Chapter Thirty One: Creation

Dr. Miles Warren was putting the finishing touches on his newest creation. At the moment it looked to be a complete copy of Peter Parker, but he recently learned the importance of human programming. His last creation lacked this particular feature, but with this one... Together they would create a mass Spidercide! He really liked the name and it was nearly time to release him. Warren just needed the right events to take place.

BOOOOOM!!!

"Well, that came sooner than expected!!!" Warren laughed.

Pressing buttons on a console he began the awakening of his newest weapon. A shot of compressed air filled the room as it woke up, for a brief moment it seemed to be a little confused but then the programming took over and Spidercide was ready for command.

Smiling Warren sent it to deal with some shield agents that seemed to have gotten a little too close. Turning his attention to the last capsule in the room holding a blond girl he put his hand on the glass out of longing.

Finishing up the last adjustments to her capsule he sat back in his chair, it would only be a little more time now... "Gwen, wait for me. I will avenge you! Then we will live happily..."

XAVIER INSTITUTE

Ben was staring at a television showing an attack on Magneto's base in the Sahara Desert, by the agency known as SHIELD. It seemed to be a well-protected facility because even after SHIELD had launched several missiles at the metal construct it had barely made a dent into the compound.

"How are we seeing this?" Peter asked McCoy as they watch the barrage of attacks shield had made.

"When we knew SHIELD was involved in this situation, we had our local tech guy rig up a device that can intercept shields monitors," McCoy explained.

"Really you have a Tech guy. Damn now I feel like I'm really missing out." Peter said a little grievously. "Hey Ben, you sure you don't want to go back as Peter Parker?"

He was joking and Ben knew it, so he just smiled as he replied, "Nope, but remember… We're family. So, mi tech guy, es tu tech guy."

Rolling her eyes, "Ben? Have you ever actually even met Forge?" Jean asked.

"Ah… No, but he is pretty good friends with Kurt so by extension…"

MJ brought their attention to the television. She was stunned as she watched the screen as she spotted a familiar red and blue spandex suit performing acrobatics fighting the SHIELD agents.

"Oh no! Look!" MJ said pointing to the screen.

"Sh*t!" Peter and Ben said at the same time.

"Well, I guess we don't have to think about our next step now…" Jean said groaning.

"But how are we going to get there? I mean it's like in Africa, right?" MJ said puzzled.

"What do you mean 'we'...? Who said you were coming?" Peter said strictly.

"You should let her come," Jean said standing beside the other redhead.

"She has no way of protecting herself!" Peter said defensively.

"Hold on Pete, Jean hardly ever says anything without a reason. So, give her a chance to explain." Ben said coming to Jean's defense. It was his first impulse to leave MJ behind as well, besides the fact that with her there he felt a little weird. His feelings for her were slowly dissipating, he guessed since he was the clone his feelings were just a remnant memory from Peter. He would be lying if he said that it was nice having closure, even if it meant he had lost that great love he once felt.

"Thank you, Ben." She smiled gratefully at his confidence in her. "The point is, we just fought a guy that took all of us to even make him slow down. Leaving MJ behind would be irresponsible. While May will be fine if my guess is correct MJ here has already seen his face, and to his crazed mind that… changes things."

Realizing what she said was worth paying attention to, both Ben and Peter nodded.

"So I can go!!!" MJ screamed hugging Jean surprising the mutant girl but she quickly hugged her back. She had hit it off with her, they were very similar in nature and honestly, it was hard to dislike MJ.

Sighing Peter looked at Dr. McCoy, "So how can we get there?"

"That is where I come in." A calm voice said from the doorway.

He seemed to be a Native American young man with a red bandanna on his forehead.

"I've been working on something for a while now, and this seems the perfect time to show it off!" The young man said with a smile on his face.

At the questioning looks from MJ, Peter, and Ben the last which had been there the longest Jean introduced him. "Meet our resident 'Tech guy' Forge."

Forge waved his hand at the introduction but didn't say much else as he started towards the lower half of the X-mansion.

SAHARA desert BATTLEGROUND

"Sir we are getting reports of a ship approaching us from the east about two hours away."

"Hmm, it seems the X-Men want to let us know they are on their way…" Fury said with a smile on his face.

"What do you mean sir, they have made no attempt to hail us at…"

"Believe me, if they didn't want us to know they were coming… It would be too late before we actually noticed them. No, they plan on being cooperative with us." The one-eyed ancient commander pondered over the new development. He had expected them to show, but not to be fully helpful when they had. It was one of the reasons he'd tried so hard to get here before they had arrived.

"Jarred. Miller! When they get here to send out a welcome wagon. I want to know their intentions."

"Yes, Sir"

BLACKBIRD

Ororo looked over at her co-captain Logan, he was looking a little green around the edges, but for the most part, he seemed to take the flight better than usual. He had only lost his lunch two or three times, instead of the usual ten.

"We have dropped our cloak, I expect they have already noticed us. Are you sure this is a wise idea?"

"Believe it or not, if we came in guns blazing with this guy we would have two enemies on our hands instead of just the one... We will still need to be careful, but we can at least trust them not to try to put us in chains as well." Logan said sounding tired. It seems that even his advanced healing had no effect on motion sickness.

Feeling the plan decelerate Scott walked towards the cockpit. The crimson glow of his visor seemed to be pulsing with power. The young mutant was ready for a fight, he had a cool head but he still wanted to attempt to work out some of his frustration on an enemy or two.

"When do we arrive?" Scott asked firmly

"We will be in front of SHIELD in twenty minutes." Storm responded watching the boy's temperament. He seemed more put together than when they left but he was still a little messed up, if it was up to her she would pull him from this mission. He had been acting emotional and hotheaded as of late, she didn't like that. But the only other team leader 'Jean' was on her own mission... Scott was all they had.

Sighing she met the handsome boy's eyes, "Make sure the team is prepared."

Nodding the young mutant left to speak with the team. Ororo briefly met the bloodshot eyes of Logan but they both remained silent.

HANGER BAY XAVIER MANSION

"I call it the 'Phoenix'" Forge said as he uncloaked a huge jet. Its imposing form created a massive shadow they hadn't noticed before.

"It is basically a complete upgrade to the blackbird. Its got anti-tracking, defensive shields and even an AI installed onboard. The Phoenix is the most advanced machine besides Tony Stark's Iron Man suit." Forge boldly proclaimed.

"MJ, I'm sorry," Peter said breaking the silence.

"Um... For what?" She said confused.

"Well, I have fallen in love... and it's just not fair to you..." He said in mock seriousness.

"Don't worry, I think she will like me more anyways," MJ said with a wink.