Search for the Soul Gem

Chapter Forty

"Good afternoon Professor," Peter greeted as he pushed open the door to my office. I turned from the table against the window and smiled at the boy.

"Good afternoon Peter! How was another day of being Midtown's most promising student?" I asked, leaning my back against the table. Peter let out a shy laugh and dropped his backpack into one of the waiting reception chairs. He glanced over at Happy who was sitting comfortably in a lounge chair off near the corner.

"Afternoon Mr. Hogan," Peter called. Happy nodded in return.

"Mr. Parker," he said. Peter folded his arms over his chest and looked around.

"Where's Mr. Stark?" he asked. I turned around to collect the papers off the table.

"Mr. Stark is previously engaged with something boring. So you're stuck with just me today kiddo, sorry to disappoint," I turned back toward him with a smile.

"No disappointment!" Peter said quickly with a smile. Before anything else could be said, the phone on my desk rang. I passed the papers over to Peter before picking up the phone.

"Dr. Lucy Scaffer, how can I help you?" I asked, shifting my weight.

"Hey Lucy, are you busy?" Banner's voice came from the other line.

"Not entirely, why?" I asked.

"I could use your help in the lab," he said, sounding distracted.

"You want me in the lab?" I asked.

"I won't tell Tony if you won't," he said.

"Which lab are you in?" I asked. By now, Happy had stood up from his seat and stood near the door.

"I'm in Tony's private lab. It's on the 96th floor," he said.

"Okay, be there in a minute," I hung up the phone and rounded the desk. "Come on Parker," I motioned. Happy held the door as I passed, Peter running after me. I smiled a thank you at Happy before making my way to the elevator.

"Where are we going, Professor?" Peter asked, falling into step next to me.

"We've been called for assistance," I said, pressing the call button for the elevator.

"Assistance?" The elevator opened and the three of us filed in. I pressed the button with 96 on it and it lit up.

"Assistance, I would expect a hero in training to know the definition," I teased.

"I know what it means," Peter quipped back and I laughed. "I meant from who?" he asked.

"It's a surprise," I teased.

"Well, do I know them?" Peter asked. The elevator doors opened and we filed out.

"I'd imagine that you do," I said.

"Lucy!" Banner's voice flowed from behind us. The three of us turned and were greeted by Dr. Banner clad in his lab coat. Peter let out a choked gasp which he tried to hide behind a cough.

"Hello Bruce," he engulfed me in a gentle hug. "I hope you don't mind that I brought my entourage with me," I said when he let me go.

"Ah, I see that. No problem at all. Hello Happy," Banner said.

"Dr. Banner," Happy said with a nod.

"And this is Peter, my new intern," I said motioning to the still frozen Peter. Banner held out his hand.