Marvel: Open Up, It’s the FBI

Weekend — New York FBI Headquarters, Information Division.

"Joey," Lynn Hall said as he leaned against the desk, arms crossed. "You think you can hack into Stark Industries' network? I need you to dig up some files."

Blonde ponytail swaying as she spun in her chair, Joey shot him a cocky grin. "Easy. You're talking to the girl who hacked the Pentagon for fun."

"You mean that time you tried to break into Area 51 because you were curious about alien tech?" Lynn replied dryly. "And I had to haul you out before the military could toss you in a black site?"

Joey gave him an innocent smile. "Hey, that was before I joined the FBI. And since then, I've helped you crack, what, two dozen major cases?"

"Hands off," Lynn muttered, gently pushing her away as she tried to cling to his arm. "Last thing I need is Alice thinking I'm trying to steal her girlfriend."

"Pfft, please. Alice told me just last night she's pretty sure you've got your eyes on Barbara now."

While her fingers danced across the keyboard, Joey kept chattering. "She said you've got a thing for long legs. You should've seen the look on her face—like someone just stole her dessert. If our third hadn't stopped her, I think she would've actually spanked me."

Lynn snorted. "I swear, how do all of you know my type?"

He paused. "And poor Sean still thinks he has a chance with Alice. Guy doesn't realize she goes to bed every night spooning three girlfriends."

---

"Hey, Boss, you ever heard of Rising Tide?"

"The hacker collective?" Lynn asked. "They're the ones always screaming about transparency and leaking 'hidden truths,' right?"

"Exactly," Joey said with a roll of her eyes. "A few days ago, they tried hacking into our servers. Almost got in, too. If I'd had thirty more seconds, I could've traced them back."

She swiveled around. "So, what exactly do you want from Stark's systems?"

"I want everything related to Tony's kidnapping in the Middle East. Files, messages, surveillance logs—anything shady."

Lynn's expression darkened. "My gut says it was Obadiah Stane. He had motive, access, and everything to gain from Stark's disappearance."

"Copy that," Joey said, already typing. "I'll dive into Obadiah's office logs and email backups. If there's dirt, I'll find it."

Lynn gave her a nod. "Once you've got something useful, send it to my personal email."

"No problem. You won't even need to leave your dinner table."

"Good," Lynn said, straightening his jacket. "Gwen and her friends are at the science museum today. I figured I'd swing by and check on them."

---

Later — Manhattan Science Exhibition Hall

"Click… click… click…"

Gwen Stacy moved from display to display, snapping pictures on her phone, eyes sparkling with curiosity. She hovered over an exhibit featuring genetically modified spiders, fascinated by their complex biology.

Not far off, Peter Parker was equally engrossed—though maybe more focused on the tech displays than the live specimens. Meanwhile, Mary Jane and Harry Osborn were chatting nearby.

Just as Gwen leaned closer to read a description plaque, a small spider—its coloration slightly off, almost glowing—lowered itself silently onto her hand.

"Ouch!"

She yelped as it bit her wrist, instinctively flicking it off.

The spider vanished beneath the display and scurried away—toward Peter Parker.

Gwen frowned, rubbing the spot. A tiny puncture mark, no swelling yet.

Then, from behind—

"Everything alright?"

She spun, instantly recognizing the voice. Her frown melted into a bright smile.

"Lynn! What are you doing here?"

"Weekend's free," Lynn said casually. "You mentioned coming here, so I figured I'd swing by and play chaperone."

He gently took her hand to examine it. No discoloration. No swelling. Just a tiny red dot.

"Spider bite?" he asked.

Gwen nodded. "Yeah. It was weird, though—not any kind of spider I've seen before. Definitely not a black widow or anything."

She quickly launched into an excited explanation of different spider types and venom levels. Lynn listened patiently, though his mind was racing.

A spider bite… at a genetics exhibit?

If this is the same one from the original timeline… Gwen might be the next Spider-Woman?

Of course, what Lynn didn't know—yet—was that the spider wasn't finished. In the comics, the same genetically engineered spider that bit Cindy Moon and Peter Parker didn't die right away.

It could bite multiple people.

---

A few minutes later, Peter, MJ, and Harry joined them.

Peter gave a cheerful wave. "Hey Agent Hall!"

"Hey there, Peter." Lynn returned the greeting with a nod.

Harry looked particularly excited. "Lynn! I didn't know you'd be here—wait, I mean, you're not busy? No, I mean—"

Lynn chuckled. "Weekend off. Thought I'd catch up with you guys."

Gwen turned to him with a smile. "I've seen most of the exhibits already. Can we head out now? I'm kinda tired."

"Of course," Lynn said.

The others decided to stay behind and finish the tour. As Lynn and Gwen left hand-in-hand, Harry watched them go, sighing.

"Man… I was hoping to talk to him more. Maybe hear some cool FBI stories."

Peter patted his shoulder with a grin.

None of them noticed the tiny spider climbing up Peter's pant leg, inching closer to his skin.