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"You're not worried at all about the break out on Ryker's Island?" Gwen asks as we stroll down the street, her arm locked around mine. "One of your...friends already got out and was turned into a sand monster. What if someone else got out?"

She isn't wrong. A high level cyber attack was carried out on The Raft, and a few super powered criminals escaped. I don't think anyone I've ever tussled with got out. Two of Superman's enemies got away, and a few low level guys apparently got out on a guard boat, but I haven't heard anything that makes me worry.

"Nah, I would have gotten word from my friends if that was the case," I shrug. "Besides, I'd be able to take care of whoever it was. I haven't lost yet."

"How many times do I have to say your cockiness is going to get to you before you listen?" she sighs.

"At least one more time, clearly."

I try not to be big headed around her. She hates it, but I just can't help it most of the time. I spent most of my life cowering in a corner, and knowing I'm now one of the strongest people in the city is intoxicating. On top of that, no one's been able to touch me as Spider-man so far. The Goblin came close. Harry came close. And that ended with him dead. It is a bit of a sobering thought, but I wouldn't let that happen again. No way. Uncle Ben and Harry are my great mistakes. It isn't going to happen again. I'm Spider-man, and no one is going to die on my watch.

"Well, promise me you'll at least look into the escaped convicts?' she spins in front of me taking my hands.

I plant a kiss on her, "How can I refuse a request from that face?"

"Gross," she winces sarcastically. "Laying on a little thick aren't we?"

"I do my best," I smile goofily.

"I'll call you after work," she calls as she heads into the science lab of Empire State University to do a shift as Doctor Connors's lab assistant. "And I'll make sure to talk to Doctor Connors about your friend."

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"The Sandman didn't work, doctor," Norman Osborn says through gritted teeth before taking a sip of his scotch. "I was promised results."

"I would say Project Sandman produced optimal effects, Mister Osborn," is the response from the video monitor feed coming from the most secret lab in Oscorp Tower. "We successfully changed a man into living sand. I do not know what else you would like to see."

"I would like to see Spider-man at my feet," Norman answers straightly. "You said he would do that."

"I can only make the powers, Osborn. I cannot change the mind controlling them. All I've had to work with are buffoons."

"The next time a Nobel Prize winner volunteers, Octavius, I'll make sure to send him your way," the CEO of Oscorp rolls his eyes. "For now, work with what I give you. And bring me Spider-man."

The feed cuts out and Otto Octavius is left to his work. He turns to the cage where the beast that was once a man slams repeatedly into the walls, screaming to be let out. The Sandman may have failed, but the Rhino certainly won't.

"Aleksy," Doctor Octavius smiles as he calls to the impervious tank, "how would you like a night out on the town?"

"Doc," the Rhino growls, "I was beginning to think ya were never gonna ask."