"Is it safe?" a student asked.
"That's the challenge," Dr. Connors admitted. "Cross-species genetics is dangerous. The human body tends to reject foreign DNA. We're working on methods to make the integration stable."
"How close are you to human trials?" Gwen asked. Her scientific curiosity was clearly engaged.
"Closer than you might think," Norman interjected. "We've had success with animal subjects. The next step is finding the right human candidates. People with specific genetic markers that make them compatible."
His eyes drifted to Peter again. Then to Felicia. Calculating looks.
The tour continued. They moved through different lab sections. Each one showcased a different aspect of Oscorp's research.
The regeneration lab displayed lizards regrowing severed tails. Dr. Connors watched those displays with obvious longing. His missing arm was clearly personal motivation.
The strength enhancement section showed videos of test subjects with enhanced physical capabilities. Rats lifting ten times their body weight. Monkeys with grip strength that exceeded human levels.
"These modifications could help disabled people," Dr. Connors said. "Imagine someone paralyzed being able to walk again. Someone blind being able to see. That's the real goal here."
"And military applications," Norman added coldly. "Enhanced soldiers. Superior abilities. Evolutionary advantages."
The difference between the two men was clear. Dr. Connors wanted to heal. Norman wanted to weaponize.
They reached the spider research section. This was it. What Peter had been waiting for.
Through reinforced glass windows, they could see specialized containment rooms. Dozens of enclosures lined the walls. Each one held genetically modified spiders.
"Our spider program is the most advanced," Dr. Connors explained. "Spiders are remarkable creatures. Pound for pound, spider silk is stronger than steel. Their sensory capabilities are extraordinary. Their predatory instincts are finely tuned."
Peter studied the enclosures carefully. His enhanced vision picked out details others missed. Each enclosure was labeled with genetic modification details and test results.
He spotted them. The three specimens he'd researched extensively through FSIS's preliminary data gathering.
Spider-42. Red and blue coloring. Enhanced strength markers. Wall-crawling protein expression. Precognitive sensory development.
Spider-67. Silver-blue coloring. Accelerated cellular regeneration. Enhanced metabolism. Bioelectric generation capabilities.
Spider-91. Black and white patterning. Organic webbing production. Expanded sensory processing.
'Perfect,' Peter thought. 'All three are here. Exactly as predicted.'
"These spiders are too unstable for human trials," Dr. Connors said. "The genetic modifications are too aggressive. A human test subject would likely die from rejection."
"Unless we find the right genetics," Norman said. He pulled out his tablet. Checked something. His expression shifted to satisfaction.
The tour group was given a bathroom break. Students were directed to facilities near the labs. Backpacks had to be left in a secured storage area. Facility rules. No personal items beyond this point.
Peter watched MJ, Gwen, and Felicia all place their bags in the designated lockers. The area was monitored but not heavily secured. Just enough to deter casual theft.
He felt for a moment that he was potentially exposing his friends to danger. But he pushed it down. The research was too valuable. The opportunity was too perfect.
'I'll monitor them,' Peter decided. 'If they get bitten, I'll help them. Guide them. Make sure they don't go through this alone.'
It was rationalization. He knew that. But he did it anyway.
Peter excused himself to the bathroom. Found a stall. Locked the door.
"FSIS, status."
"All systems ready. Oscorp security protocols have been fully mapped. I can disable all cameras, locks, and motion sensors simultaneously. Their cyber security is inferior to our capabilities."
"Estimated time until detection?"
"If we restore systems properly, detection risk is under 2%. However, you'll have approximately 8 minutes before automatic system reboot that I cannot prevent without leaving forensic traces."
"Eight minutes is enough. Begin infiltration on my mark."
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