Rapid-Fire Bad Jokes

Henry Brown was someone Otto Octavius naturally did not know. But in that introduction, two big names caught his attention: Tony Stark behind Stark Studios, and his own boss, Norman Osborn.

Anyone connected to both of those men deserved some attention. So he put on the air of a patient teacher. "I noticed you've been staring at the Artificial Sun generator. Any insights?"

"What insights could I possibly have about a machine designed by a master of nuclear physics like yourself, Dr. Octavius? I was merely recalling how many papers have left their traces on this machine."

As he spoke, Henry rapidly listed several papers and their authors, matching them to certain components on the machine.

Doctor Octopus was not offended by this shameless exposure of his sources. Instead, he openly admitted which papers he had drawn from. But he emphasized which theories he believed were viable and which were garbage. He explained what improvements he had made while building the machine, and the reasoning behind them.

They said kindred spirits were hard to find. Henry understood what he was saying and responded at just the right moments, immediately sparking Doctor Octopus's desire to talk. If the scheduled demonstration had not been approaching and his wife had not come to remind him, Doctor Octopus might have turned the place into a nuclear physics lecture.

Doctor Octopus left first to prepare for the Artificial Sun's initial ignition, while his wife, Mrs. Octavius, showed a hint of apology.

"I'm sorry, sir. It isn't that we mean to neglect you, but if he keeps talking, we won't have enough time for what comes next." Henry answered politely, "It's all right, ma'am. I understand. I should apologize as well for taking up so much of Dr. Octavius's time."

After exchanging pleasantries, the friendly woman