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Peter sits in the lab at Oscorp, monitoring the rats, as he always does. The best thing about this job is that it is predictable. Sure, he isn't being challenged, but that's what working with Gwen is for. Putting all his scientific work into helping her protect people makes him feel useful, something he definitely doesn't feel at Oscorp.

Still, it is nice to see Doctor Connors around more, he has to admit. With the disappearance of Doctor Octavius, Connors is the only one that can make the project work.

And surprisingly, it has been working more and more. Connors seems to have solved the aggression problem, and even believes that human testing could start within a few years. It's all incredibly exciting, especially since Connors seems to be more interested in mentoring the young scientist.

"How's Gwen doing, Peter?" Connors asks, not looking up from a microscope. "I miss having both of you working here."

"Yea, so do I," Peter responds, taking some notes for the scientist. "She's doing pretty well. Trying to enjoy her final year at school. Applying for colleges. All the normal kind of stuff.

Lying doesn't come easily to Peter, and he definitely doesn't like it. But it's necessary to help Gwen.

"That's good, that's good," Curt smiles and pats the boy on the shoulder. "The two of you, so young, but being so devoted to science. We need more people like you in the world. You can do a lot of good."

"Thanks, Doc," Pete smiles. "I'll do my best."

"You already are, my boy!" Curt exclaims. "Jotting down notes and observations may seem mundane, but much of science is mundane. It takes a keen mind to notice the differences in notes and data to find the breakthroughs. I can't tell you how long I've stared at notepads and computer screens in my career."

So he knows I'm bored with this, Peter thinks. It makes sense. Connors is a genius, but he knows what it's like to be on the bottom rung of the ladder.

"Yea," Peter agrees. "I get what you're saying."

"Good, let's get back to it."

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I watch as Aaron Davis moves supplies from one truck to another, thanking the man for his help. I still don't know what to really think about Tombstone and his men. Yes, they're protecting the people, some of them metahumans, that were affected by the Silver Surfer's attack on the Raft a few months ago. That's something to be commended. But they were also keeping other res ponders out of the Bronx claiming that they do more harm than good. That might be true in certain situations, but keeping the from helping where they can isn't something to be celebrated.

Still, I need these guys on my side if the police really are about to raid the Octopus's hideout. I need to make them understand that a war with the police isn't going to workout for anyone.

"You know you should lift with your knees," I announce my presence to him. "Otherwise you might hurt your back."

The man jumps with surprise, drawing a gun from his waistband and pointing it at me, "Christ! I almost just shot you. Can't you just say hi or something?"

"I dunno if that fits my specific idiom," I shrug, dropping down on top of his car. "We need to talk."

"Oh yea? Do we?" he responds sarcastically, putting the gun away. "You need something, you talk to Tombstone. That was the deal."

"Yea, well, I need someone else on my side before doing that," I make sure to highlight my seriousness when I say this. "The police are going to come into the Bronx, Aaron. They're done waiting. They're going to take down the Octopus."

He looks at me seriously, "You're kidding me, right?"

"I wish I was," I shake my head. "But they followed a truck of supplies stolen by one of his lackies. It went into the Bronx. I'm sure they're preparing a raid. I don't know when, but it's going to happen."

He becomes defiant, "Then we'll be ready for them."

"No, you won't," I shake my head. "Cassidy isn't going to let you guys start a war without repercussions. You really want the entire force coming down on you? Because even I don't think you guys are going to win in that situation."

He ponders what I say. I hope he's realizing that this is going to end with their clandestine group being arrested or wiped out. That isn't something either of us want, no matter how much they fight.

"Fine," he sighs. "But Tombstone ain't gonna like it."