SWNOVELXO Chapter 3: 2
While back at her home, Jessica uses her invisibility to sneak into her home, when suddenly, her mother turns to light on.
Eveline: Where were you, Jessica?
Jessica: Uh...out.
Eveline: Out...huh?
Eveline points to the TV screen, showing a news report of the robbery.
Eveline: Jessica....we have talked about this. You cannot just use these newfound powers of yours to rob.
Jessica: I am not robbing for myself, though, Mama. I am robbing from the rich and greedy so we can finally move out of this hellhole....so we can have lives...we live like rats in this pigsty neighborhood.
Eveline: Jessica, you have not been very responsible...
Jessica sighs, before walking to another room.
Eveline: Jessica!
Jessica slams the door shut as Eveline sighs, before swearing in French. In her room, Jessica approaches a young girl, who is sleeping. She then pats her head.
Jessica: Ingrid....I will get us the money. I will get us out of this low income neighborhood.
John: Best to do it legally, then.
Jessica turns around, startled as she notices John James and Eva in the room.
Jessica: Somcre bleu! (in English) How did you get in here, American assholes?!
John: Your mother let me in.
Jessica: Hey, you are trespassing in my secret hideout. Get out of my room at once.
Eva looks around at Jessica's room.
Jessica: What are you looking around for, old woman?
Eva: Your so called "secret headquarters" could use some work.
John turns to Eva.
John: Eva, we're not here to insult the girl.
John raises his hands.
John: I mean no harm. My name is John Parker. These are my children; James and Eva. I'm the C.E.O and founder of Parker Industries in New York City.
Jessica: I have hear of you. Rich. Playboy. Builder of fancy technology. It does not impress me, though. What is it you want?
James: Eva, we know why you're doing what you do. We know you're trying to help your family out. Your Dad left you and your mother but also left your house in debt.
John: We also know you're an Enhuman. You possess the power of the invisibility.
Jessica: (in French) Shit. (in English) So what, American? You are going to call the police on me, send me to an Enhuman prison? You are going to tell the Supers?
John smiles, before turning back to James and Eva.
John: Not necessarily.
In Philadelphia, the bank of the city, a squad of armored men are holding a group of civilians and employees hostage, before their leader, an Enhuman hybrid with spider-like powers, Arachnica, stands before the hostages.
Arachnica: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being so patient. Don't consider this as an attack; consider as a need. As an warning.
Arachnica stops upon noticing a little girl in the hostage line.
Arachnica: What's the matter, little girl? Do I scare you?
Security Guard: Goddamn freak.
Arachnica, hearing the remark, turns and glares at the security guard. Arachnica kneels and raises her hand as a spider emerges from her wrist, before she lets it dangle from her wrist.
Arachnica: How much do you know about spiders, sweetheart? Hmm? Not much. Let me educate you. This spider here. It's a cellar spider. Very rare. Very common.
Arachnica throws the spider on the little girl's arm as it crawls around.
Arachnica: Don't worry. Cellar spider's are known not to bite. However....
From Arachnica's back, a giant spider-like produces then stabs the security guard that insulted her in the shoulder.
Arachnica: There are exceptions....like the Black Window.
From Arachnica's wrist, she throws a black widow spider that bites the security guard on the neck. The hostages and bank employees react in fear, before Arachnica turns back to the little girl.
Arachnica: Point; don't be like him when you get older. Mouths like that get you into all sorts of trouble.
Arachnica then winks and stands back up, before suddenly, the Owl comes crashing into the building through the window. The armored goons aim their weapons at the Owl, but Arachnica raises her arms.
Arachnica: Hold your fire.
Arachnica turns back to the Owl.
Arachnica: Super. You're just in time for the party.
The Owl: Sorry, I'm late. I was trying to find the right kind of suit. Maybe you outta let all these guests go so we can discuss how your parties could use more appropriate decorations, because I gotta say; broken glass, spider webs, guns and goons, not my kind of parties.
Arachnica: Well, I was kinda hoping for more of guests. Where are you friends, bird boy? They couldn't make it?
The Owl: Oh, trust me. They're coming, but I elected to enter the party first. Plus, I kinda worked up an appetite. You know; owls are known for eating spiders.
Arachnica laughs, while under the floor, movement occurs under the henchmen's feet.
Arachinca: Well, I thought you Supers were smart. Cause my boys have that door guarded like a hawk....or in your case, owl.
The Owl: What about right under you?
At that, Mother Nature's vine's erupt from the ground and swipe away some of the henchmen, knocking them out while Power Surge and Neon Crane use their bolt speed and light speed to incapacitate some of the henchmen. The Owl uses his sonic screech to temporary deafen Arachnica as he swoops down and punches or kicks away a few henchmen. Arachnica shortly recovers and shoots webs at the Owl. Neon Crane attempts to attack from behind, but Arachnica turns and shoots a web around her mask. Arachnica then pulls Neon Crane back, before using a spider-leg to knock her into a pillar. Arachnica then shoots webs at the Owl, which traps him in the wall.
The Owl: Damn it!
Mother Nature appears and produces vines and battles with Arachnica. Power Surge bolt speeds and rams into Arachnica, before shooting electricity that shocks Arachnica, who falls onto her knees. Arachnica then shoots a web at Power Surge, latching the web onto his face, before using all four of her spider-legs to stand and then lunge at Power Surge just as he rips the web off. Arachnica shoots webs at Mother Nature, hitting her in the chest. Power Surge blocks and dodges attacks, eventually taking a blow from Arachnica. Just as Power Surge and Neon Crane prepare to attack, an armored truck bursts through one of the walls. The back opens as armored men open fire at Power Surge and Neon Crane, but Mother Nature manages to create a giant leaf shield that blocks the bullets.
Arachnica: Later, heroes!
The armored truck leaves the scene, just as Mother Nature uses her powers to free the Owl, who immediately starts tending to the hostages.
The Owl: Mother Nature! Go help, Power Surge and Neon Crane! I'll take care of the hostages!
Mother Nature nods, before she uses a plant like pod to exit the bank. On the streets of the city, Power Surge and Neon Crane use their bolt speed and light speed to pursue Arachnica, who kicks open the back and shoots webs at Power Surge and Neon Crane, who dodge. In the midst of the chase, Neon Crane uses her powers to quickly and safely remove any civilians in the path of the armored truck. Mother Nature uses the pod to fly over the city, before finally using her vines to wrap around the wheels of the armored truck, ripping one off and causing the armored truck to crash. Arachnica crawls out of the wreckage just as Power Surge, Neon Crane, The Owl and Mother Nature arrive and surround her. Arachnica, on her knees, looks around at the police, then back at the Supers members. Arachnica raises her hands and surrenders.
Arachnica: Okay. You win, heroes.
In the Eagle, John, James and Eva are enroute with Jessica and Dasher in tow.
Jessica: So....let me get this straight; you, billionaire and your children, are really the Supers and you've been recruiting to your team.
James: In a way, yes. You see; Enhumans have been feared for years, but we've been taking in young Enhumans and training to use their powers to help the causes of Enhumans and humans.
Dasher: So, it's like a semi-peace group.
Eva: If that's the way you think about it, sure.
John: You're gonna really like the tower. You'll have your own quarters. Plus, you're gonna like the team.
Jessica looks back at Dasher.
Jessica: What do you think?
Dasher: Hey, I mean....it could help us out. Plus, it's John Parker AKA Quantum. You could finally get some money that could help your mom out.
Jessica: I don't know. It is a nice offer by the American, but I do not like charity or pity. Let's just see how it goes.
V.O.X speaks through the Eagles intercom.
V.O.X: Mr. Parker.
John: Yes, V.O.X.
V.O.X: The team has successfully apprehended Arachnica and are taking her to Arklight prison.
John: Good. Notify the team that we're heading back with our new recruits, and we'll see them soon.
In Manhattan, Arianna walks up to an apartment complex, before she walks up to a certain apartment door. Arianna looks around before she removes the rug to reveal a key under it. Arianna then uses the key to enter the apartment as she looks around, before she turns her head to an elderly African-American man.
Arianna: Donald.....
Donald sighs.
Donald: What are you doing here, Ari?
Arianna: Just thought I'd drop by.....see how you're doing.
Donald: Fine. We both are.
Arianna: Is....he here?
Donald: Yeah...but he's in his room...working on something.
Arianna: Can I see him?
Donald: I really shouldn't allow that.
Arianna: Why not?
Donald gestures to the TV, which a news broadcast of the Supers taking down Arachnica is being shown.
Arianna: Ah....that.
Donald: We both agreed that us keeping him away from that type of lifestyle was what's best for him.
Arianna: I know....but he's still my son and I just miss him. I'd like to talk to him. Plus, it's Christmas season. A time of giving and receiving....time to be with friends and family.
Donald leans in.
Donald: So you and your boss can offer him a job at that freak show? He's got scholarships all lined up for the summer. He's going to college. He's not working for Enhumans. I don't care how advanced your tech is. You guys always piss off some Enhuman boss and then shit goes down. What if they attack the tower because of you, Ari? While your son is there?
Arianna sighs.
Arianna: He's a very smart boy.....Can I at least talk to him, please?
Donald sighs. In his room, Alex is working on a project just as he hears a knock on the door.
Alex: It's open.
Arianna opens the door as Alex turns and his face breaks into a wide grin.
Alex: Mom!
Alex stands up and hugs Arianna.
Arianna: Hey, sweetheart. How you been?
Alex: I'm surviving. It's about all I can do.
The two break the hug as Arianna touches Alex's face, looking into his different colored eyes.
Arianna: You dealing with this alright?
Alex: Yeah, besides bullies and name callings, I get by.
Arianna: Oh, I'm sorry, sweetheart.
Alex: Don't be. It's high school. I got a winter formal in a few days.
Alex sits down, working on his project.
Arianna: What's this you're working on?
Alex: It's a thermo resistant coolant conduit. I've been working on it for three months now. I'm trying to get it to keep the hot temperatures hot and the cool temperatures cool. I almost got it to work, but the material in this thing is advanced and need something like a kinetic energy barrier to activate both temperatures at the same time. Like the ones at your job, Mom. This is going to get me noticed by some very good colleges....Hopefully, M.T.I.
Alex's eyes widen.
Alex: Hey, you think you could lend me one?
Arianna: Uh....sweetheart, that material is kinda deemed dangerous and well....I don't think my boss would be too keen on lending kids that type of material. Sorry, love.
Alex: It's fine....but hey, can I at least visit Parker Tower?
Arianna: Why?
Alex: Just...out of consideration of a job, you know?
Arianna: You know your father wants you to go to college. He tells me you got scholarships all lined up for you.
Alex: Yeah, but scholarships only take a certain percentage off of what college costs. I don't know if I could afford that. I want a backup plan just in case and I'm thinking of your job....
Arianna sighs, before looking at the door to make sure that Donald is away from listening distance. She then looks back at Alex.
Arianna: Alright, but don't tell your father, alright?
In Parker Tower, John is preparing a getaway trip with his family just as Josh is delivering a report of the Arachnica incident on his desk.
Josh: Report of the Arachnica incident.
John: Excellent. Thank you, Josh.
Josh: Working on something?
John: More like making vacation plans.
Josh: Ooohh....sweet. Are we all going on vacation?
John: Fortunately not, son. Just me and the kids. It's our annual getaway vacation plan.
Josh: Sweet. Where y'all going?
John: Greece. Wonderful weather at this time of year, too.
Josh: Yeah, sun versus cold is always better. I might need to take notes for when Trisha and I start traveling.
John laughs.
John: You ever been to Iceland or the Northern Lights?
Josh: Iceland, yes. Northern Lights, no.....Trisha would so love that.
The news is broadcasted in the room as John turns. On the news, a cargo ship over the Atlantic ocean being taken down in a storm.
Josh: Think it's something suspicious?
John: Cargo ships being taken down in the ocean....it's not anything we haven't heard before....still, I'm having James do some check ups on it before we go to Greece. Best to keep an eye on it.
In the lower floor of Parker Tower, Alex enters with a visitors badge as he looks around the amazing detail and high tech floors of the Tower.
Alex: Holy shit....this is incredible.
Arianna walks up and greets him.
Arianna: Hello, son.
Alex: Hi, Mom. This place is amazing! I can see why you love working here.
Arianna: Amazing, isn't it? Anyway, ready for the tour.
Alex: Please.
Arianna leads Alex around Parker Tower as he looks around at the advanced technology.
Alex: So, how many floors are there?
Arianna: 104.
Alex: Wow, that's taller than the empire state building just by two floors.
Arianna: Yeah, but fortunately, the top area's off limits to visitors. It's where Mr. Parker, his kids and some of the employees, including myself live.
Alex: Wait, you live at your job?
Arianna: Yeah...it's kind of like a penthouse.
Alex: Is John Parker here?
Arianna: He is, but he's busy at the moment. We're getting some new employees and he wants them trained before he leaves for his vacation.
James is working on a new gadget when Alex and Arianna walk up to him.
Arianna: Ah, here's the man who's responsible for most of this technology. James....
James turns his head and removes his goggles, placing them on the table.
Arianna: This is my son, Alex. Alex, this is James Parker, John Parker's oldest child.
James: Hello, Alex.
James shakes hands with Alex.
Alex: Hello, Mr. Parker.
James: Please, call me James.
Alex: Uh, James....sir....your technology is amazing. Its advancements and its capability to withstand kinetic energy is really incredible.
James: Thank you, kid. We're very proud of our work.
Arianna's cellphone rings as she looks up at the two men.
Arianna: Oh, Bloody Hell. Son, I have to answer this. James, can you keep an eye on him while I take this?
James: Sure. I'll keep him company.
Arianna walks off to take the call. Alex notices what James is working on a project, the same one similar to the one he was working on at home.
Alex: Is this what I think it is?
James: That depends....what you think it is.
Alex: This is a thero resistant coolant conduit. With kinetic energy shielding to active both temperatures at the same time.
James: Wow, you are definitely Arianna's son....you have one helluva mind. Hope it comes in mind to us sometime in the future of Parker Industries.
Alex: Well, sir, I do have scholarships ahead, but I'm considering working here.
Alex stares at the thermo resistant coolant conduit with amazement.
Alex: If only I could use one of these kinetic shields....my conduit at home would definitely get me noticed.
James raises an eyebrow, before taking the kinetic shield part off of his conduit and lends it to Alex.
James: Here, kid.
Alex: Really?
James: Really? You're one of my friends son and I would like to see you succeed.
Alex takes the kinetic shield piece and examines it, before stuffing it into his backpack.
Alex: Thank you, Mr. Parker. I mean, James.....
Arianna walks up to James and Alex.
Arianna: Sorry about that. Your Dad was wondering where you were. He says he's been calling you.
Alex: He has?
Alex pulls out his cell phone and notices several missed calls.
Alex: Wow....must've left it on vibrate.
Arianna: Ah, it's alright, sweetheart. Your father's not so good at answering his calls, either. So....ready to continue the tour?