Spider-Man SI

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***

New York City. Night-night.

Friday night went by without a hitch for me. I spent the night in the basement working on the glue formula. I couldn't get it right in one evening. Theoretically, I had it all figured out, but I needed some ingredients to complete the experiment. And if everything works out the way it should, then we can start mass production, hehe. Yeah, I need to upgrade the equipment in the lab, it's too old, the computer can barely keep up.

When my aunt and uncle went to bed, I got ready to go to town. Normal people of my age also go to town at this time, but unfortunately we have different goals. They go to discos, and I... I don't know where I'm going! I put on my usual set of clothes, put a cap on my head and tied my face, and jumped out of the window. Twenty minutes of fast jogging through the dormitory district, and here, more suitable for Spider-Man high-rises in front of me. This is my first target tonight. Bouncing around a construction site is certainly good, but I need to practice in a more realistic environment. Obviously, I needed to start by making my own launchers and webbing. After all, it's better to jump on roofs with some kind of insurance. But I'm in a stalemate. In order to finish the web, I need ingredients, which cost money, and I don't have them.

Sprinting, I jumped over the wall of the house and, without slowing down, ran towards the roof. Too bad I'd have to ruin my second pair of socks. I couldn't find more suitable shoes at home, and to buy them... again, I needed money. When I jumped onto the roof, I realised with a smile that I wasn't even out of breath. By eye, the next roof was about five or six metres away. It was a piece of cake! I could not even accelerate, because I almost flew over the building. But the sensations were amazing! Jumping on the roofs of high-rises - it's cool! Adrenaline is splashing in the blood, and the heart is working hard! It seems that several times I could not resist, and my cry of admiration was heard all over New York....

Two hours flew by like that, for I enjoyed it so much! But when I once again jumped on the roof of some building, I heard a faint muffled scream. Then I remembered my other goal, which was much more important than the first one. But where was that scream coming from? I'd lost touch with reality. When I listened, I didn't hear anything else like it. Oh, shit! Where to go? To save who? When I was about to start panicking from helplessness, my spider sense suddenly woke up. I'm freaking out! It wasn't a warning of danger to me. It was just a sudden blast of fear and despair from below and to the left. Without thinking, I jumped off the roof. I landed, well, as if I landed, I stuck to the wall of a neighbouring building. Trying not to make noise I climbed over to the other wall and quietly, on four limbs I climbed down.

It was dark and smelled bad. There, on the roofs, the light of the stars and the moon was enough, but here not a single lantern was burning. I guess my body knows best what it needs, because after a minute I suddenly realised that I could see just fine, but the range was a little different, but it was worth it. I don't remember Spidey having night vision. Although there are so many versions out there, it's not surprising. I realised right from the start that my reality was a bit different from the films and cartoons I know. I hadn't read the comic book, but no matter, I decided to be extremely careful and not to rely on the canon.

In the meantime, I got down enough to make out the details. There was a guy standing on the corner of a house, looking anxiously at the light. A little further on, in the cul-de-sac behind him, were two others. They were picking the pockets of a puny lad lying on the pavement. So to speak, a picture of oil. I didn't hesitate, I moved to the arsehole who was on the lookout. I moved almost noiselessly, I was surprised at myself, and none of my opponents thought it necessary to wait for danger from above. Before the excitement of jumping passed, I quickly extended one hand to cover the guy's mouth, and with the other I grabbed him by the jacket and dragged him round the corner. Now we wouldn't be seen by his mates. The guy was still quite young, and when he saw me he was really scared. I once again praised myself for my foresight, he would have screamed for sure. But it was me who panicked next. I grabbed him. But what do I do next? Out of nervousness, I slammed his head against the wall. The body in my hands went limp and slid to the ground.

- John, where are you? - came a loud whisper from a rough bass.

- You moron! Don't shout! Don't say our names! You imbecile! - echoed another, a little hysterical. - Go see where that rat bastard's been!

- All right, Frank,' the bass was subdued.

The other one, the hysterical one, started whispering abuse at his clever colleague. I agreed with him in principle, manpower makes all the difference! Heavy footsteps were heard, and in a minute the biggest of the trio of robbers came out of the corner of the cul-de-sac. When he saw his partner leaning against the wall, he bent over the body. I was not noticed on the wall again, it was a shame... So that the big guy would not speak up, I put his head against the wall too.... Despite the difference in the size of the bandits, the stone wall worked perfectly. The bully is knocked out. The last one left. I didn't wait for him, so I decided to pay him a visit myself. He'd already taken a look at the victim, and before I arrived he was thinking of expropriating the kid's clothes.

- Who the hell are you? - A hysterical thin voice cut my ears, and its owner pulled a knife from his pocket.

- Yo! Don't you recognise Santa?! Oh, that's right, I forgot my belly pad at home! Sorry, boy, I didn't mean to break your stereotype. - Yeah, I'm not gonna be a full-fledged spider. I can't make jokes like him.

- What?

- I'm saying you've been bad, boy! And you're blacklisted. You know what happens to people I put on my bad behaviour list?

At those words, I was close enough that it was easy to knock the knife out of my already trembling hand. Stepping even closer, I just smacked him in the forehead with my fist. That was enough for the guy. After dragging the rest of the bandits to the cul-de-sac, I checked to see if I'd killed them. But no, they were fine. Checked their victim - breathing too, but unconscious. Well, that's great! Wrinkling my nose and snorting in every possible way, I started searching the robbers. Expectedly, the last guy I knocked out had the most plump pockets. From the others I took off at most ten quid, the ringleader had a crumpled fifty, as well as the wallet and mobile phone of their last victim. I didn't count the fake knife as booty. So I'll be earning for my Ferrari forever! I sadly sat down near the still insensible boy, patted him a couple of times on the cheeks, then patted him again, freaked out and began to rub his collar. At last the sickly creature opened his eyes.

- Just don't hit it! Please don't hurt it!

- Calm down, I'm a good guy. I saved you. You can see your mates knocked out.

- Don't hit me! Take my wallet, but don't hurt me! I don't want to die!

- Ugh! All right, kid, here's your wallet, here's your mobile. You want to call the police, you want to just walk away, it's not like you're broken. Do what you like, I'm off, see you later!

I jumped on the wall and ran up to the roof. I've done my job, I have to say, it's not a very pleasant job, I don't think I'll be doing it again. No, if I run into a situation like this, I'll help, but only if it's not to my detriment. But like the original Spidey, I don't want to help people in need at night without pay. In fact, I like to sleep at night, and no amount of spider bites will change that!

Jumping out on the roof, I continued on my way, but now gradually shifting towards the house. Thinking about it, I felt it necessary to train my senses, in case I feel some emotions, I think empathy can be useful in life, yeah. Trying to remember that state when I felt someone else's fear and despair, I slowly moved along the rooftops, sometimes freezing in one place, listening to myself. And then during another such stupor, at the very edge, I felt a faint surge of excitement, and anticipation. This was clearly out of my way, and not quite what I needed, for why on earth would a man feel such a thing? But I'd run most of the night already, an extra hour wouldn't do me any good.

That's interesting. I got to the place quickly enough. And I had time to see two dudes in masks raking green rectangles from the bank terminal. Oh! Now that's what I call perspective! But let's not be hasty. My new heroes soon did their job, and trotted down the alleys, a dozen minutes later they came out to a car parked in a secluded place. I followed them easily, even as they drove. Apparently the cops didn't tail them. They drove quietly into an area of warehouses, and stopped outside one of them. One got out and opened the barn door, the other drove the car inside. The barn was dilapidated and had a lot of gaps. I got in no problem.

- Ha-ha! You fucked up again, bro! That's a beer opener!

As I looked closer, I saw that the robbers were indeed brothers. They looked so much alike, they looked like two peas in a pod!

- You're a fool! I didn't need much time! The ATM would have counted out all the cash! And you went in head-on! It's a good thing I had time to block the alarm, or it would've been crawling with cops in a couple of minutes.

- Come on! It worked! How much did we raise, by the way?

The first brother had got a bottle of beer from somewhere and was sipping it nonchalantly. The second one looked frowning and spoke through his teeth.

- There was a little over twenty grand in the ATM. How much we took out of it I don't know, I'd have to count.

The other one took out of his shoulder bag some strange electronic device. It looked grotesque, a bunch of bare wires, a small keyboard, and the same small screen. There was also a pile of disassembled electronics on the table, and a pretty good laptop. The first one, meanwhile, was sitting on the old broken couch, and with one hand he was going through the money he had just obtained. In the other he was still clutching a can of beer.

There was something I didn't like about the situation. It was too easy for these guys to make a fortune. So I decided to act fast. I crept up to the one on the couch and smacked him on the head. The first robber felt something, but before he could even turn around, he met my foot. So hard that he fell to the floor with the chair. The couch rumbled, I must have hit it weakly. My gut was howling. Oh, my arse, he's got a gun! Using my foot to pick up a chair, I threw it at the waking man. The gun fell out, and I ran closer and hit him again, but much harder. I picked up the gun, put it on the safety, and put it behind my belt. I found a thin rope in the boot and tied the robbers up for good measure.

I didn't expect to see a gun pointed at me, but I got there in time, and the guy only had time to take the gun out of his pocket, but didn't even point it at me. When I calmed down a bit, I remembered that I hadn't wanted to stay long in the first place. Jumping up on the couch, I started transferring the money from their bag to my backpack. Closing the full backpack, I hopped over to the table, looking at the pile of disassembled electronics with obvious longing. Grabbing my laptop, I went under the roof, there was a hole through which I crawled into the hangar.

Yeah, what have we got here? Already on the roof of the neighbouring warehouse I noticed how people in flak jackets, helmets, and with short automatic rifles were approaching the hangar I had left. Here came the police.

I got home when it was already light outside. The adrenaline had long since left my blood, and I was terribly sleepy. Shoving my backpack and laptop under the bed, I undressed and collapsed on top of the blanket. Then I remembered that I had taken the gun from the bandits. Shit! I should have thrown it away! Stashing it too, I put the problem aside for later, and fell asleep.

I woke up at lunchtime. Or rather, I was woken up. I looked in the mirror, waved, and the zombie did the same.

- Peter! How much longer do we have to wait for you?! We're hungry!

- I'm coming! I'm coming! What's for dinner?

- Come down and find out!

Dressed in clean clothes, I stomped down the stairs. When I saw the table laden with food, I realised I was starving.

- Peter, you have to sleep at night,' said Aunt May, admonishingly. - You can't just sit around in your lab!

- Auntie, science requires sacrifice! - I exclaimed pathetically, and, waiting for the smiles on my relatives' faces, I continued. - All right, now I'll have a snack and go for a walk. I want to walk round the town and take some pictures.

- Oh! - my aunt looked at my uncle. - I think that's a great idea!

- I was also thinking of looking for a martial arts school that suits me.

- Martial arts? - Auntie exclaimed fearfully.

- Peter, I don't think that's necessary. You can't settle disputes with your fists,' agreed Uncle Ben.

- Don't worry. I just want to learn to stand up for myself. Anyone can be in an emergency, and these skills can save a life. Besides, I don't think you can neglect this aspect of developing your body and mind.

- If you look at it that way,' he chewed his lip, 'then I'm glad Mei and I were able to raise you right! - he continued proudly.

- 'If you find something suitable for yourself, Ben and I will be looking for money, for lessons,' Auntie concluded sadly.

- Good. Then I ran to get ready!

Walking into the room, I pulled out a rucksack full of money and a laptop. Carrying them down to the basement. There's less chance of someone going down there. Auntie had cleaned the basement a few times, but after spoiling my materials and hearing a couple of scandals from me, she gave the honourable mission to me. After that, she made it a point not to come to my lab. Besides, I have a secret stash in there. I hope no one knows about it but me, because I found it not too long ago. I think I inherited it from my father, it's a good one - a safe, concreted in the floor. Good thing I managed to find the password! By the way, the safe was not empty, but I had no opportunity to study its contents, but, as I remember, there was nothing there but documents.

Having re-hidden the money, I put the laptop in the safe too. I need to buy a charger for it, because yesterday I was in a hurry and didn't bring it. I left a lot of stuff in there yesterday! A lot of electronics! It's sad.

Having left myself some money for the planned purchases, and picking up my digital camera, I went for a walk. To start with, I killed just a bunch of time wandering around shoe shops. I needed shoes through which I could cling my feet to different surfaces. But finding a thin enough sole was problematic. I ended up buying myself some athletic flip flops, I'll re-shoe as needed.

Then I popped into an interesting shop, and bought enough materials for glue. I easily spent, in fact, stolen money, and did not worry about it. Is my conscience atrophied or something? I took pictures along the way. Mostly of pretty girls, but what can I do if I love beauty? Sometimes I was unnoticed, such photos in a natural environment, when no one poses on purpose, are amazing. Sometimes I myself was grabbed by the hand and forced to practise carrying a camera. I took a few photos from the roofs of skyscrapers, it turned out great. A view of the big city.

I went to different schools, looked at karate, boxers and others. I photographed them too. But I didn't find anything interesting, and the lessons were expensive. In general, with my speed, reaction, and especially my spider sense, I didn't have to worry about it. But I think I could use a punch.

The day was hot and I went in to buy myself a mineral water. On the way out, I ran into... Gwen Stacy! Well, it's really New York in a nutshell.

- Hi, she seemed pleased.

- Yeah, hi.

Her blonde hair was in a high ponytail. Which gave me a perfect view of her lovely thin neck, high chest, through the deep neckline of her T-shirt... tight T-shirt. Smiling wryly, I slipped in beside her, and without looking back, wandered off. Just as I found the right shop, I bought a universal laptop charger. Also remembering about the blonde, I bought myself a player. I didn't have money for a normal mobile phone. And I didn't want to spend a lot of money.

After half an hour of wandering, I was already thinking of going back to the lab and working on glue. But then I noticed a sign in the shape of a raised fist. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I went inside. Hmmm... scary school, already scary because Gwen came out to see me!

- Peter! - She smiled in a creepy way and I shivered. - This is the second time we've met today, you just have to take me for a walk, and an ice-cream! - her tone was so adamant that I had no choice.

- Let's go...ice cream is ice cream.....

- By the way, - as soon as I went outside I was already in earshot, oh woe is me... - what were you doing at the club?

- Club? Was it a club?

- Well, yeah. Cops hang out there mostly. Punching each other in the face. Not a romantic place at all! - she pouted her lips, and I laughed. Why is she so beautiful?

- Right. I saw the sign, so I came in. I want to give myself a kick, so I've been wandering around all day today.

- A punch? You didn't need a punch to take down Flash. You expect me to believe you can't fight?

- Suit yourself,' I shrugged. - But I do. I'm just fast. What were you doing at the club yourself?

- Pretty much what you did,' she wrinkled her nose sweetly, while I mentally knitted a weight around my neck and jumped off a boat into the sea. - My father's a police captain. I spent half my childhood in places like this. They even taught me how to fight. So, I didn't want to get out of shape, so I came to check out the local club.

- How was it?

- Honestly? - I nodded. - I don't know. I didn't like the atmosphere.

- So what are you gonna do?

- I'll think of something. My teacher gave me the names and coordinates of some of her co-workers who had settled in New York,' she fumbled in her purse. - Aha, here!

Looking at the short list, I was surprised to see a familiar name.

- Connors? Kurt Connors? You're not kidding?

- No, of course not. - She pouted, but forgave me immediately. - Why? Do you know him?

- Not personally. But Curt Connors is one of the most famous biologists in the world! He specialises in genetics. He now teaches at NYU. I didn't know he'd served. Although that's probably how he lost his arm.

- He's a geneticist?! - the girl's eyes sparkled, by the way, what beautiful blue eyes she has!

- Mm-hmm. Eat your ice cream, it's floating!

While we were talking, we managed to buy some ice cream and were now sitting in a small park. The vanilla ice cream was melting from the sun rather than being consumed by us. You're talking to me, damn it!

- Will you come with me?

- М? To Connors'? I'm not going now. Monday, after school. I know where he works.

- I'll do that. Thanks, Pete.

- You're welcome. Hey, why do you want to meet him? I don't think he can help us with our training.

- But he's a geneticist! My mum was a geneticist and I've picked up a love of the microscope, so to speak. That's why I want to meet Connors. You say he's a famous scientist, but I'm embarrassed I don't know anything about him.

- Really? Well, we'll meet him on Monday. I like genetics too. Right, Gwen, I've got to go.

- What! You're running away already? We've only had one ice cream each, I want more!

No way! I want my freedom! Oh, I'm even starting to rhyme.

- Sorry, Gwen, I really have to go. Can we have ice cream some other time? Oh! I've got it! I'm going to take your picture!

I shouldn't have suggested it, I had to kill another half an hour for Miss Stacey's photo shoot. You see, she wanted to touch up her lip colour, or the shadow didn't fall properly. or the picture didn't turn out well at all, and that's it! 'I'm a girl, I know best!' - It's horrible!

I came home a little tired, but satisfied. The walk had been a success, and since it was still a long way from dinner, I piled into my basement. I got my laptop out to start with, it was charging. There were no passwords on the machine, so it started up without any problems. After a little bit of browsing through the discs, I realised that I wouldn't find anything outstanding. A standard set of programs, half of the laptop was full of porn, and the other half was full of viruses. So I didn't think long, started formatting, and left it for a while.

The web did not wait, and I plunged into the wonderful world of science. Almost missed dinner.

That's how the weekend flew by. All Sunday I spent in the lab and, finally, I finally succeeded. I even managed to make some web shooters. But they'll have to be redesigned, I've got a couple more interesting ideas. I'll just test the ones I have and I'll have a better idea of what I need. After all, theory without practice is dead.

As I stretched in bed, I glanced sadly at the clock. I have to get up. I've taken up jogging in the morning, so there's no reason to slack off. Half an hour of running and a cold shower finally put me in shape. On the bus, I remembered that I hadn't downloaded music to the player and forgot it at home. Nevertheless, I was not bored for long, a notorious blonde woman came on the bus and headed straight for me. I made a tactical move, and habitually banged my forehead against the glass, but it didn't help - I remained conscious....

Gwen sat down next to me and started threatening me that if I didn't treat her to ice cream soon, she would eat me. I replied that I didn't mind, thinking to myself that at least I wouldn't have to suffer for long. I think I was misunderstood and blushed. The sophisticated bus crowd also got it, and began to murmur quietly. Basically, I didn't care. And I tried to take away the blonde's headphones, but it didn't work. They scolded me and gave me the finger. I did not remain in debt and showed my tongue... that's how we travelled....

When the bus arrived, my secretly cherished plans that Gwen would go to her friends, did not materialise. She walked me all the way to class. I guess she hadn't made enough girlfriends yet. Let's just hope that this deficiency disappears quickly. All the people I met, some discreetly (they thought so), some very obviously, gawked at me, which was unnerving. And my empathy woke up at the wrong time! Feeling everyone's interest wasn't as cool as it seemed. My head was starting to hurt... badly.

Besides, the whole time they were trying to kill me with stares again, and my gut was clearly pointing to Mary Jane. Weird. We'd always been friends, old Pete even liked her a bit. No, I liked her too, how could I not like a pretty girl? But I didn't know how to get rid of Gwen, and then there's this one! The blonde's a bit of a mess, too. I evaluate myself critically, and I do not have the glory of super macho, so that I hung on me girls themselves. And Gwen is a very pretty girl, and I thought that such krals have slightly different tastes and preferences. Yeah. I mean, she just transferred here, and I was making fun of Flash the jock. I get it.

Anyway, it's been a rough day. I was so nervous, I didn't have much control over my strength, so I broke a pen and a pencil, broke off a few doorknobs. It's a good thing no one shook hands with me, or I feel like I'd be paying their medical bills. When I couldn't take it anymore, with one more class left, I took Gwen under my elbow.

- Let's get out of here! Or I'm going to have a fit and slap some of the nosy ones in the face!

- You're a bit jumpy today - worried?

- Sorry, you're right. I'll meet you outside. Connors has a lecture coming up, we're just in time. And lectures are the easiest to get into.

- All right, I'll just get my bag and I'll catch up with you,' the blonde walked away, swaying her hips.

We got to the institute like white people - by taxi. No, I didn't try to throw money in front of the girl, we were just a little late, and money... easy come - easy go, I didn't worry about it. It was easy to go to the lecture too, I had dreamed of studying in this university since I was ten years old, and I had been there on all the excursions that were going on. That's why there was no need to wander around. Having sat down at the very top, we began to wait for the star geneticist. In just a minute, he came through the door. He was sturdily built, his muscular appearance could not be hidden even by a white dressing gown. His right arm was missing at the elbow and he wore thin glasses on his nose. Well, he was an interesting chap...

- So, today I'll continue my previous lecture. By the way, remind me, what's our topic?

- Regeneration, sir! - someone cheerfully responded.

- Well done, you'll get your own diploma!

It seemed that the audience had been waiting for something like that, for they all laughed, neither embarrassed nor afraid of the professor's angry reaction.

- So, you say regeneration? Good! I gave you all the obligatory theory last time. Now let's talk about the latest developments in the field. You all know, or at least I hope you do, that lizards are free to regrow their previously discarded tails. One day,' Connors waved his stump, 'I thought it would be nice if a human could do something like that....

Man, that's really interesting! I came to my senses, asking the tenth question. The professor didn't get angry - he answered willingly. Nearby sat the same excited Gwen, it seems, she also asked questions, something like that I recall....

- Oh! - exclaimed the professor when the bell rang. - It seems we got a little carried away. As you can see, we didn't have enough time to go through all the material I prepared. But I'm pleased that we old men are being replaced by such an inquisitive generation! I'm so bloody pleased! But time's up, I'll be looking forward to our next meeting! All the best!

Taking Gwen by the elbow, I waited until the bulk of the students were streaming towards the door before I went down to Connors. He, too, was still in no hurry to leave, as if waiting to be approached.

- Sir, I apologise. You don't have a few minutes of your time. We'd like to talk to you.

- Oh, I don't mind at all. I don't remember you young people in my lectures until today, by the way. Are you students of our university?

- We're still students, sir,' the blonde smiled embarrassedly.

- We've been wanting to meet you for a long time, and now we've decided to meet you. My name is Peter Parker. And my friend Gwen Stacey.

- Parker, hmm. Stacey... familiar names. Right! Your mother, Miss... oh, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry! My condolences to Gwen.

- It's all right. I've got over it. I had to move, but it's probably for the best.

- Your mother was a very talented geneticist, I communicated with her several times on the World Wide Web. Losing her is a blow to the entire scientific community,' there was an awkward pause, but Kurt quickly found himself. - Parker. Your last name is familiar to me, too, Peter. Your father was a geneticist too, wasn't he?

- My father...' I smiled sadly. - He was a scientist. But I wouldn't dare say where his genius was most apparent.

- Oh, yes! That was Richard. As the Russians say, you can't figure it out without half a litre. And so it was with him, he was very talented and didn't want to limit himself to one thing. He had no inhibitions.

- Did you know my father? - I knew very little about my parents, so I was glad for any information.

- Not well, but I crossed paths with him. Listen, young men, why don't we go into my office? It will be more convenient to talk there, - having received our consent, the professor took us to the door with his name on the plate, and only then continued. - I was still young and hot then, I fought and fought. And he was already a prima donna, so to speak, in several very promising areas. What's worth only that project of theirs with the ABK. Autonomous bioengineering complex... Unfortunately, Richard also left the scientific community too soon. His projects could have changed the world. I'm sorry, Peter, but some of your father's work was done in closed labs, and he had little time for the idle public. As you realise, there's not much I can tell you about him. But,' he smiled enigmatically, seeing my wan face, 'I have a man working in my lab right now. As far as I know, his father worked with yours. Perhaps you should have a chat with him. The guy's name is Eddie Brock.....

What?! Brock?! What the hell! What the hell?! Man, I guess this universe is even further from what I'm used to! I always thought Brock was a loser photographer and a fraud. And his only speciality was merging with the symbiote. And here you are! I hope the green goblin isn't throwing fire, or it's gonna be a disaster. OK, that's all a bit of a rant, but I seem to have fallen out of touch with reality. Now Connors was entertaining Gwen, who was interested in hearing more about combining human and lizard DNA. I didn't want to lose any bits of knowledge either, so I put Brock out of my mind for the time being.

It looked like we'd lingered too long, as it was starting to get evening outside. That was a good tutorial. Connors doesn't teach students for nothing; he can mesmerise with his voice, and he presented the material to us very competently. The man is full of talent.

- Listen up, young people. I just can't lose the kind of personnel you are. Therefore, how would you like the opportunity to work a little?

Gwen and I looked at each other and nodded slowly. The identical smiles of vivisectionist maniacs crept onto our faces. He'd order us to kill the president right now - we'd go for it.

- Great! I'll prepare the paperwork and be expecting you on Wednesday. Now, if you'll excuse me, my new lab technicians. I have to go home and get some milk.

Glowing with joy, we nodded once again and sprinted to the door. I suddenly remembered what we wanted to talk to Connors about. So I stopped the blonde and turned us back to our employer.

- Sir, I'm terribly sorry, but there's something else we wanted to talk to you about. Gwen? - Gwen looked at me like I was mentally ill, but then her pretty eyes flashed with understanding.

- Aha! Professor, sir, Emily Diaz, my former hand-to-hand teacher, gave me your contacts. She said I could contact you.

- Diaz? That daredevil? I remember her, how could I not! You say she was your coach? Yeah, she's good with her hands, better than a lot of guys.

- She's with the San Francisco Police Department now. Her father left her his position, so to speak.

- I see. I take it you'd like to continue your training in your new position?

- Yeah! - The girl smiled. - Only I'm with Peter...' I was caught in the middle of a traitorous moment, and I rolled my eyes, crying out to the gods of Asgard.

- Not a fool, I got it! - that traitor grinned nastily! - As you can see, I won't be able to train you personally anymore. And not just because of that,' he nodded at the stump. - My work sometimes takes too much time. But I'll think about what I can offer you in return. I know a few people. Well, on Wednesday you'll come, and then we'll try to solve this issue.

- Thank you, Professor! We're off!