A few days had gone by, and the Slayer was watching the news, to judge reactions. Some reporters called him "hopefully naive", others said it was a miracle that he had "boy scout sense of justice underneath a demon's wrath." Some politicians and wealthy people were wanting to discredit him, asking him what right he had, some even wanting to sic lawyers upon him. Oh, I hope it doesn't come to that. Legal troubles would likely force me to reveal myself. Not that knowing a lawyer who is good at their job, honest, and discreet would be a bad thing. Might have Pan look one up, when she has time. I may not need one now. But a pocket lawyer would be a patch on holes yet to appear. There were sadly, even those who would get violent. Reports were coming of gangs that wanted to prey upon the less fortunate, to "remind them of their place." However, he had plans in place for that too. He checked his computer, where a live feed of Judgement was playing. She had progressed well in her training, and was becoming the brutal champion he needed her to be, despite all the sexual tension rising during training. Now she was "handling" some of said gangs as field training, which sadly were mostly white racists. Even some neo Nazi skinheads. In MY universe, my great great grandfather has not only killed plenty of Nazis, he even killed Hitler himself. Unfortunately here, bastard offed himself. Oh, how on one level, he WANTED them all dead. But he knew that would not sit well with people, so he did make sure Judgement knew how to do non-lethal takedowns. Even her current gun could only stun, but not kill. She was even wearing a basic neural collar, with a modified version of her usual gauntlets. Not much change, except now the claws could retract. But the Slayer planned much more. He looked over to his workbench, where a Praetor Suit sat, half assembled. Except it wasn't for him. Dr. Richardson had discreetly slipped him the information he needed to know about the girls so he could make things that fit them. And Judgement's suit was coming along beautifully. It would make her the true terror she was supposed to be, with some accents here and there to enforce brutality. Vocal modulator could help improve the natural reverb she could add to her voice, and lower the pitch. Retractable claws had a small void enhanced refrigeration system in place, so they were always cold to the touch, as cold as death itself. And the horns...oh how the horns on the helmet would be one of the best achievements. Large enough she could put it on despite her own horn's spikes, these came with an electroshock defense to prevent grappling. As well as holo projectors, so anything desired could be displayed between the horns. Admittedly his brain went to the Eye of Sauron when he first thought of that, but he knew other things would go there. And the best part? It would keep her nice and safe, and nigh invulnerable as well. Plus, unlike her current outfit...people will actually be afraid. Not scaroused, as she currently is. Nobody gets to see that much of her. Not that I blame them, she's got a great body. But the only ones who get to know that? Dr. Richardson, and me. And thinking of said void matter, he wanted to test a kind of coating he had thought of at some point. One that if successful, would make her Praetor Suit look as black as the void itself. No shadows, no light reflecting off of her, just pure blackness, a bit like Vantablack. Such a look would make her look unnatural, as if Death itself was coming for them. In a way, all she needed now was a cape. Hey, Vader has one, and he'd be a LOT less intimidating without it. Oh, but there IS one more thing she needs. Her own music selection. After all, there isn't a demon alive that doesn't know what the sound of heavy metal approaching means. Let the criminals, the corrupt, and those people who would harm people know that fear, and understand it, in Judgement.
Just then, Lucifer popped in, and sat next to him. "Hey Bill. Eager to see what the public thinks?" She asks, even putting an arm around him.
"Yes," he responds. "It seems ok so far, at least from what the reporters have said. Those clearly on the side of humanity all love me. The rich and corrupt all hate me. Luckily...things can't get TOO bad for me. What's the worse they can do? I won't bend to them, ever. And they may try for me to 'have an accident' of some sort. And/or just vanish. Thing is...how could they send people here? Not so easy to send a space ship up here, without detection. And even if some assassin or someone got here...well, what could they do?" He puts a hand in front of him, palm down. "This is about where say, most people are." His other hand goes above his first, a little ways. "All the combined armies of humanity," The first hand now goes over the second. "All the armies of Hell." Second hand now over first. "Icon of Sin." The first hand now goes way up, as high as he can reach. "Me."
"Very, very true Bill," Lucifer says, leaning into him. "All those who'd try to mess with you are fools. I can say that politically, those clearly interested in helping the people can't get enough, and are excited to work with you. And therefore, me. But those that represent the wealthy...are furious. Though it would send a good message to placate them somehow. Any plans?"
"Well, true, I didn't go into detail the other day, but the way I see it, those rich folks will have plenty of opportunities to line pockets in the future. We'll be going to space, obviously. Exploring the galaxy. As I said, I will give them the stars," and he even does the same gesture of opening his hand he did during the speech, even though he had no gauntlet to project the image. "It'll be like back when the New World was being colonized. Barren rocky worlds? Chances are, they might have useful minerals. So trust me, investing in space mining will be a VERY safe bet. Colonies on other worlds? Investing in those will be safe as well, because a colony needs a bit to get off the ground. And once they can start supporting themselves, that will ease the burden. But...we have to be careful. If you read the history books...you know what happened over a century back," he says, all humor gone from his face, and Lucifer nods in understanding. "We CAN'T risk that again. You think having that spread over a planet is bad? Try a galaxy. My SUN will not get like that. I even SUSPECT it's about to happen, all space travel will shut down, until things are taken care of. Well, I'd start big, work my way small. Space first, then on affected planets, shut down all of their major transportation. Limit the spread. Oh, and the rules WILL be strict. I hate to say it, but...I would say, in a crisis, sacrifice freedoms today, for a healthy tomorrow. Those clearly not wanting to cooperate...well, that'd be against the law. Idiocy that can endanger others, WOULD be a crime. And in my opinion...should always be. ESPECIALLY if mixed with power. Power, ignorance, idiocy and greed. NEVER a healthy mix." Lucifer nods, understanding perfectly.
"Well, luckily, that shouldn't happen again. Makes me wonder...let's say that happened...among the Sentinels. What would've happened?"
"Arena in Sentinel Prime," he responds. "Trial by combat happened a lot there. As well as executions. Cowardice was especially likely to get trial by combat. After all, a real coward is likely to die in the arena, while those who are truly courageous often will survive the fight, and maybe even win." He sighs. "Earth people are honestly...a bit TOO civilized. Too civilized to dispose of some people properly. Especially when those in power know all the loopholes, and can make evidence, and witnesses, vanish. This is where...I think that being in power should come with caveats. Mainly...that if you're a cop, a politician, or along those lines? You're not innocent until proven guilty. It's the other way around. So that way...if evidence starts vanishing? Witnesses under heavy watch, or even in jail, commit suicide, yet all cameras mysteriously stopped working? That's just MORE evidence of guilt. And...I would sic Judgement upon them," he says, chuckling as he realizes what he just said. "Metaphorically yes, but I initially meant it literally." Lucifer laughs a little as well.
"Speaking of her..." she looks towards his workbench. "Is that for her?"
"Oh, the suit? Yes it is. I need her to LOOK the part of scary after all. And protect her. She doesn't know though."
"I can understand why she gets one, and why you haven't made some for us. It's not like the rest of us go into potential combat situations all the time," she laughs. "However, what might be good, is if all of us learn how to fight. After all, if I'm to be your voice in politics...that also makes me vulnerable. Sure, I get that you might give me guards. Or even that I'll get guards regardless. But..."
"No such thing as too prepared.," the Slayer finishes. "Fair enough. Besides you, who else..."
"Everyone. Everyone wants to train," she finishes, and the Slayer raises an eyebrow.
"Train, or 'train?' I ask because I suspect word's gotten around," he says, and leans closer to her. "So, do you want this because you're concerned for your own safety, or..." now she leans back, as he leans closer. "Are you all just horny?" He finishes with a smirk.
"I-I-I don't mean it like that!" Lucifer says, with what seems like all blood going to her face.
"Suuure you don't," he says giving her a peck on the lips. "Go on, go put on workout clothes and meet me down there. And if you meet Pan, tell her she can schedule the sessions."
"Pan huh?" she asks teasingly. "So we all get nicknames now, not just me?"
"Well, if I wanted to be REALLY cute about it, I'd call her Panda, but I sense she'd get upset over that," he admits. "And I doubt that the sessions will ALL start soon, as I still have to meet up with His Holiness, among others. But I have time for you, now," he says, as he heads to his own room to get ready, Lucifer doing the same.
When they meet in the Ripatorium, in its dojo mode, he's in his usual tanktop and shorts, and she's in a sports bra and sweatpants. "Ok, now, come at me, let me see how you would do, based on instinct," he says. She responds with a kick, which he blocks by catching her leg. She follows it up with some punches, and attempted grapples, all of which he blocks. "Like you mean it Luce," he says, and she follows by tackling him to the ground. "Good, good. Still sloppy," he says, grabbing one of her horns. As he expected, she reacts similarly to Judgement, but what he didn't expect was that when he rolled them over so that he was on top, she wrapped her legs around him, locking him in tightly, even with her arms around him as well. "Luce, focus. This is supposed to be a fight, not foreplay." Though the blush on her face told him she was hoping for more. Her lips were even parted, and and she even squirmed in anticipation. Not that things were much better on his end. The Beast within him saw her as his queen, and needing to be ravished as such, marked as such. Oh how the blood was flowing, and how he wanted to claim her right then and there. But he knew it wasn't the right time. "Clearly...you have some work cut out ahead for you," he says, doing his best to not give into the Beast's desires.
She could tell what he was trying to do too. She could even see that his lower half was awake, and how she longed for him to claim her. She was sure that the Beast within him too wanted her too, she could see the hunger in his eyes. Bill, your force of will is strong, almost too strong. Why wouldn't you...oh...that might be it. Maybe he wants it all at once for fairness. "You might enjoy watching the old videos from a century ago. A UFC fighter named Ronda Rousey. Among others, real and fictional," he says, demonstrating a few moves with her, and even a few disarms. "Your weapon training might be lighter than say, Judgement's. You'll likely know how to use it, but not use it all the time. I mean after all...it'd only be for self- defense, not active aggression." He then gets up, and after putting the Ripatorium into firing range mode, showed her some tips for shooting.
After a while, Pandemonica comes down. "Hey Bill, Malina says it's time to go to some of those tech meetings. She's waiting by the portal, with some of the tech you wanted to show."
"Ok," The Slayer says. "Well Luce, duty calls. If humanity is to spread to the stars, I have to make sure we can get there," he says, giving her a kiss, then heading up the elevator to change and put his armor on. But he had figured out how to alter the look, so now it was no longer golden, it was the default green, but making sure all of him was hidden. The price paid, to make sure nobody knows the truth about me.
Malina was waiting, a bit grumpy because the Slayer was late, waiting with some of the cases of technology the Slayer had prepared. "Finally, let's do this," she says, as they head through the portal. Awaiting them was a large laboratory, with many people heading to and fro, with scientific apparati everywhere. One scientist in a lab coat comes up to them, bowing a little. "Mr. Slayer, Lady Malina, welcome to the ARC labs. Well, I know for you Lady Malina it's not your first time, but for you Mr. Slayer, it is," he says, showing them around, many they passed by stopped and gave them a wide berth.
"So, any problems so far?" The Slayer asks during the tour.
"Well, the void jump drive has been tricky. And it takes quite a bit of energy to use. And that's not to mention the callenges of the Abyss itself," he says, leading them to one of the experiments. "Show him." Another scientist activates a probe, and with a flash and a warping of space, it vanishes. It then reappears, but high above them, falling to the table, but the Slayer catches it before it lands. "Thank you sir, but that's the problem. The Abyss is hard to navigate. And even basic physics doesn't seem to apply there. Not even Euclidean geometry. Heading through the Abyss is like walking through a funhouse that's always changing around you. There's suspicions of multiple spatial dimensions beyond the basic three. But in good news however, the Sentinel drive we have figured out," he says, going over to another experiment. "Uses exotic energy, either Sentinel energy, or Argent is compatible, to bend space into shapes that propel whatever's inside. It too is useful for FTL, but so far, would be potentially slower than the Abyss. But could likely work with Void energy as well."
The Slayer nods, deep in thought. "So, basically the Sentinels figured out warp drive," he says, the scientist nodding. "And hmmm, what about the probes you use to mine void matter?"
"Well, those are always on a tether," he explains. "So they just need to follow the tether."
"Hmmm." He thinks to himself, contemplating options, but then thinks of one. "Wait...let's say you had two probes. One stationary, but emitting a signal, that the other could pick up. A kind of beacon."
"We can try that," he says, as he orders some of his colleagues to prepare an experiment. "We'll use the void matter mining portal, it saves energy," he says as the probes head in. They watch on a screen as the second probe, the one without the beacon, navigates its way around. "Signal is weak, but it's there sir," the scientist says as the probes leave the void. "And with some accuracy, moreso than before."
"40K has the answer," the Slayer states. Some of the scientists look confused, but others perked up. "Sir...are you referring to the Astronomican?"
"Yes I am," the Slayer responds. "But obviously...very different. For those not in the know, basically, just imagine a large beacon, in one fixed point, acting as a lighthouse from which all others can navigate from. And I think that's our answer to navigating the Abyss. However...we will solve the Astronomican's fundamental weakness." He pulls up a map of the galaxy on his hand, projecting it wide for all to see. "Their weakness? There was only one," he says, putting a big glowing dot right on Earth. "And it didn't go too far, among other things." Now a circle surrounds Earth, showing the range of the Astronomican. "Ours won't need to be super powerful. For we will make many." Now multiple dots appear all over the galactic map, with range circles appearing everywhere, with lots of overlap. "This is just a rough estimate. I'm not saying this is where every last Void beacon will go. But there will be plenty. Especially enough so that..." now he makes a dot here and there go out, but the range circles still present providing plenty of coverage. "Some can go out, for maintenance reasons, and the whole network is still active. Also, they can act as more than just simple lighthouses. They can transmit information to the ships as well. Speaking of, any luck on FTL comms?"
"Not yet sir," the scientist responds. "Though we've been trying. After all, we've gotten far too used to instant communication, haven't we?" He says, the entire room laughing.
"That can be another thing the beacons can do," he says. "They might be able to also work as cell towers. For that matter...if we also put bases in realspace at the same locations as some beacons, they can also act like ATC here on Earth. Though it'd be STC then, wouldn't it? As well as monitoring for things like distress beacons and the like. Besides..." He smiles under his helmet. "Think of all those potential empty chairs that need filling. Unemployment should plummet. Of course, there's the issue with making sure a message can travel faster in the Abyss than it can in realspace."
"There's another concern sir," the scientist says. "Things have a habit of decaying in there. We've been trying various methods to prevent it, but no luck."
"Hmmm, yes that is an issue. I will work on it with you, don't worry. Now...as for other things worth mentioning." He gestures towards the portal that they had been using. "You say it takes less power to use this. Now...how big can this go?"
"Well, obviously, our current largest are human sized," the scientist says. "What are you suggesting?"
"A big one." The galactic map now becomes a solar system map, then zooms out, to the kuiper belt. "Imagine an abyss portal, here. Large enough for ships to pass," he says, making one appear. "The power might still be immense, but no more than the typical void drive. And again...those can be everywhere too."
"But...does that mean abandon void drives?" He gets asked.
"Not at all. It's a pecking order," he explains. "Average transports, freight, and anything of low importance? They can take the portals," he explains. "Well, any ship could. But, we can let the rich out there purchase private ships with void drives. As well as important government ships, and any emergency ships, search and rescue, and more. And especially...military. But, they can still use void portals if say, void drives are damaged, for instance. Besides...we'd need the void drives, to place the portals."
"Hmmmm, interesting," the scientist says. "Anything else?"
"Ah yes. One bit of tech I have you'd have interest in." He grabs one of the cases, and pulls out some neural collars. "Neural collars. Put one on, and it can read your intentions, and translate that to action. It's how my own suit operates. Interact with technology much easier. Well, once used to it, that is. To demonstrate, I also brought this," he says, pulling out what looks like a Doomblade, but all edges seem rounded off. "First off, this one is dull, so there is no risk of any kind of harm, to yourself or others. Second, why this? Because it's the easiest thing to make work. It's binary, as it's either extended, or retracted. Now, yes, a neural collar can do a lot more than this," he explains. "However, let's be real here. You don't teach someone how to fly by putting them into a 747, you put them in a Cessna first. Same logic," he says, getting a few laughs. "Volunteers? And worry not, once you figure out how to make them, and what they can do, the limits are the imagination." A few people come up, each putting a neural collar around their neck, and strapping a fake Doomblade to their arm, all now trying to make it extend. "One more thing: It is capable of feedback as well. So yes, you will feel it extend, as if it was part of your body. I mention this because there ARE other things I planned to share. However, neural collars are simple by comparison. And to use another comparison...imagine learning how to make electricity, then a computer," he explains. There's some excitement as some actually succeed in extending their fake Doomblades. "Good work. Any questions? Areas of difficulty?"
He then proceeds to help some of them with neural collars for the rest of the day, Malina helping as well. He also helped on experiments for Sentinel warp drives, void drives, as well as void beacons, with the ARC scientists all marveling at his skills. The nerdiest were joking that he rolled good scores for both intelligence as well as strength, saying that he would be overpowered in Dungeons and Dragons. Slayerists among them were saying things like "And then the Slayer gaveth gifts of technology, so that his chosen people may better reach the stars," as if quoting a bible.
Eventually, it was time for the Slayer and Malina to return home to the Fortress, Slayer removing his helmet once he did so. "Wow Bill," Malina said as they went to his workshop so the rest of the armor could come off. "I thought I had a handle on tech. But you...and you said you didn't go to college or anything?"
"I would've," he says with a chuckle while the cuirass comes off, followed by greaves/boots. "Were it not for the military. All this...was supposed to be my way of paying for college. Until the demons."
"What if...you still did that?" Malina suggests, the Slayer raising an eyebrow. "Go to college. Get some degrees. Nobody would likely doubt intelligence then. There were some doubters back there, though quiet."
"Issue is keeping my identity a secret. That...and would it ruin me to have one?" He asks. "The image of the Slayer that's not just good at demon killing, but smart too." Malina starts to speak up, but the Slayer gets to it first. "I know, the big E was like that. Maybe he did get a few degrees in his life. I could too if I wanted. But...are they REALLY needed? At this rate, I'd be getting degrees in things I'd likely teach about anyway."
"Still...you were amazing in there," Malina says with a faint smile, kissing him, which surprised him. "But then again, you made an almost authentic Sister of Battle suit of power armor. Anyone who wants to see you as some dumb brute, only smart enough to know how to kill demons, is clearly as dumb as they think you are." She gives another kiss, then goes on her way.
A few days later, Modeus, Azazel, and the Slayer had visited the Vatican. The pope had marvelled upon seeing them all, and especially the life tree sapling they had brought, saying that the tree's ultimate destination, if the surperior growth was to be believed, would be somewhere public, as no tree would truly fit in the private gardens. The Slayer had also met with some veterans from the Demon War, and they were all greatful for his support, taking to heart all his advice on how to handle the PTSD. Some even wanted to pledge their lives to his cause, and thus the Slayer had recruited the first associates into what he was naming the Knights of Doom. Though he did warn them that becoming full members would be a long and difficult process, seeing as how he would subject them to the same treatment the Sentinels gave to him. He warned of hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and sickness, with no relief, and that if he hadn't asked the Sentinels, that means they shouldn't ask him. Some bowed out after hearing all that, which he allowed, but others seemed even more determined. Some he suspected were Slayerists, seeing this challenge as a test of faith, which suited him just fine. After all, many religious people choose difficult paths, believing they will find their gods at the end of the road. And/or understand their gods' trials. And what is my own story, if not such a thing? Slayerism won't become a requirement to be a Knight of Doom, but I have a strong suspicion that I'll get a lot of Slayerists. And/or converts. He already had ideas on what it'd be like. Making them walk his path would be the simple description, but he wanted them to basically be exactly like himself. This meant not just his combat skills, and his pre-DM'd endurance, but also his morals. His ethics. He would put them through challenges to test them, to prove they serve humanity, not himself. While even the thought of ordering them to fire upon innocents filled him with revulsion, he figured he had to, or at least to fake it, to test what they would do. All who punched him...would automatically pass. They'd learn to keep tempers in check. In a sense, they WOULD be knights, in that I'd teach them a sort of chivalry. Granted, it wouldn't exactly be medieval chivalry. They wouldn't talk in Old English nor rush to hold doors open for the ladies. But would tip generously, always be willing to help with things civilians can't do themselves, and never assault a civilian. Nor boast about being better then them. Being dubbed a Knight would not go to their heads. Dubbing. I even have the perfect thing for that, He thought, mainly of his Crucible. Yes, it'd take some doing, but the Argent blade DID actually possess some weight, some haptic feedback, and did take SOME effort to actually cut. Not like dubbing with an actual lightsaber. Though for the Jedi, they do have the Force telling them where the blade is. And they likely crank the power back so that even at the worse, it's a light burn.
Pandemonica came to his workshop, but for some reason, was dressed more for a workout, and not her usual outfit. "Well Bill, I have news for you, but I had a thought that would make things interesting. Mainly...we do this in the Ripatorium. With you teaching me how to defend myself," she explains. "Nothing major, just some updates."
The Slayer nods, heading to change then meet her there. "So...what's this about?" He asks as they trade a few punches.
"Well, things are doing quite well on the surface. Reconstruction is proceeding smoothly. Part of your plan to make sure everyone has a roof and all has prompted various apartment buildings to be constructed. A good simple design, easy to adapt to all sorts of needs," she says as she gives a few jabs that get blocked. "Some wealthier people have complained publicly, and online. Some even want to sue, but seem to lack the courage to do so. Intimidation rocks, doesn't it?" she says, dodging a punch of the Slayer. "But, I get the feeling you want your bases covered. I've looked for a lawyer, and I think I've found one that might fit our needs, though I've yet to contact him, just kept him in mind. A Benjamin Wright. Japanese guy it seems, fond of blue suits. Issue boils down to keeping your identity a secret."
"Fair enough, good job," he says, as he demonstrates some moves. "I'll admit...as much as I hate to say it's a 'might makes right'...in some cases, for some people, I feel that's what must happen. There are some who just won't listen otherwise, sadly," he says.
"Well, I understand," Pandemonica says. "Multiple ideas and practices and such are all there to benefit those in power, and oppress. And some are sadly too entrenched for regular justice."
"I had an idea to make a label known as a 'traitor to humanity,' which would be exactly what it sounds like," the Slayer says, as he grabs her and pins her to the ground. "And only I could assign that too, only I could pin that label on someone, and only in cases of extreme greed, hatred, etc. The punishments for such a label? Likely to be stripped of all funds, power, etc. And more, but not sure yet."
"Well, we'll figure it out," Pandemonica says, as she gets up, also tackling the Slayer. "Overall, people DO seem to be happier. Those that weren't usually, that is."
"Good to know," the Slayer says. "Gets me thinking we should do something to celebrate, I think. Yes, I've taken you all out on dates. But individually. We need a few dates with all of us, especially...with what seems to be going on here," he says with a laugh.
Pandemonica also laughs with him, seizing the chance as well to kiss him. "Yes, that DOES sound lovely." She also gets a sadistic grin. "You know, I likely never would've even given you the chance to fight me. I likely would've tried to misdirect you, then likely strangle you. After all...you humans have such things like wires, and silencers. Those almost sound perfect for me."
"Fair enough," he says with a chuckle. "Maybe you should change your name to Jessica Bond or something. Oh, you'll get the reference at some point," he continues when she gives a quizzical look. "That's me feminizing the name of the most popular movie spy out there. Someday...we should have a movie fest. Oh there's all sorts you all need to see. Star Wars, Marvel, James Bond, and beyond. Along with many, many, more ways for you all to get to understand humans. You all will be very, VERY glad you're not in Hell. Though you run the risk of becoming as nerdy as I am," he says with a chuckle.
"So there's a dork under the Beast?" Pandemonica says with a chuckle, giving another kiss. "But then...you're proving to have all sorts of layers, aren't you?"
"Like onions. And a famous ogre from a century and a half ago," the Slayer says with a smile.