At 8:55, voices echoed down the hallway. Students arriving.
Alex turned and saw his classmates streaming in. About thirty kids from Midtown High's advanced science program. Peter Parker was near the front with Gwen Stacy. MJ walked beside them. Flash Thompson and his friends brought up the rear, already joking loudly.
Peter saw Alex and waved. "Hey! I didn't know you were working today."
"Helping with the tour. Surprised to see me?"
"A little. This is cool though." Peter looked around at the observation windows with genuine excitement. "We get to see actual genetic research. This is way better than watching videos in class."
Gwen smiled at Alex. "You're moving up in the world. From almost failing out to giving tours at Oscorp."
"Just assisting. Dr. Connors is doing the real presentation."
Dr. Connors stepped forward and raised his voice. "Everyone, please gather around. Welcome to Oscorp Industries. I'm Dr. Curt Connors, head of the cross-species genetics program. Today you'll see some of the most advanced biological research being conducted anywhere in the world."
The students quieted down. Connors had that academic authority that made people pay attention.
"Before we begin, some safety rules. Stay behind the yellow line on the floor. Don't touch the windows. No flash photography. These specimens are sensitive to light and vibration. Understood?"
Murmurs of agreement.
Connors launched into his presentation. He explained the basics of genetic modification. How DNA could be transferred between species. What applications this research might have for medicine, agriculture, and other fields.
Alex watched Peter. His friend was completely absorbed. Taking notes. Asking smart questions. This was Peter in his element. Science and discovery.
Twenty minutes into the presentation, Connors directed everyone toward the windows overlooking the spider labs.
"Below us you'll see our arachnid research. Fifteen specimens, each with different genetic modifications. Some have enhanced strength. Others can regenerate lost limbs. Some have adhesive capabilities that would make Spider-Man jealous."
That got laughs. Peter leaned closer to the glass.
Alex positioned himself near Peter. Not obviously close. Just within a few feet. Close enough to act quickly when the moment came.
Connors continued explaining the different specimens. Pointed out specific enclosures. Described the modifications and their potential applications.
Alex's eyes drifted to the ventilation grate in the ceiling. It was about fifteen feet above them. Large enough for something small to crawl through.
He watched it carefully. Waiting.
Five minutes passed. Then ten.
Students started getting restless. Flash made a joke about spider-powers. Someone else asked if they could hold one. Connors patiently explained why that wasn't possible.
Then Alex saw it.
Movement near the ventilation grate. Something dark and fast.
Specimen 15 emerged from the vent. It clung to the ceiling, completely motionless except for slight leg movements. Testing the air. Sensing vibrations from the people below.
Alex didn't point. Didn't shout. He just watched and calculated.
The spider was twenty feet above them. About twelve feet from where Peter stood. If it moved in a straight line down the wall, it would pass within two feet of Peter's position
'I could warn him,' Alex thought. 'Could shout right now. Everyone would look up. The spider would scatter. Peter would be safe.'
But then Peter wouldn't become Spider-Man. Wouldn't become the hero who saved thousands of lives. Who fought alongside the Avengers. Who stopped disasters that Alex knew were coming.
And Alex wouldn't get the data he needed to develop his own safe enhancement.
He stayed silent.
The spider started moving. Slow at first. Then faster. It crawled down the wall in quick, jerky movements.
A girl near the front screamed. "There's a spider!"
Everyone looked up. Chaos erupted instantly.
Students scattered. Some pressed against the far wall. Others clustered together. Flash shoved past someone to get away from the windows.
Connors spun around. "Everyone stay calm! Don't make sudden movements!"
But it was too late for calm. Thirty teenagers panicking at once created noise and vibration that made Specimen 15 move even faster.
It dropped from the wall. Not falling. Controlled descent on a silk thread.
Peter was trying to help a girl who had tripped. He reached down to pull her up.
The spider landed on his hand.
Read more chapters, 36+ days ahead of Webnovel Updates, on Patreon marvelstark