Spider-Man Mayhem

[Third Person's PoV] 

As they stood beneath the soft blue glow of the holographic projection, the satellite floated majestically above them in vivid, three-dimensional detail. Uncle Ben, with a curious glint in his eye, leaned in and asked, "So what exactly does this thing do? What are some of its main functions?"

Peter's eyes lit up as he began to explain, gesturing enthusiastically with his hands. "Well I'm so glad you asked, primarily, it's used for global surveillance and monitoring," he began, excitement lacing his words. "It monitors criminal activities in real time and analyzes them worldwide. There's an AI algorithm embedded within that predicts potential threats or criminal patterns based on a mountain of collected data. It also features an early warning system for natural disasters like earthquakes, tsunamis, and hurricanes."

Peter's voice picked up speed as he continued, "It has an advanced communication system with a secure, encrypted network. It can deploy power sources to critical infrastructures like hospitals during outages. It also boasts high-resolution telescopes for space mapping and studying cosmic events."

As he spoke, Aunt May, Uncle Ben, and George Stacy exchanged glances, their faces reflecting both amazement and bewilderment. Peter, oblivious to their expressions, pressed on, his fingers ticking off each feature. "You've seen the cloaking system already. But it also has ultra-high-resolution cameras that can capture images with incredible detail for surveillance, mapping, and analysis. It's equipped with infrared and thermal imaging to detect heat signatures, which comes in handy for search and rescue missions or identifying hidden threats."

He paused to catch his breath, only to dive right back in. "There's real-time facial recognition software for identifying individuals and analyzing expressions for threat assessment. It has multi-spectrum scanning—like X-ray and LIDAR capabilities—that can penetrate structures and create detailed 3D maps of urban and underground spaces. There's ultraviolet detection for analyzing cosmic phenomena or locating chemical and biological traces. It even performs spectral analysis to detect energy emissions, from radiation leaks to alien technology."

Peter held up both hands and then resorted to reusing fingers as he continued. "And then there's high-speed data transmission. For example, quantum communication allows for encrypted, instantaneous data transfer between the satellite and ground operatives. It can broadcast information securely with almost no lag across the globe."

Uncle Ben's eyes widened as Peter still wasn't finished, "Enhanced navigation and GPS features allow for pinpoint-accurate tracking, ideal for rescue missions or targeting in difficult environments. It also assists in air traffic, maritime navigation, and ground operations with real-time path correction. And, as a defense mechanism, it has a GPS jammer that can disable enemy positioning systems to disrupt their coordination."

Peter finished, beaming. "Did you catch all that?" He looked around to see Aunt May, Uncle Ben, and George Stacy staring at him, eyes wide and mouths slightly open. They slowly shook their heads.

Peter chuckled. "Well, anyway, I call it The ASE—pronounced 'Ace'—the All-Seeing Eye. Tada!" He added a flourish with jazz hands.

Silence.

"I said… TADA!" Peter's tone was more insistent this time, which earned a few hesitant claps. The sound was light and uncertain, but it made him grin wider.

"Thank you, thank you," Peter said, offering a playful bow. "Now, shall we take a picture to commemorate this special occasion?"

"That's actually a nice idea," Aunt May said, nodding with approval.

"We'll use the satellite to take the picture, making it the first-ever photo taken from it. So, who's in?" Peter asked, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes.

"I like the sound of that," Harry said, an intrigued smile on his face.

"Alright, everyone, gather up!" Peter said, motioning for the group to huddle closer.

As they moved together, a sudden shift caught their attention. Bruce's neck tensed and shifted to a pale green, thick veins straining against his skin. "Hulk wants to be in the picture too!" a deep, rumbling voice demanded.

Everyone flinched and cast wary looks at Bruce. He took a deep breath and whispered harshly, "I told you to stop doing that!"

"Hulk doesn't listen to Banner!" The green tinge grew more pronounced.

Bruce closed his eyes, regaining control with visible effort. He opened them again, embarrassed and flushed. "Sorry about that… again."

Peter chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on Bruce's arm. "Don't sweat it, big guy. We'll take two pictures: one with Bruce and one with Hulk."

Aunt May set down the holographic projector, which shifted to display an aerial view of them from the satellite's high-tech vantage point. The blue hologram shimmered as it captured the group's outline from far above.

"Alright, strike a pose!" Peter shouted, raising his hands to make the iconic Spider-Man gesture.

"Don't be silly," Aunt May said, playfully swatting at Peter's arm.

Hearing her, Gwen, MJ, Felicia, Harry, and Lizzy all sheepishly dropped their arms after mimicking Peter's pose, exchanging glances to make sure Aunt May hadn't caught them.

Peter shared a grin with Harry, who leaned forward with his hands resting on his knees. Peter slung an arm over Harry's shoulder, both of them smirking like they were sharing an inside joke.

The rest of the group settled into position. Aunt May stood close to Uncle Ben, both of them smiling warmly. Betty beamed as she pressed her cheek against Bruce's arm, her smile full of cheer. George Stacy laid a protective hand on Gwen's head, her expression deadpan but softened by a hint of affection in her eyes.

The satellite above captured the scene as the group posed, a moment frozen in time.

Once they confirmed the photo had been taken, Peter turned to Bruce with a mischievous smile. "Alright, your turn, big guy. The Hulk wants his photo op."

Bruce Banner, ever reluctant, let out a low groan. He removed his glasses, handing them to Betty with a resigned sigh. The group instinctively stepped back, their eyes wide with anticipation. Peter stood his ground, excitement bubbling in his veins. Bruce took a breath, spreading his arms as if to embrace the inevitable. "Alright, big fella, let's do this."

The transformation was as dramatic as ever. Bruce's body contorted, muscles swelling and skin shifting to a deep, vibrant green. The fabric of his clothes changed and grew against his growing frame. The ground trembled as Bruce completed his shift into the Hulk, who now loomed over the group, eyes glowing with an intense emerald light. When the metamorphosis finished, the Hulk sat down with a heavy thud, the impact sending ripples through the earth and making a few of them stumble.

Hulk's immense chest heaved as he looked around, surveying the familiar faces. He yanked off his lab coat and shirt, tossing them aside like ragged paper. His lips split into a broad, toothy grin. "HULK READY FOR PICTURE!" he thundered, flexing his colossal arms and causing the air to quake slightly with his words.

"I call dibs on the arms!" Peter and Felicia shouted in unison, their voices ringing with giddy excitement. Without waiting for further cues, they dashed forward and leaped onto Hulk's flexed biceps, giggling as they balanced on the rippling muscles.

MJ and Gwen exchanged amused glances before climbing onto his massive shoulders, their eyes glinting with exhilaration. Meanwhile, Harry and Lizzy, not to be outdone, smirked at each other and clambered up to balance deftly on Hulk's fists, displaying impressive agility.

"HULK TAKE PICTURE WITH FRIENDS!" Hulk declared, his deep voice booming with childlike joy and a large grin. The ground still quivered as he shifted slightly, making room for everyone.

Betty laughed, warmth in her eyes as she observed the scene. She confidently walked up and settled on Hulk's lap, her presence the epitome of ease and trust. Uncle Ben, Aunt May, and Captain George Stacy approached cautiously, but smiles bloomed on their faces as they touched Hulk's solid frame, marveling at the gentle giant up close. Felix stood beside Felicia, a faint smile crossing his lips.

The camera clicked repeatedly, capturing the moment from all angles. Laughter echoed across the clearing as the group reveled in the surreal experience.

The photoshoot concluded, and the Hulk's muscles began to shrink as his green skin faded to human tones. Bruce Banner returned, exhausted but content, wiping sweat from his brow. He bent down to retrieve his discarded clothing, shaking out the dust before slipping it back on. 

As the group made their way to the area where they parked, George Stacy called out, "Peter, a word with you—and you three as well," he added, motioning to Felicia, MJ, and Gwen.

Gwen's heart leaped into her throat. "Dad, really, this isn't necessary—"

"Already made up my mind," George said, his voice brooking no argument. He held up a set of keys with a knowing smile. "Besides, I've got the keys. Ben already handed them over, so let's not make this harder."

Peter's pulse quickened, and a nervous glance was exchanged between the four teens. Uncle Ben shot a playful peace sign over his shoulder as he walked off with Aunt May, an arm around her shoulder. "Good luck, kids. We're riding with Dr. Banner. I want to get to know him and his big green friend."

Peter felt the betrayal sting. 'Traitor!', he thought, aiming a mock glare at his uncle.

Harry, who had been straddling his motorbike with Lizzy, chuckled as he caught the exchange. "Ooooh, someone's in trouble," he teased, revving the engine and roaring off down the road.

Felix clapped a reassuring hand on Peter's back. "Don't die. Your survival directly affects whether I'm born or not."

Peter shot him a look before reluctantly heading toward the car. Gwen made a move for the passenger seat, but George intercepted her with a gentle but firm hand. "No, Gwen. Peter rides up front. You girls take the back."

A leaden weight settled in Peter's chest as he slid into the seat beside George. The car hummed to life, its engine purring as George navigated out of the parking space and onto the open road. The silence was thick, pressing down like a suffocating blanket. Peter shifted uncomfortably.

"So... great weather we're having," Peter muttered, grasping at anything to break the silence he ever so hated. 

"Yes, quite pleasant. Good day for a satellite launch," George replied evenly, eyes fixed on the road. His voice was calm, almost too calm, and he didn't spare Peter a glance. The tension coiled tighter in Peter's gut.

He swallowed, eyes darting to the rearview mirror where MJ, Felicia, and Gwen sat, their expressions caught between worry and curiosity. Peter clenched his fists, inhaled deeply, 'Let's just get this over with already'. "I have a guess as to what this is about, but for the sake of my sanity, could you just tell me straight? Why the group meeting? Why this?"

George's response was slow in coming. He adjusted the mirror slightly, meeting his own eyes before speaking. "Alright, Peter. I'll answer your question with one of my own. For you girls in the back, can you raise your hand if you're currently dating Peter Parker?"

For a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath. Gwen's hand shot up first, confident but slightly shaky. MJ and Felicia hesitated, looking at Peter for a split second of reassurance. He nodded, a small, resigned smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

One by one, MJ and Felicia lifted their hands.

George let out a soft, humorless chuckle. "And that, Peter, is exactly what this conversation is about." His tone was as unreadable as the expression on his face.

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