To be perfectly honest, disposing of a villain like the Green Goblin posed no real challenge for Ben. One decisive strike had been enough to drive Mendel Stromm directly into the building's brick facade, the tremendous impact force shattering his helmet like eggshell against concrete.
Beneath the fractured mask, Stromm's features were indeed recognizable, though dramatically altered from the man Ben remembered from their equipment transactions over a month ago. While he hadn't developed the full reptilian scales that characterized complete lizard serum transformation, his skin had taken on a distinctly greenish pallor, and his previously soft, corporate physique had been replaced by lean muscle mass that spoke of enhanced physical capabilities.
Ben estimated that Stromm's maximum strength now approached ten tons—a significant enhancement that, combined with his stolen Oscorp technology, explained why Peter had been struggling against him for weeks. But Ben operated on an entirely different power scale than his cousin.
The genetic optimization effects of the Omnitrix had been subtle at first, barely noticeable when he'd initially acquired spider-based abilities. But now, after months of transformation experience and exposure to cosmic energies, his physical capabilities far exceeded Peter's natural limits. Conservative estimates placed his strength at over fifty tons and growing, with no clear upper boundary in sight.
"If I could eventually reach the Four Arms's strength levels, I'd be essentially unstoppable on Earth," he mused, though he suspected such power might be overkill for most earthly conflicts.
Setting aside thoughts of future development, Ben stood atop the building with Stromm's unconscious form dangling from one hand, waiting for Peter to return from his pursuit of the sniper. He felt no particular sympathy for the Green Goblin's current predicament—the man had authored his own downfall through a series of increasingly poor decisions.
The original business conflict with Norman had been standard corporate maneuvering, the kind of boardroom warfare that occurred in major companies regularly. Stromm and other shareholders had successfully forced Norman out of his own company, but that had been a legitimate business action, however ruthless.
The real problem came later. When Ben and Norman executed their perfectly legal takeover of Oscorp using superior financial resources and strategic planning, Stromm had refused to accept defeat gracefully. Instead of cutting his losses and moving on to other ventures, he had stolen proprietary technology and biological samples to launch a campaign of terrorism and attempted murder.
If Norman hadn't happened to carry a healing serum during the televised attack, Stromm's actions could easily have resulted in actual homicide on live television. Such escalation moved the conflict far beyond acceptable business competition into criminal territory that demanded serious consequences.
Still, Ben had no intention of killing Stromm immediately. A living, captured Green Goblin would prove far more valuable than a dead one, particularly in terms of public relations and legal proceedings.
"The lizard incident still casts a shadow over Oscorp's reputation," Ben reasoned as he examined his unconscious prisoner. "If this isn't resolved completely, the media will continue using it as ammunition against the company indefinitely."
Beyond his friendship with Harry and gratitude toward Norman for past assistance, Ben held a significant financial stake in Oscorp's success through his twenty-five percent ownership position. The company's continued prosperity directly impacted his own wealth and influence, making Stromm's attacks a personal economic threat as well as a criminal matter.
With the Green Goblin captured, Ben now possessed the perfect scapegoat for Oscorp's previous controversies. When the full truth emerged, public opinion would see Norman as a wronged entrepreneur who had been betrayed by trusted partners, and Dr. Connors as a disabled scientist whose risky research had been motivated by genuine desire to help others avoid his fate.
The narrative would practically write itself: greedy corporate raiders steal a man's life work, then turn to terrorism when their victim successfully recovers his company through legitimate means. Stromm would be portrayed as the villain he had chosen to become, while Norman and Connors emerged as sympathetic figures who had overcome adversity through perseverance and ethical behavior.
"This might even allow Connors to abandon his fake identity," Ben realized. "We could announce that he's been successfully treated with an upgraded healing serum, demonstrating the product's advanced capabilities while restoring his professional reputation."
The public relations benefits were almost too good to be true—a complete rehabilitation of Oscorp's image, validation of their healing technology, and the capture of a dangerous supervillain all in one dramatic package.
Ben finally understood why Norman had seemed so cheerful after surviving the Green Goblin's assassination attempt. Sometimes the best advertising came from surviving your enemies' attacks in spectacular fashion.
Of course, Ben had no intention of letting Stromm end up in prison—especially not when corruption and political pull could eventually set him free. He already knew parts of the NYPD were compromised by Wilson Fisk's organization. Eunice had confirmed it: Fisk was the real mastermind behind today's events. And with Bullseye showing up, her report wasn't just theory anymore—it was fact. Ben understood all too well that for powerful crime lords, owning the legal system was often more useful than avoiding it altogether.
"Fortunately, I have alternatives to conventional justice."
Ben removed one of the obedience disks from his web-shooter, carefully cutting through the Green Goblin's damaged armor to implant the device against bare skin. The Red King's obedience implant technology was brutally effective—even Asgardians struggled to resist its influence, and humans had no natural defenses against its neurological attacks.
Under normal circumstances, the disc would simply ensure complete obedience from its host. But with the proper adjustments, the same technology could be used to terminate brain function entirely. Ben would allow Stromm to live long enough to serve as Oscorp's public relations salvation, then quietly arrange for the Green Goblin's permanent retirement from criminal activity.
As he was considering the timing of these arrangements, Peter descended from the sky in his classic red and blue costume, his landing somewhat less graceful than usual.
"You actually caught him?" Peter called out, relief and mild disappointment warring in his voice. While he was grateful for Ben's intervention, part of him couldn't help feeling outclassed by his cousin's capabilities.
"I let the sniper escape," Peter admitted with obvious frustration. "He was already gone by the time I reached his position."
Ben clapped a reassuring hand on Peter's shoulder. "I suspect you'll encounter him again. Professional assassins tend to be persistent when their contracts remain unfulfilled."
"Where have you been for the past month?" Peter asked, his curiosity finally overcoming his tactical concerns. "Your phone went straight to voicemail every time I tried calling. If I didn't know you had the same powers as me, I would have been seriously worried about your safety."
Peter's expression grew more animated as he continued. "Mary Jane has been coming by almost every night asking if you've returned yet. And Felicia has visited multiple times too..."
"By the way," he added with sudden urgency, "Uncle Ben and Aunt May still think you're conducting research with some reclusive scientist, so don't contradict that story when you see them..."
After several minutes of rapid-fire updates about domestic situations and cover stories, Peter finally paused long enough for Ben to respond.
"It's a rather long story," Ben said diplomatically.
"Then give me the short version."
"I conquered a planet."
Peter stared at him for several seconds, his mask's eye lenses somehow managing to convey complete bewilderment despite their lack of expression. "I'm sorry, what?"
He had been expecting tales of beaches and vacation resorts, perhaps some romantic encounters with attractive tourists or exciting adventures in exotic locations. His imagination had conjured images of surfing, sailing, and other appropriately teenage vacation activities.
The reality was technically exciting, just not in any way his brain had prepared for.
"An alien planet!" Peter exclaimed once the information fully processed. "That's incredible! Why do you get to be a hero on galaxy scales while I'm stuck dealing with purse snatchers and bank robbers in New York?"
His complaint was more habitual than genuinely bitter.
"Well, you still have two significant problems to handle here on Earth," Peter said, his mood improving as he focused on immediate concerns. "Let's get the Green Goblin to the police station first."
He moved toward the building's edge, preparing to web-swing across the city with their prisoner, but Ben's voice stopped him before he could launch.
"You're planning to just deliver him directly to police custody?"
Peter paused, confused by the question. "Isn't that what we're supposed to do with captured criminals?"
"And then what happens?" Ben asked pointedly. "No one knows the Green Goblin has been arrested. Anyone with sufficient connections or financial resources can arrange his release before the story even reaches the newspapers."
"That can't be right," Peter protested, though his voice carried uncertain undertones. "At least Captain Stacy wouldn't allow something like that..."
"Captain Stacy doesn't control the entire police department," Ben replied. "Corruption and political influence exist at multiple levels of law enforcement."
"So what do you suggest?"
"You need to ensure that all of New York knows Spider-Man defeated the Green Goblin," Ben explained. "Create enough public attention that the NYPD would face enormous pressure if the Green Goblin mysteriously disappeared from custody or received preferential treatment."
While Stromm was ultimately doomed regardless of legal proceedings, using his capture to enhance Peter's reputation and experience seemed like a valuable opportunity for character development.
Ben deliberately avoided suggesting more permanent solutions to the Green Goblin problem. He knew Peter's moral boundaries well enough to understand that his cousin would never embrace lethal methods, even against clearly dangerous enemies. In the comics, even after Kingpin's assassin had nearly killed Aunt May, Peter had ultimately chosen mercy over revenge despite his initial rage.
"Isn't that kind of... show-boating?" Peter asked uncomfortably. "It feels like I'd be bragging about my own accomplishments."
"We need to ensure maximum public attention to guarantee fair legal proceedings," Ben said firmly. "I suggest taking the Green Goblin to the Daily Bugle and other major news outlets, then removing his mask to reveal his identity on camera."
"Wait, me?" Peter pointed at himself in surprise. "But you're the one who actually defeated him."
"I have other responsibilities to handle," Ben replied with a dismissive shrug. He genuinely didn't care about claiming credit for the victory—playing Spider-Man was merely an occasional diversion for him, not a central part of his identity.
After separating from Peter, Ben web-swung across Manhattan toward Osborn Manor, where he expected to find Norman and Harry monitoring news coverage of the Green Goblin's capture.
Osborn Manor - Evening
Harry sat in his room, scrolling through his smartphone as he watched shaky amateur videos of the Green Goblin battle being uploaded to various social media platforms. The footage quality was poor and the angles were limited, but the basic facts were clear: Spider-Man had captured the Green Goblin with assistance from a mysterious new ally in black.
"Dad, Spider-Man caught the Green Goblin!" Harry announced excitedly as Norman entered the room.
Norman's expression immediately brightened as he hurried over to examine the footage for himself. While the videos' poor resolution prevented clear identification of the Green Goblin's true face, Norman understood that swift action would be crucial to maximizing the public relations benefits of this development.
A soft knock interrupted his planning as the family butler appeared in the doorway.
"Mr. Osborn, you have a visitor," the elderly man announced formally.
"Tell them I'm not available," Norman replied without looking up from the phone. "This isn't a good time for unexpected guests."
The butler hesitated, his hand resting on the ornate door handle. "However, sir, it's Mr. Ben Parker."
Both Norman and Harry immediately looked up with expressions of delighted surprise.
"Then why didn't you say so immediately?" Norman exclaimed, tossing Harry's phone back to him as he headed for the door. "No, never mind that—I'll greet him personally!"
He paused beside the butler to add, "In the future, Mr. Parker doesn't require formal announcements. Simply escort him wherever he wishes to go."
A few minutes later, Norman met Ben at the manor's main entrance, his face beaming with the kind of joy typically reserved for family reunions.
"What a perfect day this has become!" he declared, embracing Ben like a beloved son.
The enthusiastic reception made Harry, who was following behind his father, feel distinctly like a third wheel in his own home.
"I have even better news, Uncle Norman," Ben said with a knowing smile as he reached into his school backpack. "Mendel Stromm's complete criminal history."
He produced a thick folder of documents that represented several hours of Eunice's investigative work, compiled from financial records, communications intercepts, and security footage that would have taken human investigators months to assemble.
Norman's smile became even more radiant as he ushered Ben inside, his arm around the young man's shoulders in a paternal gesture that made Harry wonder why he hadn't been born female.
"Ben, you've given me the most wonderful surprise!" Norman enthused as they settled in the mansion's main sitting room. "You must stay for dinner tonight! Butler, please inform the kitchen staff that we'll be having a special celebration meal."
"I appreciate the invitation, but I need to get home," Ben replied diplomatically. "I haven't seen Dad and Mom since returning to New York, and they'll be hurt if they discover I visited you first."
Norman's expression immediately shifted to one of understanding approval. "You're absolutely right, Ben. Family should always come first—it's a lesson I learned rather later in life than I should have."
After the events of the past month, Norman had gained new appreciation for the importance of personal relationships over business concerns.
Ben then outlined his suggestions for handling the Stromm situation, proposals that aligned perfectly with Norman's own strategic thinking.
"That's exactly what I was planning," Norman confirmed, "but I had very limited evidence against him. Stromm was careful to cover his tracks, and I never imagined you could gather such comprehensive documentation. Did you become a private investigator during your absence?"
Ben smiled mysteriously rather than explaining that the "month-long investigation" had actually been completed by an AI assistant in a matter of hours after learning Stromm's identity.
"Additionally," Ben added thoughtfully, "I suspect Mendel Stromm may have committed other crimes that haven't yet been discovered..."
He left the implication hanging deliberately, and Norman's expression showed immediate comprehension of the possibilities such "unknown crimes" might present.
Since these additional offenses were purely hypothetical, they could be tailored to suit whatever narrative proved most beneficial for Oscorp's interests. Stromm was like a bank robber who had already been caught red-handed—the amount he had supposedly stolen was limited only by imagination and credibility constraints.
More importantly, while Stromm had lost his Oscorp shares through his transformation into the Green Goblin, his personal assets remained substantial. The equipment purchases alone that Ben had negotiated with him represented millions of dollars in liquid wealth.
Norman nodded sagely as he considered the implications. "Indeed, I recall some irregularities in Oscorp's financial records during that period. The total value of stolen property seems to have been considerably higher than initially reported..."
He performed some quick mental calculations and realized that what had originally been valued as a set of prototype armor and several defective serum samples could now be assessed as hundreds of millions of dollars in stolen research, proprietary technology, and industrial sabotage.
Watching his father and Ben collaborate on what was essentially an elaborate financial fraud scheme, Harry felt several of his long-held illusions about Norman's ethical standards quietly shatter into pieces.
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