to observe if there are any side effects afterward," said Connors

As Connors and Peter discussed the issue, a man clad in a sharp suit strode into the lab. Emanating an aura of commanding authority, he stood upright with fiery red hair and piercing, sharp eyes. He was Norman Osborn, the founder of Oscorp.

Connors noticed him and hurriedly greeted him.

"Mr. Osborn, glad of you to come here."

"I'm just visiting Connors. Who is this young man?"

"This is my intern, Peter Parker. He has helped me develop my serum, and we are nearly finished with it."

"Peter Parker? Ah, you must be the friend Harry mentioned as his tutor."

"It is nice to meet you, Mr. Osborn. Yeah, I tutored Harry a lot when we were in middle school. How has he been? I have not heard from him since I started high school."

"You don't have to worry about him, Peter. He is studying overseas and is doing quite well. Connors, I would like to speak to you alone."

"Of course, Peter, continue to observe our little friend, would you."

"I will, Dr. Connors."

Connors and Norman talked inside Connors's soundproof office so they would not be disturbed.

"What is it you want to talk about, Norman?" asked Connors

"How much progress have you made with your serum?" Norman said coldly

"We are currently testing on animals, and after a few months, we could test it on people."

"Not fast enough."

"Excuse me?"

"I want you to begin human trials for your serum."

Connors was alarmed by Norman's sudden request. "But Norman, we don't know what the serum could do. There could be side effects and —"

"That doesn't matter, Connors. You have been working on your project for years without much success. The board of directors needs a new product to be released. Having human trials will expedite your regrowth serum."

"But—"

"No buts, Connors. It doesn't have to be you who finished your project. Begin human trials, or I'll have you fired from this company."

Norman leaves the office, leaving Connors dejected. Connors leaves his office pondering what he should do next.

"Dr. Connors, are you okay? I just saw Mr. Osborn leave."

"It is nothing, Peter. It is getting late. Why don't you head home? I'll take care of the rest."

"Are you sure? You don't look so good. I can stay and help if you want."

"No, I can handle myself. Just go home, Peter…"

"Okay… see you tomorrow, Dr. Connors."

As Peter left, Connors slumped down on a chair, feeling dejected. He didn't know what to do after Norman's request. After years of hard work, he was about to lose his research.

"What should I do…"

***

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