Chapter Notes
Now this chapter, Ian explains to the Titans the teleportation experiment the way he did on the Doom 3 game. But I've added a few things here and there to make it sound so interesting. I hope you enjoy it as much as I'm adding the details.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Teen Titans or Doom 3
Chapter Thirty-one: Delta's Dark Secret
Delta Labs Sub-Level, Maintenance Corridor F-3: November 15, 2145, 11:48 P.M.
Down in one of the maintenance corridors of the Sub-Level, an Imp was scouting around the area for some fresh meat. But the only thing it could find is some dead meat and skeletons littered across the floor. It was going to leave this place and head somewhere different when it heard some voices not far from where it was. It turned around and walked back to see where the sounds were coming from. It finally discovered the source and it was leading into a door that was labeled, "Lockers." It took a closer step to the door and listened in on the sound.
Ian McCormick: "It all started when I was assigned to Delta Labs in the UAC seven years ago. I was a little nervous at first when I became part of the science team in that lab. But working with Betruger was a complete honor for me, being he's the best in the field."
Realizing that there's someone in the locker room, it was about to get in the locked door. But before it could do that, a shadow was looming over the creature as someone, or something, was behind it. The Imp turned around to see who was behind it, only to see a huge hoard of zombies with a chainsaw zombie leading them. The leading zombie lifted its chainsaw up in the air and sliced the Imp in half diagonally and killed the creature in one strike.
Back in the Locker Room, McCormick was sitting on a folded chair explaining his story, while Alex and the Teen Titans gathered around him to listen. What they didn't know was the hoard of zombies outside the locker, trying to find a way to get in.
Ian McCormick: "I was working with Betruger on a number of experiments that made the Union Aerospace Corporation what it is today. But one experiment we were working on mostly was teleportation. I was there when they completed the first teleporter in Level 2 and were testing it out and I was impressed by it. The fact of transferring an item by separating particles of matter from one place to another was really quite fascinating. After the successful attempt, Betruger decided to create a few more teleporters for level three and use human test subjects to see if we transfer a person from one part of the base to another. Though the tests were successful like the last, there were a few side effects that happened in the first few tests."
Robin: "What were the side effects?"
Ian looked at Robin and answered the Titan leader's question.
Ian McCormick: "Paranoia, schizophrenia, and suicidal. But after the first few tests, the rest passed with flying colors. We were all proud at the teleporters we've created for easy transportation in the near future, but Betruger decided to raise the bar a little bit and decided to create another teleporter."
Beast Boy: "Uh dude. Did you guys have enough teleporters in Delta?"
Hearing that, McCormick looked at the changeling and explained to him.
Ian McCormick: "This isn't like any of the teleporters we've created, this one is different."
Alex: "And what is that?"
Ian lowered his head and took a deep sigh. He didn't really want to discuss about the main portal after what he just saw, but since this team is the Teen Titans he heard so much about, he had no choice in the matter. So he looked up at the team and told his side of the story.
Ian McCormick: "From what Betruger once said, there could be another world, or a dimension if you will, that is different from the one we live in."
Beast Boy: "You mean like in the Twilight Zone or something?"
Ian McCormick: "Yeah, something like that."
Alex: "Hold up. How could Betruger tell that there could be another dimension?"
McCormick turned his head to see Alex and answered.
Ian McCormick: "I think it has something to do with the civilization that lived here before us. If you know about their history, this civilization was the most advance species on the face of the solar system, way before we were created. They made so many technological devices that were ahead of ours that it would take us years to invent their technology. But their most important device they created by far was their knowledge about teleportation. From what we could understand, they've created a main teleporter that would take them to a new world, incase their planet is invaded or something. Betruger thought that if the UAC has a teleporter like that, we could have unlimited access to all resources that will make life on Mars more homier. We started construction on the portal 2137; using all the materials we've had and followed all the glyphs on how the Mars civilization created the portals, the same glyphs we used for the prototype and second-generation portals. When we were finished, we thought it was all over. Boy were we so wrong."
Robin: "So what happened?"
McCormick sighed again and began his story.
Ian McCormick: "When we started the first tests, there was some kind of delay in the transfer. All the items we transport to that dimension seem to be either stuck in the middle of the process or couldn't return after we did the arrival process. We were a little concern at what was happening, so Betruger thought we get to the bottom of these delays. We sent a video drone into the portal to see what was the cause of the delays. When it got through, it showed the footage of what's in the other side of the portal. The dimension we were seeing was a strong place, lava and fire everywhere, strange statues that resembles skulls and monsters, walls and ceilings that were strangely moving, that place was a whole lot different when we anticipated. But what we saw next was truly fascinating. There was this strange creature that was starring at the camera with several sets of eyes. We couldn't believe what we were seeing, but it was a living breathing creature in that dimension."
Starfire: "Was that creature part of the civilization that lived on Mars eons ago?"
The scientist then looked at Star and answered her question.
Ian McCormick: "At first, we thought it was. But after the coming weeks, things went downhill from there. Betruger decided that we need to gather one of these creatures for examination, to see what it was and where it came from." Sigh… "I was a fool to agree with Betruger, but I thought it could be a new beginning for us in the UAC and on Earth. But I never expect something like this happened. We started out with a few research specialists and security soldiers to be the first search team, gave them all medical clearance, and patched up a few loose ends. When they came through the portal, everything seemed to be working fine. But when they came back with the creature, half the team made it out; the rest didn't make it. During the next few days, the rest of the team was experiencing delusions, visions of things that weren't real. Rambling about the dimension they saw, other creatures they've seen, and the smell of burn corpses and brimstone. In fact, one of the research scientists was so psychotic that he was chewing his own fingers."
Half the team turned their heads away when they heard it, but the rest needed to know more about this story. So Ian continued explaining the portal.
Ian McCormick: "When Betruger gotten the creature, we examined it and realized that this being wasn't not of this world. Its skin texture was impenetrable to our tools and its structure was versatile to just about anything. It had amazing strength and agility, and it has the power to absorb energy around it and create massive fireballs."
Starfire: "Interesting… They were almost like my kind, only they charge green energy bolts instead of fireballs."
Alex looked at Star and gave her a stern look, meaning not to get involved. The Tamaranean saw his look and decided to shut her mouth and not get all wise-ass on the situation. Al then look back at Ian and wondered something about the creature.
Alex: "About this creature you've examined. Was this creature an Imp?"
Ian McCormick: "Yes it was. It was right after the examination that one of the researchers named the creature the Imp due to its body structure and aggressiveness. After the first examination, Betruger made the order to retrieve more subjects from the main portal for both examination and experiments. Though everyone agreed with him on getting more creatures for information, I had second thoughts on this operation. But I've reluctantly agreed with them so they won't think I'm getting too suspicious. I was hoping that things would get better after the search. It didn't. We started to send two or more search teams in the portal once a week, just to speed up the process of the search, we even sent in marines to capture even the biggest of creatures. Yet the more that got into the portal, the less they came out. Even if the researchers and marines got out of there, they continued to have delusional episodes, one worse then the last. Not only that, but the surviving group were so paranoid that they started to commit suicide. Slitting their wrists, hanging themselves on the ceiling, drowning, putting guns to their heads, the situation continues to worsen during the operation. Also there were so many patience that got through the portal, Dr. Wilson couldn't fit them all into the med wards. Instead, he had no other choice but to move some of the patience in the operations sector in Delta 2."
The team listened on at the story as Cyborg shook his head and whistled a low whistle.
Cyborg: "Man, you guys must've really had it hard."
McCormick peered at Cy and gave him his compliments.
Ian McCormick: "Thanks for the compliment. But that wasn't the half of it. For while Delta was suffering, the entire UAC facility was hitting it the worse. While they were continuing with the transfers for the main teleporter, all the UAC's power lines were going berserk. The constant flickering of the lights off and on and the system failures weren't helping much. And there were rumors throughout the base about people seeing and hearing things are making people driving insane. Some of them even thought of leaving Mars as soon as they could, and half of them did. News spread to Earth that the UAC is experiencing some major problems and it was causing stocks to plummet ever since the portal experiments. When the board got word of what's been happening, they're afraid that they won't let all their money being wasted on these experiments. So to restore some order on Mars-"
Alex: "They've sent Counselor Swan to come here and investigate about the situation."
Ian cleared his throat and continued his story.
Ian McCormick: "Yes, but they were given permission from Kelly and all the other top scientists that were concerned with Betruger's teleporter experiments. I told Betruger every week to stop with these teleporters, but he wouldn't listen. He thinks we're getting closer to the truth. But I think he's gone completely crazy. It's like he became a whole different person. When I arrived at Delta, Betruger was a kind-hearted, self-serving person that always looks out for his subordinates. But during these experiments and heavy research on the creatures, he had secluded himself from mostly everyone and was obsessed at what he was doing."
Raven: "Gee, reminds me of a certain someone on the team that's always on a hunt for a madman."
Robin squinted his eye when he heard Raven's remarks of the time he was so concentrated on hunting down Slade as an anime vain appeared on the top of his head, throbbing quickly. Ian continued.
Ian McCormick: "Then one day, Dr. Betruger stated that we're going to do one final test. Of course everyone was quite relived that it was going to be over, even myself especially. But there was one final catch. In order to make this test work, Betruger would need the Soulcube, the very artifact we found in the main excavation, to see if there was a connection between it and the teleporters. Some of us were a little unsure about using the cube as something as inaccurate as that and protested against it. But Betruger stated that it's mandatory and we had no choice about it. Though we were upset about the test, we know that after the test it was all over. We were such fools. We started the test today, the same day the counselor would be here to investigate. Betruger thought that we finish today, then we won't have any problems. Everything went according to plan at first, all systems were operational and all. But by the time the Soulcube was through the portal, something went horribly wrong. The main portal started to cause horrendous problems once the cube was in. The stabilizers started to fail, systems were malfunctioning, the portal exploded and… Well… You saw the end result."
The Titans were in awe at Ian's story, but Alex rubbed his chin when he listened in and came to the conclusion.
Alex: "So dad was right. The main portal in Delta 4 started this mess in the first place."
McCormick then lowered his head, not sure if the team was ready to hear the whole truth, but decided to let them in on it anyways.
Ian McCormick: "It gets worse… After the incident, I've been trying my best hiding from these abominations, watching them destroying my friends, the marines, and just about everyone else through out the UAC. And no matter how much these people hide, those things just keep coming, teleporting themselves to these various locations and surprising everyone at every turn. In all my years being in this facility, I have never seen anything as gruesome as that. Then what I saw was truly disturbing. After they dispose of the bodies, they use their victim's blood to create these pentagram drawings in order for their species to cross in our world from their dimension. And after seeing all that, the monsters taking over the entire complex, the strange growth spreading, I came to the conclusion that that dimension was just not another dimension. It was Hell… And those creature we were examining, the same ones that attacked the UAC, they were demons…"
Within a heartbeat, everyone was completely silent about what they've just heard. But Alex, with a look of seriousness, stood up and approached Ian, wanting to hear that right.
Alex: "You mean to tell me that through the main portal is actually Hell? As in 'Hell' HELL?!"
Ian looked up at Alex and answered.
Ian McCormick: "Yes. At first, I never thought that Hell existed. But now after what happened back at Delta 4 today, I've come to realize that Hell is a real place."
Alex: "If you knew something like this would happen, didn't you try to shut down the portal?"
Ian McCormick: "I tried to shut it down, but Betruger stopped me before I had the chance. He destroyed the auto shutdown panel that would turn off the main portal. I didn't even see it coming."
Cyborg: "Whoa, whoa, whoa… Wait a sec. How could Betruger destroy a panel? Did he have a weapon or something with him?"
McCormick turned his head to see Cy to answer his question.
Ian McCormick: "No… He was the weapon."
Alex: "What do you mean by that?"
Ian then looked at Alex and answered.
Ian McCormick: "It's kind of hard to tell. The moment I was about to shut down the portal, Betruger destroyed the panel with a fireball from out of nowhere. When I turn to look at him, he was like a monster himself. His hands were all a blaze of fire, his eyes were dark and evil like, and there was a symbol adorned on his forehead, a symbol I have never seen before. It looked like a capital S but it was all twisted and misshapen and had two dots from top to bottom."
Alex had his eyes wide in shock when he heard what the symbol looked like. He then remembered seeing that same symbol when he was younger, back at the Analysis Control center when they tested the Soulcube. That was the same time his friend Jim died from that devastating accident. The guardian thought if it's possible that symbol that was on Betrugers forehead could be connected to the accident? While he was thinking about it, Raven was thinking something different about this symbol. After hearing both Alex's and Ian's stories, she knew that something bad was about to happen. Ever since she touch the pentagram back at the Military Complex, she had a bad feeling that someone, or something, is coming back to claim what was rightfully his. Just then, flash of memories appeared in her head, memories of this being's attempt to his prize. The attack on Azarath, her home dimension, was the worst of it. Cause of this attack, she had no choice but to leave her home and get away from this demon. When Rae joined the Teen Titans, she thought doing good could make her a better person and forget about her past. But no matter what, her past will soon catch up and there would be nothing to stop it. Though her past is pretty much a secret, she never wants to talk about it to her friends. She was worried about the consequences if she tells them the truth. But if who she thinks he is is here in the future and in the UAC, then that means…
Starfire: "Raven?"
Rae immediately snapped out of her trance and looked to see Starfire looking concern for her friend.
Starfire: "Are you all right? You seem distracted as of late."
The telepath then calm down and talked to the Tamaranean.
Raven: "I'm fine Starfire. I'm just thinking about something that's all."
While Raven was keeping her past a secret, Alex was a little quiet when he was in his own thought. Remembering the death of his friend and the connection between the symbol from the tragedy and Betruger. He then snapped out of his trance and looked at Ian to know one more thing.
Alex: "Does anyone else know about this, if they're alive?"
Ian McCormick: "I've sent a message to another science team here in Delta. I don't know if they got it, or if they're alive. There was also a Marine that wanted to reach Delta 4 and needed to use the prototype portal to reach it. I told him about what just happened and gave him a clear passage through Level 2, but I don't think he would make it. And even if he gets to Level 4, he must be crazy if he and Sergeant Kelly are going to stop it. And after what we all saw all across the complex, who knows how many more of those things are from the other side. They might possibly get killed if they enter the main portal!"
Ian then bowed his head, placed his hands on his head, and shook his head in sorrow.
Ian McCormick: "Oh God… What have I done? What have we done? We never should've built those teleporters when we knew that there was evil from the other side. We would've destroyed the teleporters when we had the chance, we would've… I can't believe this is all happening… If I known that all this would've happen, I should've shut down the entire project when I had the chance. It's all my fault… It's all my fault…"
Alex rubbed his chin a little, trying to piece all the information together.
Alex: "This explains all the strange things that have been happening in the UAC before the invasion. But what I don't get is if the other side of the main portal is really Hell, why wouldn't Betruger stop the project after the first tests?"
Alex thought about it for a second until someone came up with a conclusion.
Raven: "Maybe Betruger knew about this the whole time."
Alex turned his head to see Raven and was a little perplexed.
Alex: "Come again?"
Raven: "I think Betruger knew Hell exist, yet he didn't tell anyone or shutdown the main portal to begin with."
Alex: "What do you mean by that? I mean sure that Betruger is a bit of a nut case I can unsure you of that. But what made you think that Betruger knew Hell existed in the first place?"
Raven: "Remember what you said that Betruger survived the fatal explosion at the Analysis Chamber here. I believe that's how it all started. Then back at the Comm. facility in Recycling, Betruger keeps on referring to these demons we've encountered his children. And after what Ian said about what the doctor did today, it's all evident that Betruger started this invasion from the very beginning."
Al blinked a few times and wasn't sure that wasn't true.
Alex: "That's scientifically impossible! Betruger isn't like some kind of dark lord of Hell or anything. He can't be!"
Raven: "All right the, explain to me this. How did Betruger managed to survive an explosion the nearly killed you and took your friend away?"
Alex: "I don't know. I thought he took cover behind the consoles when it took place."
Raven: "Then think it like this. What if he didn't took cover? What if whatever came out of the Soulcube got to him and took over him? I've reason to believe that what happened ten years ago some how started this invasion. And Betruger seemed to be in the center of all this. The teleporters, the invasion, and demons, he planned all this from the very beginning. He might have planed everything ahead as well."
Alex listened in to what Raven was putting down when he remembered something he thought was going to be their only hope.
Alex: "Like sending the distress signal to Earth!"
Raven: "Yeah, it seems that way. Though these demons want to take over the UAC and kill everyone in the facility, they needed more. From what I could understand, Betruger wanted the fleet from Earth to come here. That means he wanted the distress signal to come to Earth in the first place. And it will be a matter of time before the fleet gets here."
Alex: "So Swan was right after all. If those ships reach Mars…"
That was when Robin interrupted Alex when he came up with the same conclusion.
Robin: "Then the demons would have a one way ticket straight for Earth."
Rob then looked up to see the elevator that would take anyone to the labs.
Robin: "This shit ends here."
He opened all the compartments to his utility belt and checked to see if he had any weapons left in his pockets. While he was doing that, Alex looked at him, concerned at what the Titan leader is up to.
Alex: "What are you doing?"
Robin: "Going to Delta and destroy the main teleportal before the fleet gets here."
Alex: "Have you lost your mind?! Did you hear what McCormick just said? Delta is fully infested with these zombies and creatures!"
Robin: "And all of it is coming from the main portal in Delta 4. If we destroy the teleporter, those monsters will disappear and whoever's left alive in this base would be safe."
Alex: "I can't let you do that. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but you and the Titans, always managed to get through all sorts of situations back in the past and we've been through all sorts of dangers against big, bad creatures and we're almost close to reaching Gamma Labs. And now you want to get to Delta 4 to destroy the main portal when the place is fully packed with demons and zombies? I don't think you're pushing your luck, I don't think you're crazy… I think what you have is a death wish! You hear me? A major, full on, suicidal, invitation!!!"
Immediately, Robin stood up and was face to face with his guardian.
Robin: "Did you not hear what Ian said?"
Alex: "I heard what he said and I didn't like it thank you. But that doesn't concern me. What concerns me right now is that I have get you guys back home so you can finish what you started. Having you guys to up to Delta Labs and reach the main teleporter would be deadly. And the last thing I want is to have you guys get hurt or probably worse, Killed! Besides, entry to level four is restricted and you need security clearance to gain access. You won't be able to gain that type of clearance to reach the teleporter."
Robin: "We can try. But I don't see why you won't let us stop Betruger from invading Earth. Aren't you on our side?"
Alex: "Of course I'm on your side. But this is far beyond my expectation. I know you are the leader of the Teen Titans, but I'm your guardian! So what ever I say goes! And when I said we're going to Gamma Labs, WE'RE GOING TO GAMMA LABS!!!"
Robin: "Then you want billions of innocent people to die?!"
Alex: "Well that's my problem! You're problem is to return to the past and stop Slade and Terra before the Justice League and the army stops them. I know you don't like the fact that Earth is in danger, but this is the future. You need to concentrate on your past once I get you to the Ark and send you all back."
Immediately, Ian looked up after hearing Alex's last sentence.
Ian McCormick: "The Ark?"
Alex turned his head to see Ian and answered him.
Alex: "Yes, that's what I said, the Ark. You know about it?"
Ian McCormick: "Know about it? I help them out with the Ark while I'm not working at the teleporters. If you're going to Gamma, you won't be able to reach it through the sublevels. There's a monorail station that will take you to Gamma, but you have to go to Delta 5 in order for you to reach it."
Alex was quiet when he heard that as he blinked his eyes and was a little concerned about this.
Alex: "Delta 5? Are you sure there's no other way?"
Ian shook his head, meaning it's a no. So Alex looked at the elevator that would take them up to the higher levels of Delta. Seeing that, he lowered his head and sighed.
Alex: "Oh well, guess we're going up to Delta after all. But we better hurry before Betruger finds out we're here."
But just as he said that…
Dr. Betruger: "Going somewhere?"
Everyone instantly got up and went into their fighting stance as Ian got up and looked around to find the insane doctor. At the same time, Betruger made a low humming laugh and went on.
Dr. Betruger: "My isn't this such a surprise. Sarge's son Alex, the Teen Titans, and my ex partner Ian McCormick. So nice to see you all at the same time."
Alex: "Damn it Betruger! Quit playing these mindless games! I'm officially getting sick of it!"
Dr. Betruger: "Oh on the contrary Alex, the games have already begun. And McCormick, I am so ashamed of you. You of all people telling them what we've been doing all these years. How could you?"
Ian McCormick: "What we've done Betruger is bringing a nightmare to life and awakening the true fear everyone has dreaded for so long. Please doctor, I insist, stop this madness at once!"
Dr. Betruger: "Madness? Dear McCormick, I'm only bringing peace throughout the universe, a better future if you will."
Robin: "Well consider that dream of yours over. When we reach the main teleporter, we'll shut it down once and for all!"
Alex immediately turned his head to the Titan leader and was more perplexed then before.
Alex: "We are?"
Dr. Betruger: "Oh really…"
Betruger then give of a low dark chuckle when hearing that.
Dr. Betruger: "Not if I have anything to say."
Suddenly, there was a loud bang coming from the door entrance back outside the locker area, making everyone in the locker room jump in fear. They all then turned their heads to look at the door and heard more knocking coming from the other side. Followed by the sound of knocking were the sounds of moaning and groaning. Knowing whatever's on the other side are in fact zombies, Beast Boy was swallowing a lump and was sweating wildly.
Beast Boy: "That can't be good…"
Dr. Betruger: "If you don't mind, I'm going to prepare a welcoming party for one of the marines that's becoming a pain to me as of late. In the meantime, I'll let my children take good care of you."
Betruger's voice then ended off with a devilishly laugh as it fades out into existence. At the same time, Alex, Ian, and the Titans looked at the door that was going to break through by the zombies.
Cyborg: "Alex, how long you think that door would hold?"
Alex: "Well fortunately, the door has 3 feet on solid state steel. No one won't be able to go through it unless…"
Just then, they all heard the sound of a certain tool humming to life. Seconds later, something penetrated through the bottom left part of the door with razor sharp blades coming around really fast. When they saw the thing that got through the door was really a chainsaw, Alex rolled his eyes around and gave out a pissed off groan.
Alex: "Unless they have a chainsaw to penetrate through."
They all stared at the chainsaw blade as it slowly went up to make an opening.
Alex: "So much for getting out of here through the sub-levels. Everyone to the elevator! Fallback!!!"
The team quickly ran for the elevator as Robin called on the lift. Once the elevator doors opened, the Teen Titans entered the lift. Alex was about to enter it when he realized they're missing one more. So he stopped, turned around, and saw Ian standing there looking at the door that was about to be opened forcefully. The Titans saw their guardian watching McCormick and knew he was wasting time.
Robin: "What are you waiting for Alex? Get in here now before we're overwhelmed!"
Alex looked back at the Titans and tries to talk them into waiting.
Alex: "Just hold on for a minute. Let me get Ian."
Alex then ran to Ian's side and tried to get him out of the predicament.
Alex: "C'mon Ian, we have to get out of here before the zombies consider us a light snack!"
But Ian didn't budge; he was standing there just watching the chainsaw blade reaching the top of the door and about to make a turn. But what Alex saw was something he didn't expect. His face wasn't all filled with fear and weakness, instead it was completely serious. He was also completely silent the whole time until took a deep breath and muttered something.
Ian McCormick: "You guys go, I'll stay here."
Alex didn't say anything when he heard that, as his eyes grew wide in surprise.
Alex: "What are you saying?"
McCormick then turned around and said it again.
Ian McCormick: "I'm staying here to hold them off."
Alex: "Are you insane! You can't face them on your own. You're going to get killed!"
Ian McCormick: "I don't care. I was the one I started this mess, it's my responsibility to make it all right."
He quickly took his pistol out of his pocket and cocked it ready for battle. But Alex looked at Ian's pistol and couldn't believe what he was about to do.
Alex: "You think that little pistol can stop an army of undead zombies?"
Ian McCormick: "Who says I need a pistol to stop them?"
Ian gestured with his head to the direction he insisted to go. Alex turned his head to the left and saw the storage room behind him that's loaded with barrels and flammable materials. When he realized what Ian was going to do, he looked back at the scientist and couldn't believe it.
Alex: "No…"
Ian McCormick: "It's the only way."
Alex: "But you just don't get it do you? If you blow one of the barrels, it will cause a chain reaction that would destroy the locker room, part of the hallway, and even yourself."
Ian McCormick: "That maybe true, but it would be enough to kill all those zombies and save you guys sometime. And besides, if I would go down, I would rather go down in a blaze of glory."
Ian then lifted his hand up to Alex, wanting to get something from him fast.
Ian McCormick: "Quick, give me your PDA."
Alex looked back and forth between Ian's hand and his face, not sure why he wants it.
Alex: "What?"
Ian McCormick: "Just give it to me!"
The guardian then looked at the door and realized it's halfway from opening. So he decided to take out his PDA and gave it to Ian. McCormick, then put away his pistol and took out his PDA to connect it with the other. As he started to download whatever information he's giving to Alex, the Titans were waiting for their guardian to enter the elevator. As they were waiting, they saw the chainsaw blade reaching the right side and about to make a turn to reach the bottom. Beast Boy then gestured to Alex to hurry up when he saw the blade turning.
Beast Boy: "Uh Alex… Can you pick up the pace? They're almost getting through…"
Alex looked back at the team waiting and told them to calm down.
Alex: "All right, just give me a second!"
He looked back at Ian as he was finished with the downloading. He then detached the PDA off his and handed it to Alex."
Ian McCormick: "Here. I've already updated your security clearance so you can gain access to Level 4, just incase you guys decided to stop the teleporter."
Alex took his PDA and placed it back into his pocket.
Alex: "Thanks, but I don't think we're going to get the Delta 4. And even if we do, we don't even know how to stop it."
Ian McCormick: "You're right. Maybe you don't know how to stop it, but maybe Dr. Cray knows. He the leading scientist of the team I made contact with. If he could find out how to stop the main portal, he could help you out. Go find him, if he's still alive."
The Titan's guardian shook his head a bit, a little confused at what he said.
Alex: "Wait… Dr. who?"
Ian McCormick: "Just find him and he'll give you whatever you need. Trust me."
Alex: "Why don't you come with us? Since you know Delta so much, we could use your help to get through the lab."
Ian lowered his head and shook it.
Ian McCormick: "I'm sorry but I can't. After surviving up there, I won't stand a chance a second time. I have to stay here and hold the zombies off. Now give me a grenade."
During that course of time, Alex didn't know what to do. Sure he wants to get McCormick out of there where he won't get harmed, but he insisted in staying to fend himself against the hoard of zombies on the other side.
Ian McCormick: "I said give me the god damn grenade!"
Feeling a bit hesitant, Alex took a grenade out of his belt and handed it over to Ian.
Ian McCormick: "Now get away…"
Alex slowly shook his head, thinking that he still might save the scientist. But McCormick wouldn't budge an inch.
Ian McCormick: "Maybe you didn't understood me you son of a bitch. Get the fuck away!"
Alex still wouldn't let him die alone and wanted to help him out. But when he looked back at the door, he saw the blade reaching the end of the bottom right side. During that time, he heard Cyborg's voice coming from the elevator.
Cyborg: "What are you doing? Get in here now before we're overrun!"
Alex then decided that there's a better part of valor as he ran away from Ian and headed to the elevator. When he was away, McCormick looked back at the door that was down being sawed and took his pistol out with one hand while holding the grenade with the other. He then waited as the zombies banged on the door in order to make an opening. At the same time, Alex entered the elevator and alerted the team.
Alex: "Shut the doors! We have to get out of here now!"
Starfire: "Wait! What about Ian McCormick? Is he not coming with us?"
Alex: "He decided to stay here and hold off the hoard. That would give us enough time to leave."
Starfire: "But, he would be killed if he stays here! We must save him and-"
Alex: "He made his decision! Now move!!!"
Robin nodded and clicked on the options on the touch screen next to him that would take them to Delta 5. Soon enough, the doors closed and the lift ascended up to the level it was chosen. But at the same time, the locker room door was busted open and an army of undead corpses lumbered out of the opening and headed to the scientist. McCormick then pointed his gun at the hoard and screamed out loud in a rebel yell.
Ian McCormick: "C'mon you pieces of shit! COME AND GET ME!!!!!"
The first zombie came out first and was about to hit him with a wrench, but Ian pointed the gun to its head and fired the first shot. When the first one was dead, two more undead beings approached him and he took a couple of more shots at them. Then another zombie came up from the left side, to surprise him. But he saw it coming the turned to that direction to shoot it at the head. After he did that, Ian realized that he was being surround in the front, so he backed up slowly to get some distance between he and them. But what he was really doing was backing up to the storage area that was filled with exploding barrels and what not. As he was backing up, the fired a couple of shots at a zombie that was close to him. Suddenly, he ran out of ammo and realized that it's now or never. He then hit another zombie with the bottom end of the pistol. After another pistol whip to a fat zombie, he had his back against the metal fence of the storage room. When he was close to the area where he should be, he saw a zombie wielding a chainsaw that was coming towards him. Quickly, and on instinct, he armed the grenade and held it up in the air.
Ian McCormick: "What are you freaks waiting for? You want some? COME GET SOME!!!!!!"
All the zombies around him lumbered close to McCormick while the chainsaw zombie was heading to him with its chainsaw raised high to slice him to bits. But before they could do anything, the grenade detonated, causing the explosion to spread to all the flammable materials in the storage room, and created a chain reaction on all of them. The explosion itself not only killed Ian McCormick, but also created a wall of flames spreading throughout the locker room and out into the hallway, killing every zombie and monster that was near it.
Back in the elevator, Alex and the Titans were on their way to Delta 5. Just when they thought they were going to make, there was a sudden shake and the sound of an explosion coming from the ground floor. Suddenly, the elevator made an abrupt stop and the lights in the shaft went off and turned red, the same time the touch screen went static. The team was a bit startled by it, thinking it was a trap like last time.
Beast Boy: "Whoa! What was that?"
Suddenly, an announcement was made through the speaker above about the situation.
'Attention: Elevator Malfunction. Please wait until maintenance personnel make immediate repairs.'
Alex: "Guess that could explain it. We better hurry! If Betruger now knows we're stuck in the elevator, it will be a matter of time before he drops it on us."
Alex looked around the lift to see if there's an opening. That was when he spotted a metal grate on top of the ceiling. Seeing that, he came up with an idea and looked at Cyborg for help.
Alex: "Hey Cy, you think you can give me a hand getting through that grate?"
The hybrid looked up at the grate that was above him and looked back at Al with a smile.
Cyborg: "Sure thing. Just get on my shoulder and hold on."
Alex approached Cyborg as the hybrid bent down so that the guardian could get on his shoulders easily. Cy then got right back up while Alex was able to reach the grate and hit it with his left prosthetic hand. After a couple of attempts, he had successfully opened it and climbed out of the opening. Once he did that, he took his machine gun out and scanned the area to see if there were any creatures around him. Once the shaft was clear, the rest of the team climbed and flew out of the opened shaft and looked around the place.
Beast Boy: "Yep, looks like the lift is stuck."
Robin: "Well let's find a way out of here before Betruger decides to drop the lift."
Starfire looked around and saw an elevator doors not far up from them.
Starfire: "There!"
The team looked up and saw the elevator doors the Tamaranean was looking at.
Alex: "That door must lead to the entrance of Delta 5."
Robin: "Then in that case, let's open it up. Starfire."
Starfire: "I'm already on it."
Star was about to open the elevator doors with her Tamaranean strength, but Alex interrupted that.
Alex: "No wait! Stop!"
Starfire stopped before she could open the doors and looked down to see Alex as the team did the same thing.
Robin: "What's the problem."
Alex: "Think about it. Betruger is watching our every move. If we opened that door, we would be under attack by demons."
Raven: "Then how are we going to get in without being detected?"
Alex looked around the place to see if there's another way in. That's when he spotted a ventilation shaft that might go throughout the lab. Upon seeing that, he made a mischievous smirk and cocked an eyebrow.
Alex: "I have an idea."
Thus ends another short chapter. Man that was a pretty interesting chapter, if you guys don't play Doom 3. But you think that was a bit shocking, wait until you see the next chapter. More deep secrets, a legendary story about the Mars civilization, and a dark prophesy. What does all this mean? You have to tune in and find out. Please Review and incase I won't update at the end of the month… Happy Halloween!!!