Now here's chapter three of Doomed Titans. Alex started to see strange things going on. At the same time, Betruger has a deep dark secret no one knows.
Chapter Notes
There's going to be some elements from the Teen Titans episode, "Birthmark" on this chapter. Though I'm not going to tell you where the elements are, you just going to read it for yourselves.
Communications and strange voices: Italics
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Doom 3
Chapter 3: Evil Reflections
Mars City, Infirmary Wing: November 14, 2145, 4:45 P.M.
At the Infirmary Wing in Mars City, everyone was doing their jobs. Doctors were operating and performing checkups on their patients, employees were listing patients and analyzing data, and maintenance workers were tying up some lose ends. But at the observation room, Alex was pacing around the place, waiting. Two security officers were standing guard at the door leading to the operations room. Alex then looked at the see-through window and saw the Titans lying on the operation tables the nurses set up. A doctor was observing each of them and had his PDA in hand to check for diagnostics. Alex then sat in one of the waiting chairs, jutting his foot up and down, meaning he's losing his patient. He stayed in the observation room for hours, ever since they moved the Titans to the Infirmary Wing. The doctors were examining the Titans, using X-Rays, cat scans, blood tests, the works. He's worried that they needed an operation cause of viruses or diseases due to the fact that they'd been sleeping in the cryogenic chambers for too long. Suddenly the metal door opened sideways and the doctor came out of it. Alex looked up at the doctor, stood up, and approached him.
Alex: "Well doc, what's their condition?"
Doctor: "Well, I've been going through many tests on them and I am quite impressed. Their vital signs are normal and their breathing rate's good. They have no cancer, no virus, nothing infected during their hibernation time. All and all, they're completely healthy. I'm mean almost a hundred and fifty years of sleeping you think they should have something wrong with them."
Alex sighed in relief now that he knows they're all right. He then looked at the window and saw them still sleeping.
Alex: "When do you think they'll wake up?"
Doctor: "Well we gave each of them a sedative for them to sleep longer, incase we had to do more tests. So at this rate, they'll wake up first thing tomorrow morning. Though I don't know what time they'll wake up."
Alex was glad that the Titans would wake up tomorrow and looked at the doctor for an order.
Alex: "Take them to Ward 245 on the second floor. But be careful with them, they are legendary after all."
Doctor: "Yes sir."
The doctor headed back to the operation room to contact the nurses to pick them up. Alex the exited out of the observation room with the two security guards following him. They walked down the long hallway that had doors leading to different operating rooms.
Alex: "Listen up you two; I need two guards posted outside Ward 245 at all times. No one get in there except nurses checking up on them. I also need someone working the security cameras in the rooms to keep a close eye on the Titans incase they wake up. When they awake, report it to me and I'll see what I can do after that."
Security Officer 3: "And exactly what are you going to do?"
Alex: "Since they want some questions answered, you're going to take them to the conference room on level two of Mars City. After an all year round sleep, they need to know just about everything."
Security Officer 4: "And who did you pick to help get ahead in their history."
Alex: "Well, myself of course. The others that do the talking would make the Titans uncomfortable."
Security Officer 3: "I don't know sir, an ordinary teenager talking to five super powered teenagers? That doesn't sound like a good idea."
Alex: "You mean you don't trust me on this one? Listen, dad assigned me to guard them and that's what I'm going to do. Besides, who else would gain the Titans trust then me?"
Security Officer 4: "But sir I don't think-"
Alex: "Just call me tomorrow when they wake up and I'll do the rest."
Security Officer 3 and 4: "Yes sir."
The security officers left Alex as he was heading back to the elevator. But when he was making a right turn at the corner, he got startled. For facing Alex was Dr. Betruger, coming from the opposite direction.
Dr. Betruger: "Alex, what an unexpected surprise. Did I scare you?"
Alex took a quick breather and then looked at Betruger with stern eyes.
Alex: "No, but you better stop sneaking up like that. Can drive anyone crazy. What are you doing here?"
Dr. Betruger: "Just visiting a patient that survived the main portal experiment. The poor guy has officially lost it, delusional thoughts and paranoia about monsters coming from the other end of the portal. I hope medics can put him to sleep before he tries to kill himself. And you?"
Alex: "The Titans woke up in Beta and I was waiting for their condition for hours. Now that I know that they're O.K., I'm going to talk to them when they wake up tomorrow."
Dr. Betruger: "Wonderful news, I hope that they will be good help for the UAC in the near future. Mind if I visit them?"
Alex: "I'm sorry Betruger, but besides nurses, all other personal are not allowed in the ward they're in. Besides, shouldn't you be cleaning up your office by now?"
Dr. Betruger: "Now what does that have to do with anything? You know that I'm not fired yet."
Alex: "True, but it's best you start anyways cause when Swan gets here, he'll fire your ass out of here in no time flat. Believe me, by this time tomorrow, things are going to change around here. And hopefully it will be for the better."
Alex then walked past Betruger but Betruger stopped him there.
Dr. Betruger: "By the way Alex, what are you wearing on your feet."
Alex looked down at his shoes and looked at Betruger.
Alex: "They're Nike Air Max Rival sneakers, vintage 2005. Thanks for noticing."
Dr. Betruger: "With a pair of sneakers like those can give you a lot of running."
Betruger then gave off some faint laughing, which annoyed Alex a bit.
Alex: "Is that a threat Betruger?"
Dr. Betruger: "Just want to let you know that enough exercise can keep a body healthy."
Alex didn't know what he meant by that so he ignored it and walked away.
Alex: "Whatever, I'm out of here."
Alex proceeded walking down the hallway to get to the elevator. Betruger watched him go, but had a strange sick smile forming on his face.
Dr. Betruger: "Indeed, everything will change tomorrow. But not the way you're thinking."
Mars City, Restroom: November 14, 2145, 10:13 P.M.
Inside one of the restrooms in Mars City, Alex was washing up his face before he heads back to the room and prepare for a one on five talk with the Titans tomorrow. Then a black Marine soldier with out his body armor or weapons walked out of one of the toilet stalls and approached Alex.
Marine Soldier 6: "Hey Alex, how's it hanging?"
Alex looked up at the mirror and saw the Marine's face on the reflection. He then turned around to look at the soldier and smiled.
Alex: "Hey, Travis Washington! Long time no see. How's everything going at the Military Division with my dad?"
T. Washington: "Things have been a little off the edge if you know what I mean. But we're trying to survive. So I've heard from the grapevine that you're going to have an interview with the Titans, discuss them on what's going to happen. Is it true?"
Alex: "Yep, it's all true."
T. Washington: "Man, that's going to be tough talking to those people. Are you sure you can do this? The Teen Titans are by far the toughest team ever, well next to the Justice League of course. And since they were sleeping for almost a hundred and fifty, they could get extremely cranky."
Alex: "Relax T.W.; the Titans will be angry and confused when they wake up. But when I talk to them about what's happening, they'll understand it more easily. I'm sure they can trust me since I'm the son of a brave and strong Sergeant let me remind you."
T. Washington: "Yeah, I'll remember that. Better go."
Washington was about to leave the restroom when Alex stopped him before he left.
Alex: "Wait Washington. Since I'm free for tonight until my guardianship starts tomorrow, you mind if you and me can go to the rec room and play a game of pool?"
T. Washington: "Sorry Al, but I can't. I have to go to Alpha Labs in Sector 2 for guarding duty."
Alex: "Since when did you become a guard in Alpha?"
T. Washington: "Since two days ago. Apparently one of our Marine soldiers that was assigned in the area disappeared."
Alex: "What? How did that happen?"
T. Washington: "Don't know. One minute he was standing guard at the Coolant Control Junction, the next minute he vanished without a trace. I gotta tell you if things don't get well tomorrow, this entire facility will go straight to Hell."
Washington then left the restroom the same time when Alex stared at the metal door Washington went through.
Alex: "I can't believe this. Mysterious voices and seeing things is one thing, but people disappearing? I better keep a close eye on the Titans when they wake up."
Alex went back to finishing washing his face. He then went to the towel dispenser to dry his face up. But while he was drying his face, something strange just happened.
Help me…
Alex stopped and heard that strange voice echoing throughout the restroom. He then thought it was the air condition and ignored it. He tossed the paper towel away and was about to leave when all of a sudden-
Help me…
He heard the voice again. He stopped in front of the door and looked around the place.
Alex: "Hello? Is somebody here?"
He walked further away from the exit and turned his head left to right knowing where the voice came from.
Watch us…
Save us…
The voices continue to taunt at Alex at the same time the lights on the ceiling started to flicker on and off. The lights suddenly turned back on and the final voice said.
Deliver us from evil…
Alex couldn't take it anymore as he well out in anger.
Alex: "If this is some kind of sick joke, it isn't-"
But when he's about to finish his sentence, he noticed a leak coming down in front of his face. He looked down and noticed on the floor was blood, real red blood. The blood splat suddenly vanished. Alex cocked his head in confusion.
Alex: "What the…"
Suddenly, another splat of blood came down, appearing and fading, then another, and another, and another. It seems that the blood is forming a path, so Alex slowly followed the trail of blood. The path then stopped at the last stall at the corner, and apparently, there was some heavy breathing coming from the other end. Alex slowly took out his signature pistol from his pants pocket and proceeded with caution. He placed one hand on the stall's door and slowly opened it. Once it opened fully, the breathing has stopped and all Alex could see was only an empty toilet seat. He then put his pistol down and sighed in embarrassment.
Alex: "Great, now my mind's playing tricks on me."
Alex then turned around to head back, but when he did he saw a creature shrieking at him. Alex jumped back in fear and landed on top of the toilet seat dropping his pistol. He got a good look at the creature and noticed it's more like a nightmare come to life. The creature looked like a human being but its muscles were inhuman, it had claws on its hands and feet, no lips and nose, and ten eyes. Alex then noticed that the stall was coaxed in a blood red light and the walls were covered in blood with words like die, burn, suffer, and succumb, written in blood. Alex was scared stiff when he saw the creature but took action to use his pistol but found out that he didn't have the pistol. He quickly looked around the stall and saw the pistol between a corner and the back of the toilet.
Alex: "Shit!"
Alex looked back at the creature and could tell that it's ready to attack. He then scurried to get his pistol out of the corner. He succeeded, pointed the pistol at creature, and fired at it until it was empty. Even though the bullets connected, it still didn't go down. The creature then screeched in anger and positioned its legs to attack. With quick reflexes, the creature lunged itself at Alex. Alex was both defenseless and trapped and the only thing he can do was to cover himself with his arms. He closed his eyes knowing that this is the end, but the problem was that he didn't feel speared or slashed to bits. He slowly opened his eyes and realized that the creature wasn't there and the restroom is back to normal. With his heart pounding and sweat coming down his face, terrified and confused, he didn't know what to believe in.
Delta Labs Level 5, Betruger's Office: November 14, 2145, 10:45 P.M.
In level five of Delta Labs, housing executive offices and a data library, Betruger was sitting in his office. His office had a office desk with a laptop computer, a ball banging device, and a nail pusher, three file cabinets containing files and reports, a ceiling cabinet filled with binders and science books, and a promotional poster on one of the walls. Betruger was talking to someone on his notebook computer. The screen showed a male's face in his late thirties with short cut black hair. He's one of the head scientists of Delta's main teleporter, Ian McCormick.
Dr. Betruger: "So Ian, is everything ready for tomorrow?"
Ian McCormick: "Yes doctor, the stabilizers are online and the power generators are activated. We're all ready for tomorrows test."
Dr. Betruger: "Excellent, soon we'll be able to discover the portal's potential. And tomorrow will bring us one stop closer to the future."
Betruger was about to shut off communication but saw Ian with a concern look on his face.
Dr. Betruger: "Something wrong McCormick?"
Ian McCormick: "Well sir, it's just that we're testing the portal again tomorrow. You know that at the same time the counselor's going to be here to inspect the entire facility. If he finds out about this-"
Dr. Betruger: "Relax Ian, he won't find out. Swan will look throughout the rest of the facility before going to Delta. Besides, this is the final test. Once we're done with it, then we'll leave the portal alone."
Ian McCormick: "I understand that doctor. But do you think that we need to use the Soulcube to be a part of this test? I mean that artifact caused problems ever since we found it and it created the explosion down at Analysis Control."
Dr. Betruger: "True, but that was ten years ago and we never used it except display and scanning for further progress. But you and I know that it didn't get us shit."
Ian McCormick: "But this is insane bringing the Soulcube to the main portal when we don't know what's behind it."
Dr. Betruger: "Listen, everything will be O.K. I'm pretty sure that the Soulcube could have a connection with the glyphs on one of the tablets discovered in the caverns. I'm pretty sure that by tomorrow, this final test can bring a whole new future. Now make the final check up for tomorrow then you can go to sleep."
Ian McCormick: "Of course sir. Goodnight."
The connection between McCormick and Betruger was then closed off. Betruger then stood up from his chair and had an evil smile on his face.
Dr. Betruger: "Foolish mortal."
Betruger then walked towards the promotional poster on the wall and then opened it, revealing a secret compartment. He then picked up a strange book within the compartment. The book was kind of old and musty with the cover the looks kind of ancient, like in medieval times. There was no title on the book, but the only thing that was on it was a strange looking S. Inside the book contained a story about an ancient war and spells, but the words are in a strange language that is not in this world, or in the universe. Betruger opened the book, turned the pages, and found a spell. He placed the book on the floor and started chanting the words.
Dr. Betruger: "Kaluzu Aligaze Tyrozundo."
Betruger kept on repeating the phrase over and over, saying it louder and louder. The lights above him started to flicker on and off a little bit. It was then he screamed out loud-
Dr. Betruger: "RUZUKO VULDIBA TRIGON MALDIBAM!"
Suddenly, Betruger's hand started to fire red lightning bolts and it hits the notebook computer. The computer went static and then turned bright red. Four bright yellow eyes appeared on the computer while Betruger kneeled with one leg and bowed his head.
My patience is wearing thin Dr. Betruger. This has better be good.
Betruger looked up at the four eyes on the screen and smiled.
Dr. Betruger: "Everything is going according to plan my master. By this time tomorrow, your legion will be in this world."
That's what you said many times before. You spent years trying to make that portal of yours work and you failed many times.
Dr. Betruger: "This time it will be different. I've been doing some research on this book of yours and found out a more reliable source to make my teleportal, your gateway, work. Tomorrow we're going to use the Soulcube."
The Soulcube? The very artifact that vanquanched me and my kind to the depths of Hell?
Dr. Betruger: "The same one. Once the Soulcube is sent to your world, your kind will be released and your invasion will begin."
You've done well Betruger, but you've only done half the job. In order for me to rule the universe, I need to be freed. And in order for that to happen, I need my prison on Earth to be opened. The only problem is the key needs to be found. Sadly however, my precious gem no longer exists in your world anymore.
Dr. Betruger: "Oh don't consider this a problem master. Your gem has been awaken and is alive and well."
Now how do you know about that?
Dr. Betruger: "Because your dear gem is part of a group of teenage super heroes known as the Teen Titans."
The four yellow eyes started to glow real bright, the room went to total darkness and, demonic symbols appeared on the walls.
THEN WHY HAVEN'T YOU TELL ME ANY OF THIS?
Dr. Betruger: "You never asked. I was just waiting for the right moment to tell you."
The entire room went back to normal along with the four eyes on the notebook computer.
Very well. Once my legion enters your world, you will command them to destroy everyone they come to contact with. But whatever you do, don't risk hurting my gem. She's the most precious thing to me.
Dr. Betruger: "I understand my master. I will make sure you will take over the universe."
Betruger laughed maniacally unaware that someone's listening to them.
Outside Betruger's office, a Chinese scientist in his early forties overheard the conversation through the locked metal door. With his eyes were in complete shock and horror as he carefully walked away from the door. He then turned around and ran down the hallway. One of the scientists walked down the opposite direction and saw the other scientist running towards him.
Scientist 7: "Hey Dr. Ishii, where's the fire?"
The scientist known as Ishii pushed the other scientist out of the way and continues running, leaving Delta. He then went to the only place no one will ever find him, the Underground Junction.
And that's chapter 3 of Doomed Titans. On the next chapter, the Titans are finally awake! Wooooooooo! Please Review.