January, 2011
"So, what do you think?" Dr. Curtis Connors asked as he watched Wyatt examine a slide of mutated red blood cells under the microscope.
"Hmm, hyperactive erythrocytes that exhibit an extraordinary residual energy potential, even after being extracted from the host body for so long," Wyatt remarked as he retracted his hand. "This hematological sample comes from Electro, I mean, Maxwell Dillon, right?"
"Yes," Martha Connors affirmed, her expression tinged with regret. "We have been searching for a viable solution to his condition; however, every approach we've tried—whether chemical synthesis or gene sequencing—has ultimately failed."
"What happened to Max was my fault. I told him we'd cure him, but I've only come up short," Curtis Connors said. "You found a working gene cleanser for my… lizard issue in one night and only another two days to discover a full cure. You're young, but your knowledge and skills are beyond anything I've seen in a long time. Do you think you could help us find a cure for Max?"
"Of course," Wyatt answered immediately, surprising the couple with his quick response. "His case is definitely more complex. I can understand why all your attempts failed. His DNA is sharp, powerful, and ever-changing. And that's just based on this month-old sample. I can't imagine how his DNA behaves within his body. Still… I think it's possible."
Curtis and Martha exchanged hopeful glances. They were concerned that they might never find a cure for Max and that he would forever be the misunderstood criminal known as Electro.
"That's fantastic! Let's get to work," Curtis exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with decisiveness. With that, he, Martha, and Wyatt plunged into uncovering a solution to reverse the devastating circumstances that had derailed Maxwell Dillon's life.
For hours, Wyatt engaged in passionate discussions with Curtis and Martha, whose impressive expertise in their respective fields was evident from the beginning. He respectfully challenged their theories, proposing fresh ideas that reflected the enthusiasm of a seasoned scientist eager to contribute. As the dialogue deepened, the difference in their ages and Wyatt's apparent inexperience began to diminish, giving way to a vibrant exchange fueled by curiosity and respect.
Curtis, known for his meticulous attention to detail, often included complex data analyses in his work. Meanwhile, Martha, recognized for her innovative thinking, frequently found herself amazed by Wyatt's unconventional ideas. Gradually, both Curtis and Martha began to appreciate the value of Wyatt's unique perspective, which often diverged from conventional wisdom.
Each new collaborative experiment brought them closer to a potential breakthrough that felt almost within reach. It was not just a meeting of minds; it was a synthesis of experiences, ideas, and aspirations that promised to reshape their understanding of the subject. They immersed themselves in their work, completely unaware of the passing time.
Wyatt was startled when Gwen arrived with a cold can of Coca-Cola and pressed it against his cheek. The sudden chill made him jump, causing him to drop his piece of chalk, which clattered to the floor.
Gwen's eyes darted to the sprawling blackboard before him, now a chaotic mosaic of chemical symbols and complex mathematical equations, each one a puzzle piece in their quest for a cure.
"What is all this?" Gwen muttered to herself, her brow furrowing as she glanced at the chaotic array of notes spread across the board.
"Take a break, Wyatt," Peter suggested, striding over with a thoughtful expression. His eyes widened in astonishment as he examined the complex diagrams and scribbled equations. The realization of Wyatt's ambitious plan began to dawn on him. "Hold on, is this for Electro-I mean, Max? This is brilliant. Do you think it will work?" he asked, a note of curiosity lacing his voice as Gwen's comprehension of the implications grew clearer.
"It's our best chance so far. Curtis is currently working on formulating a chemical solution to test our formula on some of Max's cells," Wyatt replied, an unexpected pang of hunger hitting him as he spoke.
At that moment, Eddie Brock sauntered into the room, a cheerful smile lighting up his face and a crinkly paper bag tucked under his arm. "Here you go, Wyatt," he announced, offering the bag with a playful grin. "Here's a sandwich I brought for later. You look like you need it more than I do."
Wyatt deftly caught the bag, the enticing aroma of the Pastrami on Rye sandwich wafting through the air, making his stomach rumble. "Thanks, Eddie. I owe you a sandwich."
"Don't worry about it. I'm just thrilled that we're finally making some progress towards helping Max," Eddie replied as he donned his lab coat, ready to jump in and lend a hand. "Where can I help?"
••o••o••o••
As twilight descended, casting a gentle veil over the city, the atmosphere in the laboratory felt thick with weariness. The LED lights above flickered under the weight of the day's efforts, leaving everyone physically and mentally drained.
"All right, that's enough for today. We're making real progress, I can sense it," Curtis declared, his voice cutting through the haze of exhaustion as everyone tidied up their workstations, stowing away beakers and notebooks before finally filing into the cool evening air.
"Man, that was intense. Now I have to get back to my dorm to catch up on some homework," Eddie sighed, stretching his arms skyward and arching his back with a satisfying crack. He waved goodbye to his friends, his face breaking into a tired smile. "Night, everyone! See you tomorrow."
Gwen, Peter, and Wyatt bid their farewells as well, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone streets as they ventured away from the lab, the city's evening glow illuminating their path.
"I'm starving! Anyone in the mood for some food? It's on me," Wyatt proposed, excitement sparkling in his eyes as he glanced at the others.
"Some Vietnamese sounds fantastic right now," Gwen replied, her stomach rumbling audibly as she rubbed it in anticipation.
"I wouldn't say no to a large bowl of Pho," Peter chimed in, his mouth watering at the thought of the savory broth and fresh herbs. Wyatt's face lit up with recognition.
"Thai it is, then! I know the perfect spot," he grinned widely, his strides quickening as he led the way through the bustling streets, vibrant with the sounds of laughter and distant music.
"You really have a spot for everything, don't you? Just how many restaurants have you been to?" Peter asked, both impressed and incredulous, as the three friends navigated the lively evening crowd together.
••o••o••o••
Over the next few days, the dedicated team within the laboratory at Empire State University worked tirelessly, day and night, to find a solution for Max's dire predicament. Each member of the laboratory was fueled by a mix of urgency and perseverance, fully aware of the stakes involved.
Wyatt, who was often busy due to his responsibilities as Atomic, could only make intermittent appearances to offer his help. Nevertheless, he maximized his time with the group, offering carefully considered guidance to steer them toward the correct chemical solution.
In truth, Wyatt had already identified the answer on the very first day he decided to lend his expertise.
His mind, capable of processing thousands upon thousands of chemical combinations at lightning speed, had naturally converged on a potential remedy.
However, he understood that presenting the formula outright could raise immediate suspicions.
If he delivered this solution too quickly, it would prompt questions about how he seemingly achieved such a complex scientific breakthrough in record time when both seasoned scientists, Curtis and Martha, couldn't.
Rather than risk the unveiling of his identity, Wyatt chose a more subtle approach. He guided everyone through a series of targeted hints and ideas, encouraging them to engage deeply with their individual tasks. This method fostered an environment of collaboration, enabling everyone to piece together their findings and ultimately converge on the solution to Max's Electro situation on their own.
During that time, Peter, who was familiar with Wyatt's true capabilities, questioned him about whether he had already found the answer.
Wyatt, who valued honesty in his relationship with Peter, admitted that he had found a solution. Sensing Peter's curiosity and a hint of impatience, Wyatt took a moment to explain his reasoning. He understood that providing the cure for Max's condition too quickly might lead to more questions than answers. However, he reassured Peter that even if everyone's efforts fell short, he would step in with the formula when the time was right.
As the days passed, the team remained focused, and fortunately, their perseverance paid off. On the seventh day, amidst a whirlwind of experiments and discussions, Curtis successfully synthesized everyone's contributions along with his own research, unlocking the critical solution they had been seeking.
"We did it..." Curtis whispered, his voice barely breaking the charged silence of the lab as he beheld the astonishing sight before him. The vibrant electric cells, once a brilliant cascade of color and energy, were now gently settling back into the familiar structure of normal human DNA cells, their luminous glow dimming to a soft shimmer.
Overwhelmed by a wave of exhilaration, he leaped to his feet, his heart pounding like a drum in his chest. Turning to face everyone in the lab, he felt a rush of warmth spread across his face, accentuated by the dark circles under his eyes, remnants of a long night's work. "We really did it!"
"Wait, are you serious?" Eddie asked as he stepped back from the blackboard Wyatt had filled with several equations and compounds. "Did we actually do it?!"
Martha, excited to see for herself, ran up to Curtis' microscope and smiled as she saw the results. "We did… all of Max's past mutated cells are back to normal!"
Peter and Gwen erupted in joyous cheers, leaping into each other's arms. They reveled in the moment, but suddenly became aware of their closeness, stepping back with a rush of warmth flooding their cheeks, their faces glowing a bright crimson.
Meanwhile, Wyatt, intrigued by the unfolding excitement, strolled over to the slide. He looked down with an approving smile, raising his steaming cup of coffee in a celebratory toast towards Curtis, who stood nearby, a grin spreading across his face.
"Fantastic work, everyone. This should help us bring Max back to his old self," Wyatt declared, savoring the last few sips of his coffee. "Now, all that's left is to finish and deliver the serum to Max."
Without wasting a precious moment, Eddie, Peter, and Gwen dove into the task at hand, meticulously preparing several vials of the freshly completed serum formula. Wyatt moved to join them, but he halted as Curtis gestured for him to hold on for a moment, a look of curiosity in his eyes.
"Be honest with me, Wyatt... You found the answer days ago. Didn't you?" Curtis asked with a small smile as he watched his wife begin to mix the required chemicals.
"…yes, I did," Wyatt sighed.
"I knew it all along," Curtis chuckled, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "The way you were subtly nudging everyone toward the answers was far from discreet. But I appreciate that you refrained from simply handing over the solution. It really allowed everyone to grow and develop as scientists. And then there's you, Wyatt. You're nothing short of brilliant—a true prodigy in the realm of science. It makes me wonder why you've chosen to remain under the radar for so long. With your intellect, you could soar to great heights in the scientific community, perhaps even reaching the towering prominence of figures like Reed Richards! So, what's holding you back?"
Wyatt frowned and looked over at where Peter and Gwen were placing several beakers in a centrifuge. "I've… thought about it before. With my… intellect. I'm sure I could help the field make large strides in creating new vaccines and finding cures for diseases. However, I have other responsibilities that require me to work outside a lab. Responsibilities that only I can do."
Curtis furrowed his brow in concentration as he reflected on the responsibilities that a seventeen-year-old might face. Memories of his own teenage years flickered in his mind, but he struggled to understand the complexity of Wyatt's situation. Despite the turmoil of thoughts swirling within him, he chose to recognize the brilliance and potential of the young man before him. With a deep breath, he held his tongue, refraining from offering unsolicited opinions, and instead silently admired Wyatt's judgment and intellect.
"That's unfortunate. However, if you ever decide to change your mind, there's a place for you here—not as a student or an intern, but as an equal," Curtis said earnestly, a serious expression on his face. Then, a playful smile crossed his features. "Of course, that would be after you complete your college courses and earn your degree."
Wyatt smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Doctor Connors. I appreciate that. Who knows? I might take you up on that someday."
Curtis smiled and patted Wyatt on the back before walking over to speak to his wife.
Now alone, Wyatt's smile faded slightly as he gazed at his hands, the weight of his recent thoughts pressing heavily on his mind.
Curtis's words echoed in his ears, a reminder of the internal conflict that had been brewing within him for quite some time. With his extraordinary ability to manipulate atoms and matter itself, Wyatt possessed a unique power that could revolutionize the world.
The prospect of breezing through countless hours of painstaking research and development that had consumed scientists for generations was tantalizing. He could uncover cures for cancer and other diseases that had long plagued humanity, saving lives in ways most could only dream of.
So what was holding him back?
If he genuinely wanted to help humanity and leave a lasting impact on future generations, wouldn't it make sense for him to dedicate his talents to the scientific community? After all, his abilities weren't just a gift; they were a calling.
Wyatt knew that by helping people around the world by stopping natural disasters, taking down criminals, and saving lives as Atomic was a crucial, but wasn't there a more profound way to make a difference?
Wouldn't his time be better spent in a lab, surrounded by beakers and equations, where he could create lasting solutions rather than merely responding to crises?
Vivid images flooded his mind: the frantic screams of people trapped in various dangerous situations and the overwhelming sense of relief that washed over him when he managed to pull them to safety. Each face he remembered belonged to someone whose life he had touched, and these memories overwhelmed him like a tidal wave, each reminding him of his purpose as Atomic. How could he abandon that role?
Every individual, whether man, woman, or child, whom he had saved, and each life he had changed, lingered in his thoughts, leaving him with a haunting question: Where would they be now if he hadn't been there to help them?
Wyatt's heart ached as he pondered the choice before him. To fight for justice was noble, but the thought of what he could achieve in the realm of science ignited a flicker of expectancy within him. Could he truly reconcile these two paths and find a way to serve humanity in the most profound way possible?
Releasing a troubled sigh, Wyatt glanced up to find Peter standing in front of him, a concerned expression etched across his face.
"Wyatt, you alright?" Peter asked, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Just… thinking," Wyatt replied, attempting a small, light-hearted laugh. "I was mulling over where to take Kitty on our first date. I've been delaying it for so long because of my other job, and she's really pushing for something spectacular."
Peter's gaze softened in understanding before a playful grin spread across his face. "That is indeed a tough dilemma. It must be hard having such a beautiful girlfriend who expects nothing less than perfection," he teased, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Wyatt chuckled and turned his attention to Gwen, who was deep in conversation with Eddie, her pen gliding confidently across her notepad as she jotted down notes.
"So… what about Gwen? How are things between you two?" Wyatt inquired, genuinely curious.
"Gwen? Things are much better now. She finally forgave me, so everything is back to normal," Peter said, exhaling a relieved sigh, as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
Wyatt nodded, reaching out to pat Peter's back reassuringly. "That's great news! I was worried you'd be stuck in the doghouse forever. Now, let's pitch in and help everyone finish the serum."
Peter nodded in agreement, and the two made their way over to the bustling workspace where everyone was diligently focused on their tasks.
As they joined the group, Wyatt couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that lingered—wondering if he was truly harnessing his potential to its fullest extent.