The bus rumbled through Manhattan traffic. Peter sat by the window, watching the city pass by. Skyscrapers stretched toward the sky. People crowded the sidewalks. Normal city life.
But nothing about today would be normal.
Flash Thompson sat next to him, talking excitedly about the field trip. Harry Osborn occupied the seat across the aisle. Behind them, MJ, Gwen, and Felicia had claimed their own row.
"Oscorp Tower is supposed to be incredible," Flash said. "My cousin works there in accounting. Says they're doing crazy science stuff. Like movie-level crazy."
"It's genetic research," Peter said. "Cross-species genetics. Trying to give humans beneficial traits from animals."
"That sounds dangerous," Harry muttered. "Knowing my father, it probably is dangerous."
Peter mentally ran through everything he knew about Oscorp. Norman Osborn's obsession with genetic enhancement. The spider projects. The lizard research. Dr. Connors' attempt to regrow his missing arm.
And the bite. The moment that would change everything.
'Except I'm not leaving it to chance,' Peter thought. 'I'm taking control. Stealing the research. Getting bitten on my own terms.'
His phone buzzed. Text from FSIS displayed discreetly.
"All infiltration protocols ready. Oscorp security analysis complete. Their systems are vulnerable to our methods. Awaiting your signal to begin."
Peter typed a quick response. "Stand by. Will signal when ready."
The bus pulled up to Oscorp Tower. The building dominated the skyline. Glass and steel. Modern architecture. The Oscorp logo displayed prominently.
Students filed off the bus. Teachers checked attendance. Peter moved with the crowd, appearing casual while his enhanced senses cataloged everything.
Security cameras. Guard positions. Entry points. Exit routes. His Mind processed it all automatically.
They entered through the main lobby. Marble floors. High ceilings. Corporate art on the walls. A receptionist directed them to the elevators.
"Your tour guide will meet you on the fifteenth floor," she said with a professional smile.
The elevator ride was crowded. Peter ended up pressed between MJ and Gwen. Felicia stood just behind them.
"You okay?" MJ whispered. "You seem tense."
"Just thinking," Peter said.
"Always thinking," Gwen added. "Your brain never shuts off, does it?"
"Not really."
The doors opened on the fifteenth floor. A large reception area greeted them. But more importantly, Norman Osborn himself waited.
He wore an expensive suit. His posture was perfect. His smile was practiced and cold. When his eyes found Peter in the crowd, they locked on with predatory intensity.
"Welcome to Oscorp Industries," Norman said. His voice carried authority. "I'm Norman Osborn, CEO and founder. I'll be personally conducting part of your tour today."
Murmurs ran through the student group. The CEO himself was giving them a tour. That was unusual.
Harry looked embarrassed. His father's attention was clearly focused on one person. Peter Parker.
"We're at the forefront of genetic research," Norman continued. "Pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Making humans better. Stronger. More capable." He walked closer to the students. Stopped directly in front of Peter. "Some people think we're playing god. I think we're fulfilling humanity's potential."
Peter met his gaze calmly. "There's a difference between advancement and recklessness."
"Is there?" Norman smiled. "Or is caution just another word for cowardice?"
The tension was thick. Other students shifted uncomfortably. Even the teachers looked uneasy.
"Let's begin the tour," Norman said, breaking the moment. "I think you'll find our work very illuminating."
They walked through pristine hallways. Everything was white and chrome. Sterile. Clinical. Norman led them to a large laboratory space.
Inside, a man in a lab coat worked at a computer terminal. He had only one arm. His left sleeve was pinned neatly. When he turned, Peter recognized him immediately.
Dr. Curtis Connors. The Lizard. Not yet transformed, but the tragedy was already written in his missing limb.
"This is Dr. Connors," Norman introduced. "Our lead researcher in cross-species genetics. Curtis, if you would explain your work to our guests."
Dr. Connors smiled warmly. Much friendlier than Norman. "Of course. Welcome, students. What you're about to see represents years of research into genetic enhancement."
He pulled up images on a large display screen. DNA helixes. Genetic sequences. Technical data that most of the students couldn't understand.
But Peter understood perfectly. His PhD-level knowledge in genetics made every detail clear.
"We're working on human limitations using the genes of other species," Dr. Connors explained. "Regeneration from lizards. Strength from spiders. Electrical generation from electric eels. Enhanced senses from various predators."
"Is it safe?" a student asked.
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