Marvel: I Have A Super USB Drive

Quick Note: I don't own any characters, worlds, or universes mentioned here (aside from a few original characters). They all belong to their respective creators and companies.

This is a work of fiction, created simply for fun and maybe a bit of inspiration. No offense or infringement intended.

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"You what—You recreated the super soldier serum?!" Peter exclaimed heavily, his jaw almost dropping to the floor.

"And you also decided to mess with microversal science? That's the most insane thing I've heard since birth." Peter began nervously pacing around, his hands clapped on his waist.

'Even for a super soldier, he would have to exert over 20 tons of raw strength to treat my webbings like paper.' Peter bit his lip in thought.

Joe wore a casual expression as he studied the restless Peter with mirthful eyes.

It took a major step for him to part with such sensitive information. He had always been closed off when it came to his personal life. However, Joe thought it wouldn't be bad to confide in Peter. His overall evaluation after interacting with Peter for quite some time was: that he certainly could be trusted.

He didn't need to tell him everything—just the details that mattered. The truth about his existence, his deepest secrets—those were things he couldn't share, not even with family. Some truths were too dangerous and would inevitably lead to chaos.

'I'm changing. Is it for the better or the worse?' Joe contemplated as he rested his cheek on his fist. 'Maybe I've always had a soft spot all along.'

"W-What made you do that, man? Why did you take such risks that might atomize your being into nothingness?" Peter stopped pacing, his expression hardening, his serious gaze drilling a hole through Joe's head.

When Joe delved into his explanation of the Quantum Realm—also known as the Microverse—Peter's excitement had grown. It was an entirely foreign universe, operating on nanoscale levels and intrinsically linked to the fabric of space-time. The sheer novelty of it offered endless possibilities, but with those came the potential for catastrophic mistakes. The dangers were as immense as the opportunities.

Despite the grim odds stacked against him, Peter still couldn't fathom why Joe would risk his own life.

'If that isn't chronic insanity, then what is he then?' Peter pondered, his brows closely knitted in frustration. It made him somehow angry that Joe could be reckless as he remembered that day he almost died at the Times Square Bombing.

Was he being unreasonable?

Joe pursed his lips, quietly observing Peter's frown, already guessing what was running through his mind. Peter wasn't adept at facial expression manipulation. He always gave away something. What surprised Joe was his low-key care for him.

'This bastard...is certainly likable.' Joe chuckled internally, subtle warmth settling in his heart.

"Stop fussing over the past details. Didn't I survive and emerge back stronger and faster? I'm already super," Joe declared, hitting his chest with his thumb.

"How insufferable. Sometimes have a deep awareness of the consequences of such power," Peter deeply sighed, not wanting to annoy Joe with his protectiveness anymore.

"Someone once told me, 'With great power comes great responsibility.' I've always lived by that code... until now." Peter's voice softened, a distant look crossing his face. He tried to shake it off with a light joke. "I-I just hope you don't let that naughty side of yours wreak havoc in my neighborhood."

The overhead light flickered, the electricity buzzing in the background.

Of course, Joe knew whom Peter was referring to. It was someone more than just family. He was the person who created Spider-Man at the individual level and set him on such a path. To always do good no matter his circumstances. It bound Peter to a fixed ideal to live up to. The chains of past promises were difficult to overcome in Peter's case.

'Everyone has their own story and path they've chosen to embark on. It would be cumbersome to influence him, and I should respect his moral direction. However, that doesn't mean we're necessarily on the same path.' Joe thought carefully before standing up.

The current atmosphere was palpably awkward.

"You have my word, Spider-Man." Joe confidently smiled and patted Peter's shoulder with reassurance.

Then, his tone suddenly shifted, becoming more serious. "We have important matters to deal with, Pete. What do you have for me about the flu virus?"

The question jolted Peter back to reality, suddenly making him switch gears inside his head. He took a deep breath and then released a frustrated sigh. "Oh right, there was that."

"I've hit a wall in my research. There is something that has been escaping my grasp whenever I try to reach a conclusive end in the viral simulated environment." Peter walked to the experiment table and pulled up a holographic image. It was the familiar polyhedral structure of the influenza virus.

Joe moved closer as Peter zoomed on the Hemagglutinin (HA) protein.

"The mutation rate of the flu virus is known to be rapid. That's why a universal cure doesn't yet exist." Peter pointed out.

"Right—antigenic drift," Joe nodded.

"Yeah. My research was based on the existing recombinant Hemagglutinin approach. I tried to self-contain the virus to induce a positive mutation, but it only increased its virulence. Even when I included a synthetic RNA sequence." Peter pinched a holographic trimeric protein and pushed it to Joe.

"That's a nice step you've taken already."

"I don't think so, Joe. There's more. I've been toying with the idea of using a completely different virus to inhibit the self-replicating mechanism of the flu virus."

A discerning glint shone in Joe's eyes, his mind overflowing with different viral variants. They were the untapped possibilities, but sadly, the stage wasn't his.

"It's the pathogen behind common colds—the rhinovirus." Peter swiped another viral strain into the mix.

"This one's milder and isn't as toxic as the flu virus. What if we— The idea is crazy! Oh God, please help me!" Peter abruptly ran a hand through his hair.

"I'm all about mad science. Spill it." Joe grinned wickedly, his eyes gleaming with anticipation, urging Peter not to hold anything back.

Peter shot him a glance before introducing another virus. It was the swine flu virus.

"The swine flu and rhinovirus... Aha, interesting. Is this what you're thinking?" Joe stepped closer, manipulating the holographic display of the swine flu and rhinovirus genetic codes. What followed was a precise simulation of genetic engineering, resulting in the creation of a new viral strain—one unknown to the body's immune system. It was a game changer, blending the genetic properties of both viruses.

On seeing the results of Joe's virtual experiment, Peter's eyes lit up in recognition.

"Wow, that's what I had been constantly thinking about. It's as if you read my mind. Weird."

"You know, I'm something of a super genius myself. I didn't mean to brag, by the way. I easily connected the dots, and it clicked." Joe smirked at Peter and shrugged his shoulders.

Peter helplessly shook his head, not knowing what to do with the guy. He refocused on the new viral variant capable of suppressing the flu virus, depriving it of its host. The body's immune response could hypothetically adapt to the bioengineered strain.

"That's the positive side of things. The problem lies in its administration—it would need to be spread through airborne means, like from New York's skyline. That's biological terrorism in my book. I can't do that, man."

Joe arched his brows, impressed by Peter's sense of righteousness. "If there is a slim chance of zoonotic transmission and the new strain mutates into something much worse, you fear many might die unjustifiably, right? Individuals with weaker immune systems are likely to die fast. That's a recipe for a biological catastrophe."

"Yeah. I'm supposed to be the hero that people look up to, not their mass murderer," Peter replied.

Even though Joe felt he wasn't as heroic as Peter, he also certainly didn't want to be responsible for an unintended genocide despite their good intentions. There was no reason to act like the Mad Titan obsessed with balance and universal correction.

'This is something Umbrella Corporation would certainly be interested in after what they did to Raccoon City.' he lightly mused.

"Hey, don't worry. Your approach is more than viable—it's groundbreaking. It'll pave the way for future breakthroughs. Your ingenious solution will be the blueprint for the perfect cure, bud," Joe said, his tone reassuring.

"All breakthroughs in science are made like this. Cheer up."

Peter nodded in understanding. "I'm good. The research was killing me with self-doubt anyway. I thought the method was wrong on several occasions, even without the mass-spreading shenanigans."

"So Pete, what villains have you recently interacted with?" Joe casually asked. They could finalize the research anytime if they combine their genius minds. He thought some casual talks wouldn't hurt as he played around with the holographic models. It was multitasking at its finest.

Peter squinted his eyes as if in thought. "Have you heard of the Kingpin?"

Joe paused his actions, his gaze narrowed. "The self-proclaimed king of the underworld, the big man in the shadows. Of course, I know him."

"I'm onto him, but he's a tougher opponent than I thought." Peter leaned on the table, his hands clutching on the edges.

"He has recently been at the center of the murder cases in Hell's Kitchen, but there's simply no incriminating evidence. He's totally clean."

"Now that you've mentioned it, Pete. I think I have some inevitable connection with Fisk."

"You know his real name?" Peter exclaimed.

"I happen to be good at detective work."

"I'll take that with a pinch of salt. So what's his connection with you?"

"He hurt somebody he shouldn't have touched. Someone close to me," Joe shared this information, his eyes studying Peter's reaction.

"Who?" Peter's body tensed as his grip on the table tightened unconsciously. It was a good thing the table had been built with extreme durability in mind.

"You don't have to worry about that. I'll help you deal with Kingpin." Joe quickly dismissed the question with another reply, his voice chillingly low and sharp.

For the first time since he had interacted with Joe, Peter felt his spider senses tingle violently. At that moment, his friend felt an awakened monster about to be unleashed into the wild.

"How will you deal with him?" Peter gave him a questioning glare.

"I haven't thought about it specifically." Joe smoothly lied, and Peter even believed his words.

Only he knew what fate had in store for Wilson Fisk. Peter just fast-forwarded his day of judgment so soon since Joe had been preoccupied with many things in the past months. He had already investigated everything about Wilson Fisk until there was nothing left.

He wouldn't have bothered with Fisk if he hadn't ordered his hooligans to use Gwen as a hostage on that rainy day.

Wilson Fisk was an unstable element, and he should be removed.

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[Word Count 1851]