Alex said nothing. Let Norman draw his own conclusions.
"You've been helpful, Mr. Carter. More helpful than I initially expected." Norman's tone was still cold but less suspicious. "Your attention to detail is impressive. Remembering something as minor as a maintenance worker in a hallway."
"I try to observe my surroundings. Habit from growing up in rough neighborhoods."
"Smart habit." Norman closed his laptop. "I'm assigning you to help Dr. Connors with the final incident documentation. Full report on Specimen 15. Genetic modifications. Research applications. Everything we had on it before it was lost."
"You want me to compile all the research data?"
"Exactly. Connors is too busy rebuilding the containment protocols. You have the analytical skills and you were present during the incident. You can provide context other analysts can't."
This was perfect. Better than Alex had hoped. Legitimate access to all the files he needed.
"I can do that. When do you need it completed?"
"End of next week. Use whatever resources you need. Full access to the Specimen 15 research database."
"Thank you, sir."
Norman waved dismissively. "You can go. And Carter? Good work noticing that maintenance detail. That kind of observation is valuable."
Alex stood and left the office. Kept his expression professional until he was in the elevator. Then he let out a slow breath.
'That worked. Actually worked.'
He hadn't planned to invent the maintenance worker. That was improvisation. But Norman had needed an explanation that wasn't corporate espionage. Alex had given him one that fit the facts and cleared Alex of suspicion completely.
Now he had full access to the research files. No sneaking around. No risk of getting caught accessing restricted data. All of it legal and documented.
Sometimes the best plans were the ones that adapted in real time.
...
Alex returned to his office and logged into the expanded database. His clearance had been upgraded again. Level 4 now. That gave him access to nearly everything except the most classified military projects.
He searched for Specimen 15 files. The results filled his screen. Hundreds of documents. Research papers. Test results. Genetic sequencing data. Video logs of the spider's behavior.
He started reading systematically. His brain absorbed the information rapidly. Organized it. Connected patterns.
Specimen 15 had been created over six months. Multiple rounds of genetic modification. DNA from fifteen different species integrated into a common house spider's genome.
Wolf spider genes for strength. Jumping spider genes for leg power. Gecko DNA for adhesion. Multiple predator species for enhanced senses. And something else. Something the notes just called "Catalyst X."
Alex dug deeper into the Catalyst X files. They were more restricted. Required additional authorization.
He submitted a request through the system. Cited his assignment from Norman Osborn. Needed full data to complete comprehensive report.
Approval came back in ten minutes. Probably automated. His Level 4 clearance and Norman's assignment gave him authority.
The Catalyst X files opened. Alex read carefully.
It was a synthetic compound. Designed specifically to make the genetic modifications integrate with a host's DNA. Without it, the modifications would be rejected. The host's immune system would attack the foreign genetic material.
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