Chained Reaction

Being a loser sucked. Peter felt like a loser all the time. At school where bullies poked fun at his dirty clothes and worn down shoes. His old home life wasn’t horrible. His Uncle Ben tried his best. He gave Peter all the love in the world which was enough for Peter. It wasn’t enough for consistent housing, especially after him and his long term partner broke when Peter was young. Now it’s been six months since Ben died. Six months and Peter’s been Spider-man, keeping Ben’s last words alive. His last message became everything towards Peter. 

Peter was a loser because he didn’t know Norman Osborn knew about Spider-man. He didn’t know about Peter being Spider-man, just that Norman Osborn technically “fathered” Spider-man. During the first month, he lucked out in that the Avengers were having a weird divorce. He could focus on school, deal with the stupid foster care system, and figure out how to be a superhero without all the money.

But wait! Remember about Peter lucking out, well, Norman Osborn seemed to be Spider-man’s enemy number 1. He stole almost all of Peter’s Spider-man gear. Items Peter could never replicate in such a short amount of time. Norman and the newly unseparated Avengers spoke about unlawful vigilantes. Spider-man just happened to be exploding in popularity. 

Maybe Spider-man was now affected by Peter’s loser abilities. So, yes, Peter was definitely a loser. A loser, standing in the middle of a bustling lobby. A loser who hadn’t slept more than six hours in the past week. A loser who is getting his best friend- his ride or die- his partner in crime to commit a literal felon- fuck- Peter and Ned were taking the opportunity of a lifetime. Their sophomore year field trip will lead to Peter securing some sense of normality. 

Peter and Ned shared a look. The two had multiple supplies stored on themselves. Each containing code necessary to buffer signals and alarms. Ned promised to bring all of his hacking supplies and man, did he deliver. Because during this field trip, Peter and Ned were going to deviate from the tour. They were going to go beyond just the visitors center and intern labs. 

“Midtown high! Give your attention to the tour guides!” Ms. Warren yelled to the class.

Peter may be a dumbass. He had all the supplies. He and Ned just had to stick to the plan. E

“First, thank you so much for joining us on this tour. We’re so happy to welcome Midtown High to Stark Industries!” The tour guide called. Students applauded and cheered around them. In the crowd he came to this conclusion: Peter Benjamin Parker was a loser and most definitely a dumbass.

“Peter!” Ned yelled, latching onto Peter’s arm, “Oh my god dude! Aren’t you so excited to tour this, do you think we’ll get to see Bruce Banner? Thor? What about their FE chips? Some of the best processing power and temperature control I’ve ever seen.”

“No need to get teary eyed over some tech-”

“Some tech?!” Ned gasped, “Maybe MJ would agree with me.”

“MJ does not agree with you.” Speaking of the devil, the two boys jumped and turned to see her walking behind them. She had a camera hung around her neck, “Instead, she would rather like to meet Pepper Potts and all the other unnamed business professional employees who run this company.”

“Why’re you talking in the third person weirdo?” Flash suddenly yelled from Peter’s other side. 

“Because MJ has the mental capacity to do so. It is highly improbable that an individual with a leaf as a brain could successfully execute all functions necessary for survival, nonetheless, supply power to comprehend a limited third person narrative, but don’t worry Flash, it’s fine to accept this and move along.”

Flash stuttered, “I- Flash doesn’t think that!” 

MJ smirked, taking a picture. The flash of the camera blinded all three boys.

“Betty thinks MJ is right!” Betty teased Flash, “and she would like to know if anyone else thinks they’re smart enough?”

“Cindy concours, doesn’t one believing if they’re smart mean that they would be able to think as such? Maybe the grammatical differences impact the functionality instead of the conceptual differences.”

“Abe supports the findings,”

“Zach agrees!” 

Other classmates cheered around with a third person point of view. 

“Do we use our names now?” Peter whispered to Ned. Peter faintly heard Mr. Harrington’s heart rate spike along with Ms. Warren’s few colorful choices of words. 

Then, the tour started. The tour guide, Leigh, was a southern girl. She brought them to the history of SI. Ned and Peter knew this portion of the tour would be fine to enjoy. They only had to start worrying about finishing out the plan towards the end. So, they enjoyed the history of SI and, of course, Tony Stark. Peter listened to Leigh talk about all of Howard Stark’s old inventions to Tony Stark’s current redesigns. She had given a guided tour for almost an hour long before they were allowed to look through the museum themselves. 

Peter ended up walking to the hero exhibit like most of his classmates. The times they found others, they were posing for pictures or doing a little activity with the item in the exhibit. One Ned horribly hinted that Peter should use his lifting skills and pull it up. Peter didn’t, though he pulled a little harder on the hammer, and found it connected to some heavy weights no human would be able to pick up. 

Then, they moved onto a smaller intern lab. Peter and Ned both hid themselves while their classmates ran amuk. Leigh tried to corral his homeroom class. Ms. Warren was really the only adult who was in charge and actually doing something productive. Mr. Harrington had only been just as passionate with the kids asking multiple questions during the field trip to whatever employee happened to be standing next to him. 

“Class, this is Quentin Beck!” Leigh introduced. This man looked to be young, most definitely in his mid to late 20s. Peter briefly listened to his talk. He had some masters study collaboration with SI but now was a full on employee. Must be nice for him, Peter thought. 

Peter tuned out other SI researchers, explaining all low level topics. Most were trying to appeal to the kids and while exciting, Peter didn’t care about most of this tech in the long run. He could see flaws in many designs. Take Beck’s for example, his technology relied too heavily on the environment. If another source of light ended up mixed up with the lights he made, his entire environment would be disrupted. Peter wondered how he would go about solving this. Maybe something with sensors to see what types of outputs need to change and to what ratio. Peter thought about it for longer.

“You seem lost in thought kid, what did you think?” Someone spoke to him. Peter looked up at Quentin Beck. He had gained somewhat of an audience and Peter had no idea why, “What were you mumbling about? I think you said something about my design?”

“Oh!” Peter gasped, embarrassed to be called out for muttering out loud and criticising his design, “It was nothing I just-” 

“Peter, say what’s on your mind.” Ms. Warren suggested, “He’s a smart kid Mr. Beck, he probably has a million suggestions to your project.” 

Peter smiled at her compliment, “It’s just, what do you do if there’s another light source emitting close by? It also just seems really dependent on knowing the environment beforehand, why not utilize some feedback? Scan for items that could disrupt your mirage so to speak. This way it could go beyond some room. Like, it could change based on humidity in the air- that would cause some issues with how a user would see it.” Peter thought, he then started thinking to himself, over how it could be tailored towards the eyesight of the user. If someone had astigmatism it would be pretty easy for that person to see something wrong with their environment and they wouldn’t have a good experience with the device. 

“Kid that’s great! You said your name was Peter, call me Beck-” he held out his hand, shaking Peter’s and smiling brightly “-I’d love to hear more about your ideas. Have you thought of applying for an internship here?”

Peter shook his head, “No, I um-” I sorta pose as a superhero who’s becoming more of a crimminal recently. And the CEO of this company- oh wait maybe he’s the trophy wife now. Well that guy sorta wants me to you know, get arrested so I’ll stay away but thanks “- I didn’t think SI offered internships towards highschoolers.”

“Does Parker think he could even get one? I know they don’t because I asked!” Flash yelled, “Flash Thompson sir! Peter’s smart yea, but I also have the expertise. If I couldn’t get in- no hate Peter- I don’t think you could.” 

Beck ignored Flash’s quips. Unfortunately, the teachers were no longer by to critisise his behavior. 

“We can talk somewhere more privately if that’s better. I don’t like bullies.” Beck drifted his gaze over to Flash who started fuming at the mouth. 

“Um- would that be alright? I think we’re going to lunch-”

“Perfect! Lunch is essentially free time. I’ll send a message to Leigh about it, come on. I can show you a real lab, something with my actual research.” Beck pulled Peter to a backdoor. Peter sent a quick look to Ned, but unfortunately none of his classmates save for Flash watched him be pulled out the room. Peter’s spidey sense wasn’t going crazy so he just decided this is the opportunity. Hang out with Beck but also see if he can sneak out to get some of his supplies back.

Flash signed something to him, choke cocksucker. Peter signed back you wish. Flash rolled his eyes and turned his back. Most likely he wouldn’t rat Peter out. Hopefully. 

Beck brought Peter to another set of elevators. Ones he had to swipe to even access the buttons. He didn’t talk much, just bounced on his heels whistling every know and then. They arrived a few seconds later. Peter wondered just how high the views would be from this part of the building. 

They walked down a yellow lit hallway. Peter felt this was more like a research and office location. Instead of large windows and an open floor plan, Peter could make figures from tinted glass but not much else. He followed Beck, storing every turn and key features about this place. Beck stopped at a door with Quentin Beck written on the door decorated with little photos and a CalTech sticker. 

“Just wanted to find something I’ve gotten to work with the boss.”

“The boss?” Peter questioned as they stepped inside. Beck started rummaging around, looking for the item in the chaotic mess of this room. It had research projects Peter never thought Beck would be working on. Some headset sat rotating on a bookshelf. It looked similar to Loki’s crown from the 2012 invasion. Next were boxes of drone parts. Sharpie on the box spelt discarded and scraps. 

“Tony Stark. You know his name’s on the building right kid?” Beck joked. 

“You work with the Tony Stark?”

“Yea, he likes to stop by the intern group a lot. He’s pretty chill and leads our R&D team pretty well. You know, I think I might of left my project in the lab.” He chuckled. Peter turned back to the bookshelf wandering around the room. He heard Beck at his desk grabbing what sounded like keys before clapping, “Ready for another adventure? Maybe you can tell me some more ideas about my rendering with environmental factors? I also wonder, do you think colors would be something I have to worry about?”

“I guess so. AFAB individuals are more senesitve to color than AMABs.” Peter replied calmly even though his heart was pounding in his chest. This was too good to be true. His Spider-man gear would most definitely be in Tony Stark’s lab. The two exited the rooms and headed towards the elevators. 

Peter and Beck entered, the doors closed but Beck didn’t grab his card out. Peter coughed looking towards the buttons. Beck seemed to realize and slapped his pockets, then his eyes seemed to grow. 

“Shit.” 

“You forgot your key?”

“I think so kid. Fuck-” He gripped his hair, laughing, “-Guess I got so excited, damn it I’m so careless. We can’t even open the doors- this elevator is key access only.” 

Peter thought he shouldn’t. They should just wait for someone to get them, but . He pulled out the flipper zero. 

“Cool trick my friend and I learned.” He told Quentin, “Most scanners are always accepting some frequency and you can tell which range they’ll want.” He smiled, first checking to see which frequency the scanner would accept. He tested an out of phase frequency, then an amplified version. The amplified version seemed to work, and the two didn’t even have to put in a floor before they headed upwards. Beck quickly hit the button, tapping his foot. 

The doors opened to reveal a beautiful adobe. Peter’s face light up from the room around him. Dimmed windows seemed to clear up, letting in light in all directions. It illuminated some car engine sitting in the middle of the room. Lab benches surrounded the area along with papers and pads, and of course, mugs. One mug in particular even seemed to still have some drink in it. Peter wondered if they only just missed Tony Stark. 

Of course Peter would love to meet him but at the same time, did they Avengers want to incarerate him, recruit him, kill him??? He hoped it was door number two, but usually door number three is the ones the contestant picks. Hopefully life wasn’t screwing him over this time. 

“I think I found it!” He smiled. Peter didn’t get a chance to look for Spider-man’s gear before Beck was calling him over. Peter jumped from his voice, “Look! Isn’t this amazing?” It was a sleek mask. Similar to that headpiece down in Beck’s own lab. It looked more like a theater mask instead of an amateur cosplayer accessory.

Beck turned the item around a few times, “This one, this one Stark helped me make. It’s amazing-” Beck was cut off by motors turning. A robot started beeping and chirping. Rolling around behind the area they came from. It didn’t immediately acknowledge them, until it beeped and rolled backwards. 

It then started beeping rapidly. 

“What the fuck is that?” Beck whispered. Peter almost went to answer it, of course everyone knows DUME, Tony Stark’s childhood invention at MIT before Peter thought something. Why is Beck asking who this robot is? 

DUME came zoomed to a wall, grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran towards them. 

“Beck! DUME’s about to attack us!” Peter yelled, “Tell it you’re here to grab your project!” 

“It won’t, duck!” DUME came and swung the red container like a wrecking ball. He chased after Peter when the two split up. Peter ducked, heading towards a lab bench while Beck headed towards the engine in the center of the room. Peter could see him pulling out his phone and then raising it to his ear. 

Peter had to dodge all attacks from the little robot. Peter didn’t try and catch the item, Beck didn’t need to know his secret and the security cameras would of course show this. 

“DUME it’s okay! My name’s Peter, Beck just brought me up here to show me his research project! Turn around, ask him!” Peter pointed towards the engine, DUME too turned, before the two looked confused. The engine was still there. But Beck was gone. DUME roared, revving his wheels and beeping furiously now. Peter turned everywhere looking for Beck but he couldn’t find him. He tried to hear Beck though. 

“Got so fucking lucky Brian,” He heard Beck whisper, “Kid’s a gullible genius. Broke into Stark’s lab for me-” Peter froze. He broke into Stark’s lab for Beck?! 

“I thought you said you had access!” Peter yelled, DUME again swung the canister towards Peter. Peter backed up, running into a table as DUME slammed items off the previous one. He whipped it like knunchucks even mimicking karate noises. 

“Sorry kid,” All of a sudden he materialized behind DUME grabbing the canister and ripping it free from DUME’s claw. DUME screamed, as did Peter seeing Beck break his claw. 

“OH MY FUCKING GOD! You can’t just break DUME! Tony Stark loves this robot!” Peter screamed. 

“Relax kid it’s just a hunk of metal. As for you, fuck, I can’t let you leave just yet.” He turned around, scanning the items on the table. Peter looked too and saw the items he was looking for. 

“Man, poor Spider-man right, Stark really did steal his little web slingers-” Peter punched Beck in the face. Beck stumbled back, enough time for Peter to grab the web slingers on the table. He felt a vibration on his back, and turned to shoot a web in Beck’s face. 

The web slingers made a pathetic noise as nothing came out. Peter cursed looking at the area where the canisters containing his web fluid would normally be. 

“Kid take it from me, Spider-man’s webs wouldn’t save you in this situation.” He laughed, slamming his own arm into Peter’s head. Peter’s head pulsed, then his other side also broke against a table. Peter couldn’t regulate his powers, and he broke the lab table. Supplies crumbled to the floor. Peter as well, landing on some exposed wires, screw drivers, and what looked like an old Ironman repulsor.

Beck was ready to aim again before DUME ran into Beck. The robot pushed him into another table, but kept going until everything collide with the engine. The engine’s support broke from the impact, falling and flattening on the ground. Peter wanted to scream, how could this be going so wrong? He grabbed the repulsor, extra wires and got to his feet. DUME didn’t look to be attacking him anymore. He instead focused on Beck. 

All of a sudden gunfire rang through the lab. Peter crashed to the floor, taking cover from an overturned lab bench. DUME rolled over to him, his exposed claw sparking bits of energy. Peter got an idea. 

“Can I connect this to your claw?” He whispered, pointing towards the repulsor and the broken claw. DUME beeped enthusiastically, which Peter accepted as consent before doing a shitty job wiring the repuslor. Peter heard the elevator ding, Beck had stopped firing. 

“It’s good! Go!” Peter yelled at DUME. DUME aimed towards Beck, but horribly accounted for the repulsions force. He went backwards, sending the repulsors blast across the ceiling. Peter screamed, ducking as ceiling tiles fell. He crawled under a table and scanned for Beck. 

Beck materialized in front of him. 

“You cause too much issues kid.” He glared, “fucking have fun telling the Avengers you broke into a lab.” Peter couldn’t comprehend what Beck was saying. He felt that fuzzy shock before Beck slammed Peter’s head into the ground and grabbed his left arm. Peter protested, but wasn’t strong enough to fight Beck’s impossible strength. Beck forced Peter towards the elevator, before another blast from DUME came in their direction. Beck and Peter were separated. The elevator dinged and as the door opened Peter couldn’t make out the figures in the room. 

Peter looked up at the man. He had to squint his eyes and still couldn’t make out anything beyond some unruly hair and blue eyes. Peter had no idea who had blue eyes. Maybe Mr. Harrington? Or security. He cried out in pain. His lower body gave out from some attack on his back. Peter fell towards the stranger. The man grabbed Peter’s arms, catching him. 

Something jingled in Peter’s ear, but it didn’t sound like keys. The mystery man yelled, it hurt Peter’s ears. Mystery man couldn’t defend himself, as Beck threw two blows, hitting the man with the end of his gun. A sharp pain wrapped around his arm. Peter’s vision blurred, not able to make out the item. 

“Dis do-sn’t -ook like uh fwien-ship brace-it.” He spoke, his words were comically distorted. Peter almost laughed, reminded of a child’s lisp.

“It’s cuffs dumbass.” The mystery man coughed. He supported himself on the wall, Peter nodded. He tried to move before that pain blossomed on his wrist, “Don’t pull on that… cuts… can you…” Peter couldn’t hear mystery man. He heard the rush of his blood, the gurgle of the man’s stomach. Or was that Peter’s stomach. Peter didn’t even get to eat lunch. 

“‘M missin’ -ch.”

The elevator dinged.

“Fuck,” Mystery man sunk towards the floor, Peter fell with him. Pain hugged him all around, squeezing groaned from his body, “FRI, JARVIS, call... lockdown now!” 

Peter tried to complain. No hospital. No hospital.

Peter couldn’t do anything but close his eyes, much to the protest of mystery man.

“Fuckn’ shut it dude, ‘m not gonna die.” Peter mumbled, before exhaustion overtook him.