*10:47 AM. Free Period.*
Peter sat in the library. Supposedly studying. Actually researching.
His laptop displayed genetic research papers. Cross-species DNA integration. Cellular regeneration. Bioelectric phenomena. The foundation for his Phase 2 enhancement.
FSIS monitored everything through his phone's connection. "I've compiled additional data on lizard DNA integration. Dr. Connors' research is surprisingly advanced. His regeneration serum could restore your limbs within 72 hours if properly administered."
Peter typed back. "What's the compatibility rating?"
"97.3%. Your adaptive genetics will accept it easily. Recommended timeline: two weeks real-time before beginning integration. Allows for current spider enhancement stabilization."
"Agreed. Continue preparations."
Someone sat down across from him. Peter looked up. Felicia Hardy. Silver hair. Green eyes. Knowing smile.
"Hey, Parker. Whatcha reading?"
Peter closed his laptop smoothly. "Research paper. Genetics."
"Of course you are." Felicia leaned back in her chair. Studied him. "You were pretty quiet on the field trip yesterday. Usually you ask more questions."
"I was observing. Oscorp's research is interesting but their ethics are questionable."
"Norman Osborn's ethics are questionable," Felicia corrected. "The research itself is fascinating. Giving humans animal abilities. Imagine the possibilities."
"Imagine the dangers," Peter countered. "Cross-species genetics is unpredictable. Rejection rates. Mutation risks. It's not as simple as mixing DNA."
"But if it worked," Felicia said. Her eyes had an odd intensity. "If someone could actually gain animal abilities. Enhanced strength. Speed. Senses. That would be revolutionary."
Peter studied her carefully. "You sound very interested in the concept."
"I'm interested in power. In capability. In becoming more than what I am." Felicia's smile turned sharp. "Wouldn't you want that? To be enhanced? Superior?"
"Depends on the cost. Power without control is dangerous. Enhancement without ethics is monstrous."
"Always so moral," Felicia said. But there was approval in her tone. "That's what I like about you, Parker. You think about consequences. Most people just want the power and ignore the price."
"What about you? Would you pay the price for enhancement?"
Felicia's expression turned unreadable. "If the price was worth it? If I had a good reason? Maybe."
They sat in silence for a moment. Peter's spider-sense tingled faintly. Not danger exactly. Just awareness. Felicia was hiding something.
"Why are you really here?" Peter asked directly.
"Can't a girl just want to talk to her friend?"
"We're not that close, Felicia. You don't usually seek me out."
"Maybe I want to change that." She leaned forward. "You're different lately, Parker. More confident. More aware. Something changed. I want to know what."
Peter held her gaze. "Nothing changed. I'm the same person I've always been."
"Liar." But Felicia was smiling. "You're very good at it though. Most people wouldn't notice. But I pay attention. I see things others miss."
"Like what?"
"Like the fact that you disappeared for eight minutes during the Oscorp tour. Like the fact that you came back looking satisfied. Accomplished. Like someone who'd just succeeded at something difficult."
Peter's heart rate stayed steady. His enhanced Mind kept him calm. "I had stomach issues. Already explained that to Norman."
"To Norman," Felicia repeated. "Who also doesn't believe you. But he can't prove anything. Very clever."
"You're reading too much into coincidence."
"Maybe. Or maybe you're just really good at hiding things." Felicia stood up. "Either way, I like it. Mystery is attractive. Just be careful, Parker. People who play dangerous games sometimes get burned."
She walked away. Left Peter sitting alone with his thoughts.
'She knows something,' Peter realized. 'Maybe not everything. But she suspects. I need to be more careful around her.'
His phone buzzed. Text from Tony Stark.
"Change of plans. Come to Stark Tower at 11:30 instead of noon. Something came up. Need to talk sooner. This is important."
Peter checked the time. 10:52 AM. He had 38 minutes.
He texted back. "I have school."
"So? Skip. I'll write you a note. This is bigger than attendance. Trust me."
Peter considered. Tony Stark asking him to come early. Saying it was important. After escaping from Afghanistan with the first Iron Man prototype.
This was the moment. Tony was going to reveal the suit. Ask for help with improvements. Offer Peter a real role in creating Iron Man.
'I can't miss this,' Peter decided. 'School can wait.'
He texted Uncle Ben. "Tony Stark emergency meeting. Leaving school early. Will explain later."
Ben's response came quickly. "Be safe. Call me later."
Peter packed his laptop. Left the library. Headed for the exit.
His spider-sense tingled. He turned. MJ and Gwen stood in the hallway. Both looking at him with questions in their eyes.
Peter walked over. Kept his voice low. "Something came up. I have to leave. We're still on for after school. Three PM. The warehouse address is in the group chat I just created."
"What came up?" Gwen asked.
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