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Chapter 11 - Machine Man 11

Gwen, stunned by the unexpected rescue, heeded Specter's advice and rushed towards the Quadra Javelina. As she entered the car, her eyes widened at the high-tech interior, marveling at the advanced features. Curious, she couldn't resist running her fingers over the wheels and the sleek dash board surfaces and attempting to explore the various buttons.

Suddenly, Skynet's voice echoed through the car's speakers, startling Gwen. "Miss Stacy, please refrain from touching anything. This vehicle is equipped with delicate systems that should not be tampered with."

Gwen, slightly embarrassed, mumbled an apology to the artificial intelligence and settled into her seat, wondering about the mysterious figure who just saved her and the enigmatic car she now found herself in.

As Gwen settled into the high-tech interior of the Quadra Javelina, her surprise deepened when a voice, seemingly aware of her identity, emanated from the car's speakers. Skynet introduced itself as a highly intelligent artificial intelligence created by Specter.

"An AI?" Gwen exclaimed, "I can't believe someone made you. Are you sure you're not just a girl talking through the speakers?"

Skynet responded with a hint of humor, explaining its non-binary nature since she is no longer running ones and zero and the absence of a gender concept in its programming. Gwen chuckled at the unexpected exchange.

Inquisitive, she bombarded Skynet with questions about Specter and the impressive vehicle she now found herself in. Skynet dutifully provided the specifications of the Quadra Type-66 "Javelina," highlighting its cutting-edge features. However, when it came to details about Specter, the AI offered only basic information, leaving Gwen intrigued and eager to learn more about the mysterious figure who had just saved her.

Gwen, leaning forward with curiosity, asked, "So, how did Specter come up with all this tech? I mean, he seems to have a lot going on."

Skynet replied, "Specter's origins are a secret Miss Stacy. His cyberware and advanced equipment are crafted solely by his hands. He's always evolving, adapting to the challenges he faces."

Gwen, still intrigued by the revelations, leaned in and asked, "Okay, spill the beans. What's this cyberware you mentioned? It sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie."

Skynet hesitated for a moment. Considering Alex's plan to help cure Dr. Connors and take advantage of his gratitude, there's a high chance of Peter finding out who he is.

Skynet pondered the delicate balance between disclosure and secrecy. She chose the most likely outcome that will come about Alex's plan. In its composed digital voice, it explained, "Cyberware refers to cybernetic enhancements or implants that integrate with a person's body, enhancing their physical or mental capabilities. In Specter's case, it includes advanced neural interfaces and biomechanical augmentations."

Gwen's eyes widened, "So, like, he's part machine? That's wild! How does that even work?"

Skynet clarified, "Yes, in a way. The cyberware is seamlessly integrated into his body, enhancing his strength, reflexes, and cognitive functions. It's a complex blend of cutting-edge technology and human biology."

Gwen, still processing the information, asked, "And why does he do all this? I mean, risking his life and having all these machines in him."

Skynet responded thoughtfully, "Specter has a unique perspective on justice. He believes in taking matters into his own hands, ensuring that criminals who have eluded justice are held accountable. His motivations are complex, and his methods are unconventional." Skynet spouted a BS reason, picking up lines straight out of Detective Comics. However, Skynet was aware of the real reason, that is to secure himself and those close to him, ensuring their safety and preparing for what lies ahead. Gwen sat back, absorbing the details.

Amid the chaos, Spider-Man and Specter found themselves standing side by side, facing the enraged Lizard. Spider-Man couldn't hide his amazement as he quipped, "Alright, this is a first! Teaming up with a guy who's like the Dark Knight. Cool new outfit, by the way!"

Specter, his mechanical arm at the ready, chuckled in response. "You have a unique set of skills too, wall-crawler. Let's focus on the scaly problem at hand."

The Lizard, fueled by anger and frustration, intensified his assault. His massive tail whipped through the air, and razor-sharp claws aimed at the two heroes. Spider-Man gracefully swung between the attacks, while Specter used his cybernetic enhancements to dodge with precision.

Spider-Man, seizing the opportunity for more banter, quipped, "So, Specter, I heard you use grappling hooks. Do you also swing between buildings with style, or is that just a Spider thing?"

Specter smirked, "I prefer to drive in style," as he fired a round from Skippy making sure its non-lethal, forcing the Lizard to redirect his attention. 

In the midst of the intense battle, Specter activated his berserk implants. Snake-like red lightning crawled through his body, slithering across his cybernetic enhancements and infusing him with a raw and potent energy.

With a ghost-like movement, Specter darted towards the Lizard, using his Terminator T-X Mechanical Arm and utilizing the incredible power of his Jenkins Tendon, he jumps and unleashed a superman punch directly to the Lizard's head. The force was immense, sending the monstrous creature sprawling to the ground.

As the Lizard struggled to recover, Spider-Man, ever agile and quick-witted, leaped into action. He fired a rapid barrage of webs, weaving a complex pattern that enveloped the Lizard in a sturdy cocoon. The strands held the creature in place, limiting its movements and providing a momentary respite in the chaotic confrontation.

In the heat of the battle, Spider-Man quickly realized that his webs alone wouldn't be enough to restrain the powerful Lizard. "We need something stronger to hold him down," he shouted to Specter.

Specter nodded; his crimson-tinged gaze focused on the situation. Without missing a beat, he activated his communicator and called Skynet. "Initiate the Gleipnir protocol," he commanded.

With a subtle hum, the front of the Quadra Javelina opened up, revealing a concealed mechanism. A claw shot out, connected to a sturdy chain. The Javelina swiftly maneuvered in a calculated circle, ensuring the chain entangled the Lizard, restraining the it with precision, amazingly some parts of the chain slowly turns into liquid metal wrapping itself into Dr. Connors lizard form.

Spider-Man couldn't help but marvel at the high-tech arsenal at Specter's disposal. He glanced at the array of gadgets and mechanisms, impressed by the seamless integration of technology into the vigilante's crime-fighting arsenal.

"Whoa, buddy! Your ride comes with some serious bells and whistles," Spider-Man exclaimed, a mixture of awe and excitement in his voice. "I thought I had a cool set of web-shooters, but this? This is next level!"

Specter looks at Spider-man wanting to say something. But just kept silent as he didn't want to hurt the pride of his friend who uses a web-shooter even though his loaded now.

As soon as the battle ends, they heard the approaching sirens, signaling the arrival of law enforcement. Spider-Man, realizing the potential chaos that could ensue if the police got involved, expressed his concern.

The echoes of the intense battle were drowned out by the approaching sirens, signaling the imminent arrival of law enforcement. Spider-Man, realizing the potential chaos that could ensue if the police got involved, expressed his concern.

"Oh no, we can't let the cops get in on this and take Dr. Connors," Spider-Man exclaimed, worry evident in his voice.

Specter, cool and collected, reassured him, "Don't worry, my other ride just arrived." As the words left Specter's lips, a VTOL Aircraft HK-Aerial decloaked above them, a technological marvel that drew a jaw-dropping reaction from Spider-Man.

He couldn't help but whistle in amazement at the airborne spectacle, realizing that he was in the presence of a vigilante with some seriously advanced tech at their hands.

As the HK-Aerial landed, its hatch opened with a pneumatic hiss. Simultaneously, the Quadra Javelina, dragging the bound Lizard, smoothly entered from the back. The advanced aircraft's doors sealed shut with a high-tech hum, enclosing them in a sophisticated space.

Spider-Man and Specter entered the vehicle, ready to secure Dr. Connors and deal with the lizardly problem at hand. The HK-Aerial, with its valuable cargo and unusual occupants, lifted off, leaving the scene of the battle for the approaching law enforcement to handle. Unbeknownst to them, they had prevented the death of Commissioner Gordon in the process.

As the convoy of police vehicles screeched to a halt, officers spilled out, gazing upward at the retreating HK-Aerial. The distinctive vertical takeoff and the advanced technology on display left them in awe.

In the midst of capturing the Lizard, Specter had no idea that he had also saved Commissioner George. The vigilant hero, focused on his mission, remained unaware of the unexpected outcome of his actions.

Commissioner George, flanked by two officers, couldn't help but exchange puzzled glances.

"Look at that thing," one of the officers marveled. "It's like something out of a sci-fi movie."

Commissioner George nodded, eyeing the VTOL Aircraft. "Any idea what we just witnessed?"

The second officer squinted, studying the features. "Well, it's definitely not your average jet fighter for sure. Those engines are enormous, and I don't see any sign of conventional fuel usage."

George scratched his head, perplexed. "Maybe it's some kind of military experiment?"

The first officer shook his head. "I've seen military gear, but nothing like this. And why is Spiderman with Specter? That's not their usual M.O. and that lizard thing?"

Commissioner George sighed, realizing this was a mystery that went beyond his usual precinct troubles. "I don't know, but we'll need to report this to the higher-ups. This is above our pay grade."