Peter took a careful breath. This required precision. "I've been researching Oscorp's work for a while now. Their genetic programs. Their cross-species research. When I got bitten, I understood what was happening because I'd already studied their methodology."
"That's convenient," MJ said. But her tone wasn't accusatory. More tired. Scared.
"I'm a science nerd," Peter said with a slight shrug. "I research things obsessively. It's what I do."
Gwen was quiet. Her analytical mind working through something. Peter could practically see the calculations happening behind her eyes. But she didn't voice whatever conclusion she'd reached. Just watched him carefully.
"The question is why," Gwen said finally. "Why did someone target Oscorp specifically? Why steal those particular spiders?"
"Norman has enemies," MJ said suddenly. Both Peter and Gwen looked at her. "I've been following some articles. Investigative pieces about corporate warfare. Oscorp's been involved in multiple lawsuits. Patent disputes. There was this whole thing with Hammer Industries last year."
"Justin Hammer," Peter said. "He's always trying to compete with Stark and Oscorp. Failing mostly. But he'd have motivation to steal genetic research."
"Or foreign interests," Gwen added. "Corporate espionage is huge in biotech. Chinese companies. Russian oligarchs. Anyone who wants an edge in genetic enhancement."
Peter felt relief. They were building the narrative themselves. Creating a believable explanation that had nothing to do with him being the actual thief.
"So someone used our field trip as cover," MJ said slowly. "Disabled security. Stole the spiders. Got out clean. And we got bitten by the clones that escaped."
"That's the most logical explanation," Gwen confirmed. "Professional operation. Planned in advance. We're just collateral damage."
"I should have seen it," Peter said quietly. Injecting just enough guilt. "During the tour, I noticed things. Norman was distracted. Kept checking his phone. The security felt lighter than it should have been. If I'd said something..."
"Don't," Gwen interrupted. She reached across and touched his hand. "You couldn't have known. None of us could have."
The touch sent electricity through Peter. Not literally. Just the sudden intense connection. Gwen's hand on his felt right in a way he couldn't explain.
And he could tell she felt it too. Her eyes widened slightly. Her breath caught. Something passed between them. Recognition maybe. Or something deeper.
She pulled her hand back quickly. Confusion on her face.
MJ had noticed. "You okay, Gwen?"
"Fine. Just tired." But Gwen's voice was unsteady. She looked at Peter with something like wonder. "I just... for a second there, I felt..."
"Connected," Peter finished quietly. "I felt it too."
MJ frowned. "What are you talking about?"
"I don't know," Gwen admitted. "When I touched Peter, there was this sensation. Like recognition. Like my body knew his body. That sounds insane."
"Spider-sense connection," Peter said. "I've been reading about hive insects. How they sense each other. Communicate through pheromones and bioelectric signals. Maybe the spider DNA gives us something similar. A way to recognize other spider-powered individuals."
"That's fascinating," Gwen breathed. "We could test that. Document it. Understand the mechanism."
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