Chapter 73: Refusing to Save Lives
"Gentlemen."
"We're not taking over a company—we're controlling an out-of-control crisis source that threatens all of New York City."
Before Oscorp's shattered glass entrance, General Ross—surrounded by a large group of soldiers—was holding a press conference, speaking loudly to the news reporters below the steps.
"Norman Osborn and his team conducted illegal human experiments. First the Squid, then they created a monster we call the 'Green Goblin.'"
"We have substantial evidence that extremely dangerous unfinished projects remain inside the company. I must strangle this danger in its cradle before it's born."
"I will prevent disaster. Anyone obstructing this action is placing the public in danger."
"Just like the 'Batman' who attempted to break into Oscorp earlier but was repelled by my brave soldiers."
The reporters below erupted, competing to ask questions. But General Ross didn't answer any, instead—in his military uniform with a stern expression—announcing another bombshell:
"From this moment forward, until all hazards are completely eliminated from Oscorp, I declare the Oscorp Tower and surrounding area a military restricted zone."
"Anyone who approaches and refuses to retreat after soldier warnings will be considered a terrorist threatening public safety..."
Having pursued the Hulk for years, General Ross had perfected these public relations tactics, directly portraying himself as a hero preventing disaster.
"Of course, research staff holding Oscorp employee credentials, verified by my soldiers, can still enter freely. I won't interfere with their experiments."
"Just like this gentleman."
Ross suddenly shifted, pointing to a somewhat familiar-looking research staff member passing beside him.
He was about to continue dealing with reporters when something felt off. He immediately signaled soldiers to stop that familiar-looking staff member.
"Mr. Clark, I remember seeing you in Professor Connors's laboratory. When did you leave, and why have you returned?" General Ross asked quietly, looking at the badge on the man's chest.
The person entering Oscorp again as "Clark" right under General Ross's nose was Batman himself.
Facing the general's question, Batman slightly raised one hand, holding several pizza boxes. "General, this is our lunch."
After soldiers opened the pizza boxes, flipping through each pizza slice to inspect them and confirming these were genuinely just pizzas, a smile appeared on General Ross's face. "Let him through."
Wearing glasses, his face radiating honest simplicity, Batman hurried into Oscorp with the pizzas after receiving Ross's approval.
General Ross continued facing the reporters.
"Excuse me, General Ross, as I understand it, your actions caused Oscorp's stock price to plummet. Wall Street financial sharks are pressuring the White House and Congress. How should losses incurred by Oscorp during this period be handled?"
A reporter shouted from below the steps.
Harry Osborn had perfectly executed the two steps Batman taught him—capital pressure and federal court lawsuit.
Every move Oscorp made was now under public scrutiny. Harry's actions hadn't escaped interested parties. Someone asked during Ross's press conference.
"Oscorp's legal heir, Harry Osborn, is suing your actions in federal court. Does General Ross have any explanation?"
Another reporter asked.
"General Ross, you led military forces stationed in New York—was this action approved by the President?"
"General Ross, you just mentioned Oscorp employees can freely enter. Does that mean they can freely exit? Are you placing Oscorp's scientists under house arrest?"
"General..."
The reporters' questions grew increasingly sharp. Some even tried pinning various labels on General Ross. His blood pressure rose until his face and neck turned red.
Simultaneously, on Oscorp's twentieth floor, in Professor Connors's laboratory.
"Peter, I've transferred all core data to this hard drive. Take it and leave."
Professor Connors handed over a hard drive with his only left hand, exhaustion showing on his face.
Batman had just created chaos downstairs, attracting General Ross's attention, while Professor Connors worked at maximum speed in the laboratory to transfer Oscorp's biological technology core data.
With only one hand, he could manage routine experiments without rushing, but in the time-critical situation earlier, Professor Connors felt the pain of missing his arm once again.
"What about you, Professor?" Batman accepted the hard drive, wrapping it in laboratory plastic wrap before tucking it inside a pizza.
"I still have things to do, Peter," Professor Connors said.
Professor Connors started to turn, but Batman reached out to stop him. "Professor, we both know General Ross wants to create weapons. You must immediately stop all research."
"No, Peter. This time it's not research," Professor Connors said. "It's something else."
"I'm listening," Batman said.
Seeing that this friend of Harry Osborn wouldn't leave without knowing why he was staying at Oscorp, Professor Connors reluctantly pulled out a stack of documents. "Peter, look."
These were documents about reptilian gene research applied to human medicine. Unlike the limb regeneration technology Connors had been working toward, these materials related to organ failure.
"This is also an experimental project I'm responsible for, already applied in medicine—'Temporary Regenerative Stabilizer.'"
"Metropolitan Hospital has seven critical patients with organ failure who need it to sustain life."
Professor Connors didn't hide the worry written on his face. "I need to produce half a month to a month's worth of doses to prevent them from losing their lives due to lack of supply."
Batman fell silent.
If Professor Connors left with him, he and the core data would be safe. But those patients who trusted him would die without the stabilizer.
If he stayed, Professor Connors might secure the opportunity to continue producing the stabilizer, saving the patients.
"Peter, we cannot refuse to save lives," Professor Connors said. "Thank you for braving danger, coming alone to Oscorp to tell me General Ross's true nature."
"But I cannot leave. New York has no better biotechnology company than Oscorp. Only here can I successfully produce qualified Temporary Regenerative Stabilizer."
Contrary to Professor Connors's expectations, Batman showed neither emotional behavior nor continued using other reasons to persuade him. Instead, he was unreasonably calm:
"Understood. I've already prepared a plan for situations like this."