Spider-Man: Duty and Loss Chapter 38: Moving Foawrds

Peter stared into the sky for another minute or so before he finally snapped himself out of it. Thinking back on the encounter he just had, a small smile came to his lips. He didn't know who the old man was, he didn't know if he was actually called, 'Stan', or not. But he did owe him one.

It was in those seconds that he realized how dark his thoughts were. The feelings had engulfed him and stopped him from thinking straight. With both Laura and Natasha disappearing in the same day his analytical mind had taken a sabbatical, leaving him not himself.

He did wonder what would have happened if he had continued to stand there and wallow in his thoughts. A small voice whispered in the back of his mind that it wouldn't have ended well, but he pushed them to the side and began to walk out of the park.

He had also just realized what time it was. He had no clue for how long they talked or how long the rain lasted, but it had to be a few hours as the sky had turned dark. Probably past 7pm. shaking off the shock, he reached down into his pocket and grabbed his ear piece.

Placing it on his ear he talked quietly to Crystal. "Is Natasha safe?" Crystal took a few seconds before she finally replied "Yes she is safe." Peter didn't like to think about the fact or even admit it, but everyone that Peter met was generally checked by Crystal.

Some would say that it's creepy, or over the top, but Peter had found out a long time ago, that anyone he mentioned in name to Crystal would have a background check done. With her processing power and abilities it wasn't hard for Crystal to find out a person's secrets and aliases if she tried.

Peter being the upstanding person he was didn't delve into the information that was gathered, and never asked about the person's background. He would leave it up to them to tell him. Though if Crystal thought the person was a threat or had an ulterior motive, she would inform Peter.

This little fact had come in handy a few times, but nothing major. Hearing the confirmation from the bell like voice, a small pit in his stomach was unknotted and he relaxed. After asking that question about Natasha, he didn't go any further. He could find out where she was at that instance, or maybe where she lived even, but if Crystal said she was safe, she was safe.

Of course Peter didn't know that Crystal had made a calculation after assessing Black Widows abilities and who she usually works with, aka Shield and the Avengers, before comparing it to her current situation.

Crystal was able to tell that she was being hunted by a long forgotten organization called HYDRA, but didn't dive too deep into the details. Because of this she designated that even if she was chased and attacked by the group she would be "Safe".

Of course she was still crunching the numbers and would give Peter an update if it was necessary. Actually, it looked like Hydra had some hand in the construction and maintenance of one of her servers. She would have to check her servers for any anomalies.

Finally using his brain, Peter also asked about Laura. "Is Laura also fine?" Taking another few seconds Crystal searched the name and cross-referenced her features, scouring the internet for a piece of her information.

By putting in the specific details, such as mutant gene, adamantium claws, and defining features, she quickly found a secure server that she burrowed into. Gaining access to a certain organization, she scoured their files to see if they had reclaimed their 'Property', and found no mention of such an occurrence happening.

Double checking to make sure nothing was missed; it wasn't long before she replied. "There is an 85% Chance that Laura is Fine. But I do not have her current location."

Though Crystals AI was powerful and she could comb the web for information, without a sighting, picture or mention of Laura turning up on a computer, she couldn't track her whereabouts. Though she would keep a sub program running to keep her updated.

Hearing the words, Peter felt the final knot in his stomach loosen. 85% was good enough for him, knowing that Crystal would have factored in threats and all information he had provided her beforehand, plus other bits and pieces that were overheard, he was confident that she was fine.

"Keep me update, if you find her." Crystals voice turned smug again. "Already done Peter." Peter shook his head as he turned once more to look at the bench. 'This bench was a type of self-punishment. It's time to move on. Time to make them proud.' Peter thought to himself as he waved goodbye to his old life.

He had a living accommodations option, he had a job that would get him by, and he could start small and slowly make a new life. 'Maybe with Felicia' The thought was gone so fast that he barely registered it. Moving to an alleyway, he changed out of his clothes and bundled them up.

He would take them to her place tonight and see how everything went. Looking at the dark sky he let out a sigh. 'He was totally late for Dinner! She's going to kill him!' With that premonition, *Thwip*, He swung out with a new determination.

Chapter end