Spider-Man: Across The Spiderverse

20 - Ambushed

Peter B. Parker unfurled a holographic map of New York City across the command center table. The familiar grid of streets flickered with red markers, pinpointing potential locations where Morlun might strike next. May, still shaken but resolute, sat beside him, her hand resting on Varian's soft fur. Miles, his youthful enthusiasm tempered by Miguel's earlier reprimand, bounced on the balls of his feet, eager to contribute.

Miguel, perched on the edge of a nearby table, his arms crossed, regarded the scene with a critical eye.  "Alright, web-head," he began, his voice firm. "Show me what you've got."

Peter tapped a red marker on the map, highlighting a cluster of abandoned warehouses on the city's waterfront. "Morlun's last attack targeted FEAST," he explained, his voice laced with concern. "These warehouses are similar – large, secluded, and potentially holding homeless populations."

"Preying on the vulnerable," Jessica chimed in, her voice sharp. "That's Morlun's classic move."  She leaned against the wall, her arms folded, her eyes scanning the holographic map.

"Exactly," Peter continued. "We need to assume he'll strike somewhere similar. The question is, where?"

Miles, ever the strategist in training, pointed towards a blinking yellow marker on the map. "What about here? An abandoned power plant on the outskirts. Isolated, plenty of room for Morlun to maneuver."

Peter considered the suggestion, zooming in on the power plant's holographic image. "Interesting idea, Miles.  But wouldn't it be too obvious?  Morlun might expect us to anticipate a similar target."

Varian, his voice thoughtful, spoke for the first time. "Perhaps. But what if we use that to our advantage? Set a trap, lure him in."

A collective intrigued silence filled the room. Jessica smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I like the sound of that. We bait the monster, then hit him hard and fast."

Miguel nodded, his expression softening slightly. "That could work. But we need a plan B,  in case Morlun doesn't take the bait."

Peter tapped the holographic map, his spider-sense tingling with a renewed wave of possibilities. "We split up," he suggested. "Miguel, you and Jessica take the abandoned warehouses. Miles and I will hit the power plant. May and Varian will stay here, monitor communications, and be ready to deploy if needed."

May's hand tightened around Varian's fur, a flicker of fear crossing her face. "But Peter, what if something happens? What if..."

Peter reached out and squeezed her hand gently. "We'll be careful, May. We have to be. But we can't let fear paralyze us. We have a city to protect."

May, with a deep breath, nodded in understanding. "Alright. Just be careful."

Miles, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, slammed his fist on the table. "Alright, team! Let's do this!"

The mood in the room had shifted. The initial tension had been replaced by a focused determination. They had a plan, a risky one, but a plan nonetheless. They were a team, and they would face Morlun together.

Miguel, a newfound respect evident in his eyes, regarded Peter. "Alright, web-head," he conceded. "You've got a plan. Let's make it count."

With a newfound sense of unity, the Spider-Force began to finalize the details of their operation. They discussed communication protocols, emergency contingencies, and how to best utilize each other's strengths.

As the plan unfolded, a sense of hope flickered in the air. Morlun may have disrupted them, but he had also inadvertently forced them to work closer together, to strategize as a team. They were stronger united, and they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.