[CENTER][hr][/center][sup][h1][center][img]https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/marveldatabase/images/e/e5/Parker_Industries_%28Earth_616%29_Logo_from_Amazing_Spider_Man_Vol_4_3_001.jpg/[/img][/center][b][center][color=black] S P I D E R - M A N[/color]
[color=ed1c24]S P I D E R - M A N[/color][/center]
[/b][/h1][/sup][indent][sub][COLOR=ed1c24][B]Location:[/B][/COLOR] Parker Industries HQ[/sub][sup][right][COLOR=ed1c24][b]Post #1:[/b][/COLOR] Just a Friendly Board Meeting[/right][/sup][/indent][hr]

Peter sat at the head of the table wearing his business suit. It was a light grey Armani suit with black shirt and red tie, he personally hated frivolous spending on such an expensive suit when he still had a few of Uncle Ben's old ones that looked just as nice, but he remembered an old conversation with Harry where he mentioned about how your suit was your weapon in the business battlefield, it was a symbol of control and power. If you wanted to survive, you'd need the best weapon possible. "$1000 on a suit now, can potentially get you that extra $1,000,000 at the negotiating table." Well, as he sat here, waiting for the others to arrive, he hoped that Harry was right about that.

Alistair was the first to enter, he was clad in a suit that accomodated his shoulder talons. He sat down, there were a few polite words, pleasantries that Peter was expecting. Damn, he had faced every single man that was going to be in this room on the battlefield before, most of them at the same time, yet this time it was going to be different. This wasn't going to be a friendly "How's the wife and kids?" this was a "I'm gonna need you to put your lives on the line alongside your hated foe." and he wasn't sure he had any right to order them to do so. I mean, technically he did, it was part of their parole agreements that they agree to do "Community Service" but he knew that most of them assumed it was the science that they were doing for him.

Next to enter was Otto, he gave Peter a friendly smile. Otto and Michael were the only ones who would be at the meeting that knew he was Spider-Man. Then came Maxwell. That one looked rather shifty, but that was normal for Max. Peter just hoped that the money was enough to keep him onside. Next came Michael and finally Adrien in quick succession, not enough time for Peter to really mentally comment on them before they sat looking at him. Peter took a deep breath before tapping the side of his neck right under the edge of his Jaw. He had heard it was a calming technique.

[color=ed1c24]"Gentlemen. I have called you in here today for something that you're not going to like."[/color] There were a few quiet murmurs among the group. He had confidence that Alistair and Otto would side with him, but the other 3 would be a problem. [color=ed1c24]"Last year when i managed to get you paroled at my company, i said that there would be certain Community Services that the 5 of you would have to perform. New York is our home and it's not exactly the safest place on the planet. As such, i have taken some steps to bring our criminal population down. I have talked with the Police and they have agreed to allow me to trial something."[/color] He took out his Spyder Phone and tapped on it a few times, the television screen on the wall lit up and a picture of 5 of them stood there, cobbled together from various mugshots with the words "Superior 6" posted underneath them. [color=ed1c24]"The police in this city have to deal with Super Powered individuals that they have no hope of dealing with, Rhino, Grizzly, Scorpion, but we can give them the edge that they need."[/color] There was already a chorus of discord in response to this from the 5 men.

[color=6ecff6]"Ummm, Peter, dear boy. May i remind you how well that worked last time some of us came together to form a team?"[/color] Otto asked. [color=6ecff6]"We ended up pretty much killing each other. Now, i appreciate what you ask, but are you sure that this is such a good idea?"[/color] Peter looked in Otto's eyes. He could tell that Otto wasn't actually opposed to the idea, but he was voicing the obvious response to this idea in the most civilized way anyone in the room would. Peter appreciated that.

[color=ed1c24]"The thought crossed my mind a few times..."[/color] He replied sullenly.

[color=fff200]"Hey, i'm good so long as there's moolah in it."[/color] Max responded. This caught Peter offguard. He wasn't expecting Max of all people to be the first to unquestioningly agree. He assumed he'd have to bribe the guy... But then again with his response, maybe Max was offering Peter a way to bribe him onto his side.

[i]'Oh Max, never change.'[/i] Peter thought. He then tried to re-rail his train of thought in response to the blindside.

[color=ed1c24]"In any case..."[/color] He paused to collect his thoughts and decide how to proceed now he had 1 of the 4. [color=ed1c24]"We need to consider public image. Parker Industries is paying quite a sum to get you 5 onboard-"[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Which begs the question-"[/color] Toomes butted in [color=39b54a]"That says Superior "SIX" with an emphasis on the number SIX!"[/color] He sneered. [color=39b54a]"Who you brought in as number 6? Oh don't tell me it's Chameleon"[/color] There was a chorus of groans from Max and Alistair

[color=fff200]"Oh not Chameleon, that jerk still owes me money."[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"It's... It's not Chameleon..."[/color] Peter swallowed hard before pressing a button and a picture of Spider-Man appeared in the center of the 5 of them on the screen. Max and Adrien immediately let out a great pained groan as both buried their faces in their hands. Alistair didn't seem to move. Otto and Michael simply stared at Peter.

[color=fff200]"You know what, count me out."[/color] Max replied. [color=fff200]"Ain't no way i'm working with Web Head. That jerk has beat me up too many times. Ain't no amount of money in the world could make me want to work with him.[/color] Peter stiffled a snicker, knowing that Max was unwittingly already doing that.

[color=6ecff6]"Peter, we all have history with the guy."[/color] Otto stepped in as the villain liason again. [color=6ecff6]"You should no more ask us to work with him than we should ask you to work with Norman Osborn. Too much bad blood."[/color] Otto had a point, and yes it was pretty common knowledge in the business world that Norman was utterly pissed at Peter for taking his money and his grandson. [color=6ecff6]"Now, i don't personally have a problem with Web Head, sure the guy beat me up a couple of times, but let's face facts, i had it coming."[/color] There was a few murmurs of agreement. Peter suspected it was more them agreeing that Otto needed to be beaten than of them agreeing that Spider-Man was justified. [color=6ecff6]"But..."[/color] He guestured around to the others. [color=6ecff6]"Face facts, we are NOT heroes."[/color] Again, even though Otto was fighting him, Peter knew that this was a necessary fight that was going to happen one way or another and Otto was just getting in front of it to keep it civil.

[color=ed1c24]"Alright, Alistair, Michael, neither of you have said anything, let's get an idea of where the room stands."[/color] He motioned to the pair of them. Michael talked first.

[color=92278f]"I do not have a problem working alongside Spider-Man..."[/color] Michael began [color=92278f]"But i am still... A little unstable at the moment. I cannot guarentee that i will not start... Feasting... If the opportunity presented itself. I will need more time in the lab to stabilize my condition before i can agree to this."[/color] Michael had a VERY good point. Peter was trying to change the public perception of these people and a vampire ripping a guys throat out with a big "Parker Industries" Label on him was probably not the best advertisement in the world.

[color=ed1c24]"And you, Alistair?"[/color] Peter asked. Alistair looked down at his hands in response.

[color=c4df9b]"I recreated myself as a machine to destroy Spider-Man..."[/color] He muttered in his deep, gravelly, mildly electronic voice [color=c4df9b]"The Spider-Slayer i called myself. I wanted nothing more than to feel his heart beat its last in my hands... But now... I feel nothing towards him. No animosity, no hatred..."[/color] He looked at Peter. [color=c4df9b]"I am willing to give Spider-Man a chance. I... I owe him that much for what i have done."[/color] Peter could see the genuine regret in Alistairs eyes. The man had turned himself into a spider-killing machine in the name of revenge for his father on a man who had never had anything to do with it. Alistair had played directly into the Maggia's hands and he could tell that it was eating him inside.

[color=39b54a]"Where is the bug anyway?"[/color] Adrien asked. [color=39b54a]"If you are so onboard with bringing in the bug to lead this team, then where is our oh so fearless leader?"[/color] The old man grinned.

[color=ed1c24]"Spider-Man has agreed to join Parker Industries on the proviso that you 5 are all onboard. Naturally, he's afraid of this being a trap. I mean, last time..."[/color] Peter stopped for a second. He was about to say the wrong thing... It pained him to say the words, but appearances needed to be kept. [color=ed1c24]"When Harry Osborn brought you together last time, he called Spider-Man in a similar manner. Can't blame the guy for being cautious..."[/color] There was a shift in Adrien and Max's demeanor. They both shifted a little uncomfortably... They both knew Harry wasn't the REAL Green Goblin. [color=ed1c24]"I want to make sure that everybody is onboard before i bring him into the company first. I will not have my company becoming the battle ground of a Sinister 6 Reunion show."[/color] A quiet descended upon the room. [color=ed1c24]"Alright, let's put it to a vote. Because of the nature of this, i will abstain and only a unanimous vote will carry."[/color] There was nods around the room. [color=ed1c24]"All in favour?"[/color] Alistair, Max and Otto raied their hands. Peter was surprised, but then again, Max was probably thinking about the money and how it might dry up if he doesn't suck up to the boss. [color=ed1c24]"All opposed?"[/color] Only Adrien raised his hand. Michael seemed to abstain. [color=ed1c24]"Motion fails. Very well, is there any other business that we need to discuss?"[/color] He looked around the room. [color=ed1c24]"Alright, meeting over. Adrien, can i see you for a minute?"[/color] The rest of them left. Adrien sat, elbows on table, fingers tented and chin resting atop them. [color=ed1c24]"Strictly off the record, what do i need to do to turn that no into a yes? I need six people because alliterative names are  a hassle and 4 already has a good one taken."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"I don't want to work with him, simple as. Find another."[/color] Adrien growled. [color=39b54a]"Maybe get Mac or Herman... Scorpion or Shocker, but not that guy."[/color] As Peter opened his mouth, Adrien butted in again [color=39b54a]"I'm not saying this because I hate him... Well, i do, but that's not the main reason. It's because you are trying to mix oil with water. It won't work. It's always been him vs us. And i'm still on the side of us and he's still on the side of him. And there's another reason. Web-head has it pretty good... Maybe give one of the other rogue's of New York a chance at something better."[/color] Peter wanted to argue and disagree, but Adrien did have a point. Maybe he should work on some of the others... At that point, Mary Jane walked in through the door.

[color=f49ac2]"Pete- Oh hi Adrien-"[/color] She said, waving to Vulture who simply nodded. [color=f49ac2]"I need to-[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"MJ, Adrien here has had a good idea, can we maybe put out the feelers and see if we can get in touch with either Scorpion or Shocker?"[/color] The colour drained from Mary-Janes face as he said that. [color=ed1c24]"What's wrong?"[/color] Mary-Jane looked down at her phone and tapped a few times, before up on the TV screen, a video appeared. Norman Osborn stood on a podium alongside Scorpion who was in a large coat that fitted over his battlesuit with the words "Security Detail" written on it.

[color=8dc73f]"- too long, this country has stagnated and acquiesced to the wishes of the superhuman whilst completely ignoring US. Studies show that as few as 10% of this nations people are Mutants and yet with their freaky powers, they are able to take our entire nation hostage. Well we need to put a stop to that. Democracy is a system that benefits the many, not the few and it's what separates us from the dictatorships like Latveria and Madripoor... Such weak leadership led to... The death of my only, beloved son... As such, i officially announce today[/color] Peter's heart went through the floor as he realized the word that were about to come colourfully marching out of Normans mouth. [color=8dc73f]"That I, Norman Osborn, will be running for President of the United States of America in 2024, for a better and safer America. Where Homo-Sapien need not live in fear of these so called "Homo-Superior" that the terrorist Erik "Magneto" Lehnsherr would have you call them."[/color]

[color=39b54a]"Well... He ain't getting my vote."[/color] Adrien stated as Peter and MJ stood slack-jawed at each other, lost for words. The pair of them looked at him. [color=39b54a]"Convicted Felon."[/color] He shrugged.