CHAPTER IV: OFFWORLD ASSIGNMENT

"Exo-dimension XX-666, commonly known as Hell, is the only one of its kind known to us, and also the greatest threat we have ever encountered as a species." The lecturer's voice kept a constant steady pace, following the sequence of photos and schematics that appeared and changed on the screen behind his back.

"Our data about this place is still very scarce, but what we have learned so far has led us to believe that Hell is not a planet in the traditional sense, or any other familiar space-time construct. Our current hypothesis is that it is an undefined planar entity with irregular and/or fluctuating boundaries, which gives it the unique property of breaching into other dimensions, given the application of enough power. Most of the laws of physics known to us appear to be altered or even absent in this dimension, which enables a vast number of aberrant phenomena, some of which could be described as a form of sorcery..."

Hicks took a quick glance around the darkened room – most recruits were listening intently. Much of this information was already available on the network, yet these lectures usually offered some new intel and thus were an object of high interest among the marines. The screen now showed something that looked like a large-scale map.

"Pieced together from various bits of information, including the accounts of the so-called Doom marine, this map shows what we assume is the primary landmass of Hell, which is roughly divided into two halves by a massive mountain range. The eastern half is what we refer to as Inferno – the site of numerous important demonic facilities, such as the House of Pain or the Unholy Cathedral. The western half of the continent has a few other sites of great power, including what we believe used to be the seat of power of the defeated Lord of Hell."

Hicks had heard the story many times by now – the mysterious "Doom marine" had fought the demons on both sides of this continent and eventually infiltrated the lair of the big bad master of the demons. Then they fought and the marine blew his brains out. And the war was over – well, except for all the mopping up of demonic survivors that had to be conducted for years to come. The lecturer was now talking about a large object that appeared to float above the Hellish continent.

"...And we are certain that the former Martian moon of Deimos is still trapped in Hell – floating above the region of Inferno. The UAC base built upon it is most likely unsalvageable – the buildings appear heavily altered by demonic influence and there is at least one adjacent demonic construction, a tall tower, which, as our researchers have hypothesized, was the conduit used to initiate the invasion of Earth. Doom marine has claimed to have encountered another demonic edifice as well – one that seemed to fade in and out of existence..."

Hicks allowed a skeptical smile to creep onto his face. Despite all the collected data and evidence material, some parts of the "Doom marine" story still sounded like a tall tale. It was as if he added a few exotic details here and there merely to spice it up, just as a fisherman would exaggerate his catch. The mysterious fortress appearing out of thin air was just one of the many such strange things that did not quite fit in. Some photos of demonic creatures appeared on the screen, as well as several anatomical diagrams. This was the best part of the lecture.

"The inhabitants of XX-666, known to us as demons, are a mixed lot. This diversity of creatures, however, has been apparently intended for one purpose – the subjugation of entire worlds. They are organized and operating like an army. Some creatures, like the ones known to us as Imps and Hell Knights appear to be specifically designed and bred by a malevolent intelligence. Others, such as the pinky demons, appear to be the product of whatever evolutionary processes take place within XX-666. Still, these animal-like beings have been fully integrated into the demonic army and are as efficient as the more sentient fiends."

The screen was now showing photos of all demon species that had been encountered and studied by mankind until now. Hicks was looking at the twisted faces, knowing that there was at least one more species that they were not aware of. Or were they?

"The cybernetic components used by some demonic species are the greatest mystery so far," the lecturer was continuing his talk while the detailed schematics of an Arachnotron filled the screen. "Neither the devices, nor the facilities they are produced at, appear to be of demonic design. We theorize that they are based on technology stolen by a conquered civilization and modified to suit the demons' needs. The exact origins of this technology will likely remain unknown to us."

Or perhaps they are known to you, but you are hiding the truth from us, Hicks thought bitterly. He was well aware that some details were kept concealed, like the real identity of the "Doom marine" or the nature of the demon that had been defeated at the fallen Plutonia complex. Even the Phobos team that went there and saw it first-hand could never fully understand what had invaded that facility.

"Genuine demonic technology includes several examples of artifacts, yet their design and operating principles are unknown to us. Soul Spheres appear to be containers holding the vital energy of slain creatures, though the method of capturing it within the sphere is a mystery. Blur Artifacts are similar devices, though they contain something that could be described as altered dark matter, at least in terms of our limited understanding. There are rumors of artifacts that could even make their user invulnerable, though we have yet to see one. In your training sessions, you will sometimes be given access to demonic health potions, though their effect on humans is quite negligible."

The lecture was now approaching its conclusion and the marines would go back to their regular assignments. As for Hicks, he was to report to a special debrief session. He suspected they would ask him about the artifact. It's not like he knew anything – he had just seen that face. He just wondered if he'd have the courage to tell them that it had spoken to him.


15 minutes later

Hicks sat in the chair that was offered to him and had a few seconds to examine the faces around the room. Several of the senior instructors were here, as well as a few SMC officers that were not familiar to him. Major Carter seemed to be in charge of this session – he had a bunch of reports and maps in front of him, as well as a small plastic box filled with white dust, which seemed familiar. And there was someone else as well, sitting in the shadows towards the back of the room. Hicks could not make out his face.

The Major put the papers aside and cleared his throat. "Let us begin, then. This is not exactly an official debriefing; it's more like a meeting to clarify a few details. But first and foremost, congratulations on your successful first mission, Lieutenant."

Hicks simply nodded and tried to put on a "proud" look on his face.

"Our latest recon indicates that the town has been purged of its demonic infestation. If there are any stragglers, the locals should be able to handle them. The loss of the demonic artifact is regrettable, yet what matters to us most is that you did your job and came back home alive."

As he was saying this, Major Carter looked at the dust in the box in front of him. So, this is why it seemed familiar – it was a sample of the artifact's remains.

"Our scientists have been analyzing this dust for hours, yet have hardly been able to learn anything from it. Still, they'll keep trying. And besides, we have your account of that object's activity."

Just as he suspected – they were interested in that thing and they probably wished the marines had claimed it intact. This is why he had made it very clear in his reports that the device's self-destruction was triggered remotely and thus the team had no fault for its loss. He was not going to let anyone take the blame for this.

"Do you confirm your assessment of the artifact's nature?" the Major asked.

"I do, sir," Hicks replied, "Based on what I observed, this was some kind of communication device. The Baron of Hell was clearly talking to someone through that thing. I believe that it said that the demons had failed to find something, I have no idea what exactly, and the reply was an order to move elsewhere eastward, I believe."

"This has been noted," one of the SMC officers was speaking now, "We have put the region under observation. Any demonic intrusions will be dealt with swiftly and efficiently."

"Undoubtedly," the Major continued, "I might also add that the demonic speech interpreter worked better than expected. The guys at the R&D department were euphoric when I told them. Anyway, did any of the demons mention any specific targets or troop movement plans?"

Hicks started going through his memories. "I think they mentioned they were looking for a town in the foothills of a mountain. Or something like this."

"There are several towns matching this description," the SMC officer interjected again, "Do you know which one exactly?"

"I'm sorry, sir, I do not," Hicks shrugged, "The demons detected my presence before they could say anything else."

The Major continued with his questions. "Based on what you saw, do you believe the Baron of Hell was coordinating the lesser creatures throughout the town?"

"I am certain it was commanding them," Hicks replied, "We ran into two well-planned ambushes, one by Imps and one by Former Sergeants. I'm also aware that the other teams ran into ambushes as well."

"And such behavior is not typical for these things," the SMC officer was talking again, "They may be savage and bloodthirsty all the time, but they exhibit more sophisticated tactics only while they are under the command of a superior demon."

Hicks just nodded again.

"Our observations indicate that most demons were set loose during the invasion and only groups pursuing specific objectives were under the control of advanced demon life forms." This came from another SMC officer who was sitting near the door. "However, once the invasion was stopped, nearly all groups of stragglers were organized around higher-ranking fiends that coordinate them. They keep a low profile and bide their time - a survival strategy, I suppose. The ones not under such control usually start attacking people at random and attract our attention quickly, so they end up exterminated by the CnC teams. But they are individual cases."

Hicks was fully aware of all this. Mavericks were dangerous due to being unpredictable, but the organized groups could do some real damage and hinder the reclamation efforts.


It seemed the meeting was approaching its end when the man in the shadows finally spoke up. "I have one more question about the communication artifact." Hicks instantly froze when he recognized the voice – it was General Callahan himself! "What was the creature that spoke through that orb? Did you hear its name?"

"Like I noted on my report," Hicks replied slowly, "The only thing that I know about this demon is that the Baron referred to it as Gatekeeper. And that's all I know – I could not get a good look at it or hear anything of importance."

"I see," the General murmured. "And regarding the OW assignment – is he ready?"

The question seemed to be aimed at Major Carter who replied almost instantly. "Yes, sir. I believe Lieutenant Hicks is prepared for a real off-world assignment."

"Captain Hicks," the General intoned, "I signed the promotion order just before coming here. Major, give the Captain the basic briefing and his departure time. Any questions?"

Hicks was so confused by this sudden development that the question came to his lips spontaneously – "Where am I going, sir?"

"Why, you are going to the place which is the namesake for you and your fellow troopers," the General said with a smile, "You first OW assignment will be on Phobos."


20 minutes later

The mess hall was practically empty, except for the small group of marines in one corner. Their excitement was quite obvious.

"Dude, you are going to space! It's like a childhood dream come true. They must really think highly of you, if they give you an OW so soon."

"I guess they do," Hicks smiled, "I hear the Phobos base was one of the first facilities to be invaded, and also the place where Doom marine's battle began. It's almost like visiting a sacred place."

"I hear there are still parts of the base that are infested," one of the young recruits said, "Some of the buildings were supposedly purged and reactivated, but the others are still dark and sealed off. Sounds creepy!"

"Not as creepy as going to the Deimos base," another recruit added, "They say the place is so corrupted that it can drive you mad. And if you get to the edge of the moon, you could see Hell itself below. But, of course, no one has been there yet, so it's all just an assumption..."

"Yeah, and there are evil demonic towers appearing out of thin air," Hicks replied. "Still I'd be curious to go here, even if only for a few minutes. I am sure there will be a reconnaissance mission someday soon. And who else is better prepared than us, Phobos Troopers?"

Many among the Space marines felt a little jealous of the reputation that the Phobos Troopers had accumulated, yet no one could deny their advanced skills. The recruits were aware of this and were feeling more or less proud because of it.


"You know, Hicks," Ryan said with a wry smile, "I have a suspicion the General has taken a special interest in you."

"I think his interest is rather directed towards the mysterious demon that I saw," Hicks said quietly.

"You could be right about this," Ryan continued, "I've heard General Callahan is searching for one very specific demon, which is supposedly responsible for slaughtering his troops during the invasion."

"Revenge?" Hicks was surprised, "You mean the General is on some personal crusade to get even with a demon?"

"Indeed. You know the town near the Spaceport – the one where they found the primary invasion portal? It had a heavily fortified Space marine HQ and the men there put up a good fight. But then a large demonic army descended upon them and the HQ was utterly destroyed. And this army was supposedly led by a unique demon unlike any of the ones we are familiar with. A creature of great cunning and supernatural power. Or at least that's what I've heard," Ryan seemed very excited while telling this story.

"Sweet," Hicks sighed, "We have our own Captain Ahab and he is still hunting for his white whale." He looked at his watch and stood up. "Well, it's been nice to chat with you, guys, but now I'll need some rest before I start preparing for my departure."

The other recruits cheered him and wished him luck. Hicks headed towards his bunk, excited about the upcoming mission, but also feeling something lurking within the depths of his mind. A dark premonition that something nasty was about to happen very soon.