The first day of October 2012 was a dreadful Monday; students had to go to school, and wage slaves had to go to work.
Peter Parker also had to go for a check-up first thing in the morning. After all, both Venom and the three modified super-soldiers needed comprehensive examinations. And because the Avengers were still away (yes, they were still in Southeast Asia), Peter went to the Baxter Building to see Mister Fantastic for his physical. Cloak, Dagger, and Mister Negative were also having their check-ups there.
"Your physical condition is exceptionally good, but what surprises me more is this alien organism called a symbiote. It's truly unique."
"Hello, I am Venom." Venom's head popped out of Peter's suit, then started eating the chocolate Peter offered. Aside from anything else, this guy had an enormous appetite. Luckily, Peter didn't have to pay for its food, otherwise, Peter Parker would quickly face a financial crisis.
"What do you think, Dr. Reed?"
"This organism is essentially a molecular polymeric creature. Its structure is completely molecularized; even if most of it is destroyed, as long as a little remains, it can regenerate into a complete whole." Reed said, his eyes wide with excitement as he stared at Venom. Venom, startled by the unnaturally large eyes, immediately shrank back.
"Furthermore, these molecules can combine with inorganic matter. This means that most of the symbiote on you right now is actually inorganic matter combined with true biomass—of course, there's nothing bad about this. It means the symbiote can absorb other substances to expand its volume."
Peter had already witnessed this. Whether it was lifting the underwater laboratory or single-handedly defeating all the Viper Security Company's personnel, Venom could cover enough area to defeat enemies in extremely short order.
"Moreover, according to my examination, if you combine with the symbiote, your performance should be far beyond this. The symbiote should be able to temporarily transform its host into a similar structure, meaning you could, for a certain period, penetrate certain terrains like the symbiote, or even completely mimic other appearances."
Peter then looked at Venom.
"Can you do that?"
"No, I cannot." Venom answered honestly: "Powerful ones can, but I am not a powerful one."
Alright, if Venom said it couldn't, then Peter would just assume it couldn't.
"However, you should note that this organism feeds on phenethylamine. Likewise, as its host, you will also be affected by phenethylamine. When your brain releases phenethylamine, the feedback will be amplified, and phenethylamine is generally responsible for emotional feedback..."
"In simple terms, my emotions will become extreme, and my desires will be amplified?" Peter remembered clearly the effects the symbiote would cause, both on a scientific level and from his memories, so he asked this, and Reed "oh-ed" and nodded.
Young people these days are really good, they grasp things so quickly.
Peter and Venom exchanged glances, then Peter shrugged: "I don't think there's any problem. Venom and I can work things out. There shouldn't be any issues."
"I don't think this is a problem either," Venom answered honestly. No matter how much Peter Parker's desires were amplified, how far could they go?
Probably from being New York's friendly neighborhood to being Earth's friendly neighborhood.
"So, what about those three people, Dr. Reed?"
The outcome was pretty much what Peter had expected, or rather, what was bound to happen.
Cloak and Dagger had gained powers of darkness and light. The former could turn himself into a part of darkness, becoming immune to physical attacks and a certain degree of energy attacks, allowing for long-distance teleportation. The latter gained the ability to release light energy, the biggest benefit being that she could glow at night, and also throw daggers of light energy, which could both harm enemies and heal allies.
"Their energies complement each other. If they can't use their abilities on each other in time, they themselves will be in danger," Reed said, restoring his body, which had been twisted from observing the symbiote, to its original state: "I'm trying to find a way to solve this problem, but for a short time, they'll probably have to rely on each other."
Reed explained the situation of the two, just like in the comics; their abilities had flaws. Peter listened and nodded, but didn't say much. As for whether this world's Cloak and Dagger intended to become heroes or wait until Reed found a way for them to no longer need each other, that was their own choice.
In contrast, Peter was more concerned about another issue: Martin Li. Martin Li had already awakened his Mister Negative abilities. If he couldn't control them well, he might become an enemy.
This world's Martin was a purely good person, more like his character in Marvel's Spider-Man game. He hadn't gone astray yet, and Peter didn't want him to.
"His situation is a bit complex. He himself seems to have a bit of a split personality, so the super-soldier serum gave him two completely different abilities: one is the ability to heal others, and the other is the ability to stimulate and extremize people's inner violent emotions. In addition, he can also emit a certain degree of energy," Reed told Peter the results of the examination: "But the most crucial thing is that no matter which power he uses, his own emotions will shift in a certain direction."
"Sounds serious... but I have an idea."
Peter thought of an idea, or rather, a temporary solution: "I know a street-level hero called Iron Fist. He should be able to teach Martin Li how to control his powers, how to find balance between his two abilities. Anything else, Dr. Reed?"
"Oh, right, when are you doing your next multiversal jump? I need some data here to advance my research..."
Peter was speechless.
"If I sense something, it means a Spider-Man in another universe is in danger. I still think it's best if nothing happens."
Reed "oh-ed" again. Indeed, wishing ill upon Spider-Men in other universes wasn't good.
"In that case, I'll be going, Dr. Reed. I still have school!"
Watching the black-suited Spider-Man leave the laboratory, Reed sighed. His counterpart in another universe was teaching him how to build a multiversal jump machine, but the problem was insufficient data. If Spider-Man could just traverse the multiverse one more time, just once, he would have enough data.
"Hey, Reed, I heard little Spidey was here..."
Johnny Storm walked into the office, then only saw Reed calculating, and understood something.
"I missed him again?"