For the betterment of mankind. That was the motivation and reasoning behind Samuel Hayden's entire life. In youth, the Hayden family's prodigy could see humanity's problems. Whether or not his desire was born from frustration at the self-made issues his species faced or from a place of genuine concern, even he didn't know for certain.
Regardless of the origin, Samuel strived to become a savior of humanity. All of these conundrums countless minds ran themselves ragged with he could solve in little to no time. It was so simple. That's what he kept telling himself.
Then came the discovery of the fracture on Mars. Eventually, it'd be officially named "The Argent Fracture". It was given this title as it allowed the creation of one of Samuel's greatest achievements. "Argent Energy".
Argent Energy, described simplistically, was purified "Hell Energy". Continuing with the easy-to-understand explanation, all of the properties of Hell Energy that led to negative effects and outcomes when exposed to it were removed via an intricate filtration process. This made Hell Energy safe to use and opened an infinite number of possibilities to be explored. Objectively, this was the greatest invention in humanity's history, and everyone across the colonized solar system knew it.
This is how Samuel reached his current position in such a short time. Although some were adamant his role in the UAC was merely a member of its board, mankind knew the truth. Only one man led the organization, the very same who had become humanity's beacon of hope in an otherwise bleak future. At long last, Samuel Hayden had achieved his goal.
However, this didn't make him the ruler of the human race. The nations of Earth still existed, as did their leaders, politics, and beliefs. Despite the confirmation and ongoing investigation of Hell, those with power weren't about to hand it all over to just one individual. Samuel Hayden's intellect was without equal, but intelligence alone does not make a leader.
Of every lesson he's learned, that was the hardest for Samuel. Hubris is always exchanged for humility after a price has been paid. For most, that price is personal. But for Samuel, the cost of his ego was far too great.
Yet, Samuel didn't make excuses or run from his mistakes. He gave only the truth if challenged for the "why" behind his actions and decisions. It was for the betterment of mankind. The risk was worth the reward.
Sadly, as of now, no one else saw it that way.
"Samuel, have you lost your GODDAMNED mind?!"
That rage-induced voice belonged to one of the world's leaders. Presently, they and Samuel are in a meeting conducted through video. While they remained on Earth in the U.N., Samuel was in his office on Mars. As for the outburst, that was the result of the nations' rulers being debriefed on all that has transpired since the Mars complex went dark.
Samuel told them everything. No more secrets. No more discretion. It was all exposed.
"If I had, I wouldn't be able to speak with you, sir. My body won't function without my brain controlling it." Samuel calmly responded. He was aware of that statement's sarcasm. It was intentional.
"A joke? You're making a joke after what you've told us?!" The same leader questioned in offense and disbelief. "All those lives, a system-wide blackout, a disruption of communication across all planets, and a mountain of secrets the UAC has kept regarding its experiments and research into Hell. Are you not comprehending the magnitude of ANY of this?!" He asked.
"Honestly, I think I'm the only one who is," Samuel answered, still composed. "I take full responsibility for what has happened here. My protégé caused this massacre and nearly allowed Doom to invade our reality. However, that is now in the past. We can't change it. Perhaps someday, should we ever obtain such power, but not today. The people who died here, be they scientists, soldiers, or zealots, should not have their sacrifices be in vain. We are facing a far greater issue than our former energy crisis. With the discovery of an entirely new Hell, Heaven, and mortal reality quite similar to ours, we cannot waste time dwelling on what has happened. We must wait until we have reached a point of renewed peace for that. I urge you to listen to me and not act on your impulses and irrational desires." He stated.
"On that, we are agreed, Samuel." A different leader spoke. "But it is clear from what you've shared that you are not suited for such a responsibility. The UAC and you will be under our control moving forward. You will follow our orders and not act without our permission.
Furthermore, these otherworldly entities you mentioned will be directed to communicate with us. As of now, you are not allowed to speak to them with any level of authority nor give the impression you are our ambassador. If what you've said about them is true, they aren't like the creatures from the first Hell we've discovered. We can't risk conflict if you somehow antagonize them. We will aim to convince them to become our allies and establish friendly relations." She told him. "Is that clear, Samuel?" She asked.
A few seconds went by. The Earth's leaders waited for Samuel to say something. A few expected him to obey without objection; others anticipated refusal and rebellion. They weren't prepared for the actual response.
It started slow and quiet. Initially, none of the leaders knew what was happening. But then, as it grew and grew until it was booming, they realized what it was. Samuel Hayden was laughing in their faces.
When did Samuel laugh like this last, with his head thrown back without any care? If he had to guess, it was childhood. Since that time, nothing had forced a bellowing chortle from him. Yet the world leaders had managed to do so, and they would soon learn how.
"I...can't...believe it...I...I know now...why it came to this..." Samuel spoke after nearly a minute had passed as he regained his composure. "Throughout my life, there was one question I could never find the answer to. I read every book there was. Drove myself to the brink of madness in search of clarity. Through my work, I hoped to obtain it." He carried on, returning his gaze to the world leaders. "With the discovery of Doom, I assumed humanity's faults were due to the influence and corruption of Demons and Devils. Whispers into our ears that would give them power and strength. But knowing what I do now, I realize that couldn't be farther from the truth. Doom is savage, relentless, evil incarnate. Yet, the powers that command it are not simple-minded or foolish. They're calculative and masterful manipulators. I'd love to challenge their wit with mine if they weren't literal monsters. The same, however, cannot be said for humanity. You, supposed rulers of the Earth, are no exception. I have given you a glimpse of this newly expanded scope of Creation. Instead of amazement and curiosity, you're focused on meaningless details. Of course, you are. You couldn't care less about what any of this means. You only want control and power. Anything else is either a bonus or irrelevant to your interests and goals." He told them.
"Jesus fucking Christ. I was right." The first leader replied. "You have lost it. You're insane, Samuel. Do you even hear yourself?!" He asked.
"I do. After all, I'm the only one with a functioning brain, as it would seem." Samuel answered. He was done being polite; these people didn't deserve his respect. "You're all idiots, impressively incomprehensible morons. We are no longer gazing into the abyss but venturing into it. We are at the precipice of encountering real gods that make those of our imagination seem as mundane as us. Yet, despite this, you still care about all of this drivel. You're still under the delusion that we are anything of value in the grand scheme of it all. When everything is said and done, you think you can make YOUR version of an ideal existence. It's astounding! Such stupidity shouldn't be possible!" He exclaimed before slamming his fist onto his desk. The impact was enough to make a dent. "However, as I have hopefully made it painfully clear with everything I've said, I'm done. I no longer care about what is best for YOU people. I no longer want what is best for OUR species. That mindset is so self-centered, so narrow. Thanks to all that I have learned and how the recent tragedy has humbled me, I realize the pointlessness of my lifelong want. There is no satisfaction or joy in helping a race of creatures so desperate for suicide. Go ahead if you want to kill yourselves or make it easier for the monsters to do it for you. I'm done trying to save you. You're not worth the effort." He concluded.
Before any of the world's leaders could say anything else, Samuel ended the transmission. Was that a bit immature? Perhaps. But Samuel couldn't take any more of their idiocy.
Thinking back on it, they'd always been this way. When the Argent Fracture was discovered to be a connection point between their universe and Doom, so few people fully understood and appreciated what that meant. As time passed, only Samuel seemed to be thinking about the greater picture. He was the sole person who pondered what the discovery of ACTUAL Hell meant and how that changed their understanding of everything.
...No, that's not true. There was one other person. A reflection of Samuel himself. However, that person was gone now. Leaving him alone as the only person who-
Knock Knock
"Samuel?" The voice of Olivia called out from the other side of his office door. It didn't open like normal as he had locked it. "If you're busy, we can talk later. But if possible, I'd like to do so before the others return." She said.
"Of course. Please, come in." Samuel invited as he unlocked the entrance. His tone was back to its usual state; he didn't want to worry her by sounding upset or exhausted.
Once the door was open, Olivia entered the room. Immediately, she noticed the dent in his desk that hadn't been there before. However, she wouldn't say anything, at least not yet. During the two weeks she had spent here with Doomguy and Samuel, she quickly learned what was and wasn't a sensitive topic to try and pry into. That dent fits the category quite nicely.
"Thank you for your time. I'm sure you're busy." Olivia said when she reached his desk.
"Truthfully, it's the opposite," Samuel admitted, putting his hands behind his back. "All I needed to do was prepare another demonstration for the new arrivals." He told her.
"Have you?" Olivia inquired.
"Yes. It's all arranged and ready. Unlike the prior demonstration, we won't use the Grimoire to open a portal. There is a chance the Demons have prepared themselves should we create another rift so soon. Therefore, the gateway will be generated by our technology. At the slightest show of something going wrong, I can sever the connection before the Demons can do anything worthwhile." Samuel explained.
"Out of curiosity, even if something did happen, would there be a legitimate threat? I know we're still figuring things out, but in addition to Doomguy's presence, we'll have Azrael, Gabriel, and potentially Michael, Lucifer, and Lilith. Then there's Charlie, whose power is considerable, as is Alastor's. Wouldn't they alone be enough to ensure everyone's safety?" Olivia asked.
"A fair point. However, the Demons are constantly evolving and adapting. After their latest defeat, I am confident they've already conceived of something neither my partner nor I will expect. We can't afford to be relaxed, even slightly." Samuel answered.
"True. From what I've learned, they're not to be underestimated. Doing so would leave us vulnerable." Olivia agreed.
"That it would," Samuel confirmed with a nod. "Now then, you came to speak with me about something. We should return to that before we become sidetracked." He said.
"Right. Thank you." Olivia responded before proceeding. "I want to talk about the codexes you gave me to read two weeks ago." She stated.
"Is there something wrong with them? Any missing information?" Samuel inquired.
"No, sir. It's as complete as you said it would be." Olivia assured. "However, before the others came and went, there was one collection of codexes I hadn't gotten to yet. During their absence, I've read through them." She informed.
Silence. Tense, uncomfortable silence. Both Olivia and Samuel knew what her statement meant. The last codexes she needed to read contained the full record of the Mars complex tragedy.
With that in mind, Samuel and Olivia were waiting for the other to say something first. Samuel wanted to know the EXACT reason she wanted to discuss it with him. In comparison, Olivia wanted to see how he would react once she shared her newfound knowledge. Neither wanted to be presumptuous with their words relating to what the other was thinking.
Yet, someone needed to end the quiet that had come between them. Since Samuel had gifted the burden of the tragedy to Olivia, he felt it should be him.
"...Olivia." Samuel started as he turned around to look out of his window. "I never thought I'd hear that name so soon. Who could've guessed the second person my associate brought back from your Hell would have that name? For a moment, I wondered if you were her. The chances seemed astronomical that you were a random woman without any relation. At least, that's what went through my mind after you introduced yourself to me." He continued, his gaze now fixated on the Martian landscape. "But, unsurprisingly, it was nothing more than an astounding coincidence. Still, knowing what you do now, you can understand why I reacted the way I did. The memories overwhelmed me in a blinding flash. Accompanying them were all my questions and doubts when the tragedy was underway. Was there something more I could've done? Obviously, but at that time, I allowed myself to be influenced by my history with her. Olivia Pierce was the only person I'd ever met that had the same drive as myself. She was dedicated, enthusiastic, and willing to do whatever it took to achieve her goals.
Regarding Doom, I viewed her escalating zealotry and fanaticism as a necessary behavior, given the work. I managed the UAC and oversaw Argent Energy, with the occasional input and advisory of R&D. Olivia handled nearly all of the experiments, research, Etc. Again, at the time, it made sense to me. There was no avoiding getting our hands dirty to better understand the Demons and how they functioned. A required evil, as it were. But now that my head is clear, I acknowledge the reality. I made excuses. I put too much trust in her. Long before the invasion, I allowed things to go too far.
In the end, that's all it comes down to. Who was ultimately responsible? Was it truly my protégé? Was it me? It'd be the latter if I were permitted to answer that question. I should have never brought her to Mars or approved any experiments with the Demons. I let more than I should have happen under my leadership, whether due to my ego, bias, or both. But that does not excuse or give me the right to be so careless and irresponsible. Yet, I now have a mountain of corpses in my complex because I was. The Demons may have done the killing, but I'm the one who let them in." He told her.
Another period of silence occurred. During it, Samuel kept his back to Olivia. He couldn't look at her, but not because he'd see his former protégé if he did. Now that she knew everything, he expected her to be disgusted and enraged with him. Much like Doomguy when they first met.
Seconds became minutes, and nothing happened. Olivia was still standing there. Samuel knew this since he hadn't heard any footsteps. So, she must've been thinking. Undoubtedly, none of it was good.
Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap Tap
Footsteps. There they were. Olivia casually approached Samuel, soon standing at his side. Both stared out of the window at Mars. The quiet that had come between them lasted a short while longer.
"...You told us the Demons can sense someone who is easily swayed or influenced, possesses a weak character, and has a fragile mental fortitude or resolve. I remember it word-for-word." Olivia began, still keeping her eyes on the horizon. "Honestly, I don't think you made your choice based on bias, Samuel. Regardless of how inflated your sense of self might've been at the time, I'm confident that you were still pragmatic. You chose Olivia because she was qualified. It says as much in the codexes you gave me. Her accolades and accomplishments were nearly on par with yours. If you hadn't been the one to invite her, one of your colleagues or subordinates would've recommended her. However, those only showed what she was capable of intellectually. Nothing written in those codexes explored her personality or mental state all too much. To be more accurate, what they provided was similar to what you said about her. Combine that with your lack of knowledge of Doom and its Demons then, and I'd say their manipulation of her was inevitable." She stated.
"Does that mean, in your opinion, you feel I am not deserving of blame? Be aware I'm not asking to try and avoid receiving it. I only wish to know." Samuel asked.
"No. I do agree with you that you could've done more. But you weren't the only one who made mistakes. The board should've taken action. Those who blindly followed Olivia, and by extension, the Demons, are responsible for their contribution to this disaster. You are not innocent, Samuel. However, that isn't a criticism of your character. No one is flawless or incapable of error. Not even Doomguy, despite him being our closest example of such a person. I mean, take a look at me. I was nice, polite, and respectful my whole life. But then, in the heat of the moment, overcome with anger and sadness, I killed my husband and attempted to do the same to the woman he was cheating on me with. As a result, I ended up in Hell. A lifetime of good choices and behavior was ignored due to one flawed moment. Because of it, I nearly gave up hope that there was any reason to be a decent person.
Yet somehow, for the first time I can recall, I stumbled onto some good luck. Doomguy found and saved me from another death. Afterward, I met you, Samuel. Both of you have done more for me than anyone else. I've said that so many times, but it needs repeating. Unlike my God, you didn't cast me away.
Furthermore, you've allowed me to do something meaningful again. Although you've made mistakes, as everyone does, they shouldn't define who you are. They don't represent you as a person. Regretting the past is unavoidable, but you can't change it. At least, not yet. But maybe in the future, once we've dealt with Doom, you can figure out how to do that. Then you and Doomguy can prevent Doom from becoming a problem for all of us. Until that time comes, focus on moving forward. Learn from what has happened and use that to become better." Olivia answered.
A few seconds went by. Samuel said nothing. But Olivia wasn't worried. She knew he needed to consider everything she told him.
"...I see you're putting your experience as a teacher to good use," Samuel spoke, complimenting her. "Hopefully, you can return to that life when this mess is over. No more Demons or worrying about the fate of Creation. A classroom on a lush green hill, far from any of this." He suggested.
"That sounds lovely," Olivia replied as a smile formed on her face. "However, similarly to your desire to erase your past mistakes, I would be chasing after a life that's already gone. If I ever were to become a teacher again, I'd want it to be somewhere new." She shared.
"Any ideas come to mind?" Samuel inquired.
"As long as you're there, anywhere is perfect," Olivia responded.
It took a few seconds for that to sink in. But not for Samuel. Olivia had replied without giving it much thought at all. Her answer to his question was as honest and natural as it could've possibly been.
Yet when Olivia's mind fully processed the words that left her mouth, her entire body stiffened like a stone, and her face rapidly warmed. It was too romantic and inappropriate in its tone and delivery! Samuel could misinterpret what she meant!
Unfortunately, Olivia wouldn't get the proper chance to explain herself. A notification appeared on Samuel's desktop monitor. It was an automated alert that the Slipgate was being used.
"It looks like the others have returned. I assumed they'd be gone for much longer." Samuel said when he noticed the alert. "Come, Olivia. We shouldn't let them wait for us." He told her before walking away from the window.
Making his way out of his office, Samuel didn't notice that Olivia wasn't following him. His mind was focused on their new visitors and the demonstration that would happen shortly. As for the motionless Sinner, she hadn't realized Samuel was gone yet. Her brain was on fire, set ablaze by the panic brought upon by her misspoken response.
Meanwhile, At The Slipgate...
"Holy fucking shit, you weren't lying..." Blitzo said in disbelief as he looked around at his surroundings.
A massive group of Sinners and Hellspawn, with a few Angels for good measure, entered the Mars complex. The unlikely pair of a heavily-armored mute and an overly-cheery princess led them. Thankfully, little needed to be explained to the new additions due to the silent soldier's interview with a certain Mantis Demon. Nearly everything that had to be shared was written on paper; anything that wasn't was easily covered or would be answered soon enough.
"Idiot! Mind yourself!" Paimon scolded the Imp with a violent glare. "You are in the presence of THREE children of God, his Granddaughter, our QUEEN, and the human who has managed to earn their favor and respect!" He reminded him.
"It's okay, King Paimon," Charlie assured, being so polite as to include his title when addressing him. "We want all of you to react naturally and feel comfortable. Things are only going to intensify from here on out. So, we need to be clear-headed and calm." She told them.
"More intense? Seriously?" Loona skeptically questioned. "You've already given us a lecture; how much more is there?" She asked.
"Uh, were you not listening, teen angst?" Angel Dust challenged with a raised brow. "This shit is MONUMENTAL. It goes BEYOND our Hell and everything we know. Even with a lecture, ain't no way all that shit's getting covered." He said.
"I might have to disagree, Angel. I found Doomguy's writings to be very informative." Alastor chimed in. "Don't you think so too, Katie? Surely what he's given us thus far is enough for a headline?" He inquired.
"Headline? Fuck no. Like what Angel said, this goes WELL beyond that." Katie replied.
"Either way, my point is made!" Alastor triumphantly exclaimed even though he didn't do anything.
Thump Thump Thump Thump
Most of the group recognized that sound. Something heavy was approaching them from within the facility. However, there was no cause for alarm. It was the last peculiar person that the new arrivals needed to meet.
"Greetings, everyone," Samuel spoke once he came into view. The aforementioned new group members all felt shocked seeing such a tall, advanced robot approaching and talking to them. "My name is Samuel Hayden. I am in charge of the Mars complex. I presume that the others have shared some information about me." He stated.
"That they have," Lilith replied as she approached him. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Hayden. I am Lilith. Queen of Hell and Charlie's mother." She introduced herself.
"You need not be so formal, your highness. I am honored to have someone of your standing grace these cold metallic halls." Samuel said.
"Well-spoken and polite. You make a fine first impression, Samuel." Lilith responded, happy to speak more casually with him. "However, if I might impose, I'd like you to drop the formalities as well. If what my Daughter has told me is true, then we are the ones who need your expertise and guidance." She requested.
"If that is what you want, then so be it." Samuel agreed before turning his attention to another of the new faces. "Are you Gabriel, perhaps?" He inquired, speaking to the radiant figure among them.
"Was it my cloak that gave me away? It usually is." Gabriel asked in jest, coming forward so they could speak face-to-face. Or rather, their approximation of that.
"As well as a few other details," Samuel answered as he pointed to his optic. "My sensor can do more than the normal human eye. One such advantage is detecting and assessing types of energy. Yours resembles some of the Angels from your reality we've been able to study. What we currently know to be holy or Divine." He explained.
"Um, excuse me," Michael said, stepping forward. "Pardon my interjection, but I was curious. Are we speaking to you directly, or is this merely a proxy?" He inquired.
"It is me. I'm afraid all that remains of my former self is my cancer-ridden brain. But be assured; it is still me." Samuel told him.
"Oh. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have pried." Michael apologized with a saddened expression. He didn't mean to have him reveal such a sensitive detail.
"Please, an apology is unnecessary. It's not as if you're the one who gave me the disease." Samuel replied.
TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP TAP
A new set of footsteps filled the air as their owner hastily ran toward the group. Within seconds, everyone saw a semi-exhausted Sinner arrive.
"I...am...so sorry...everyone..." Olivia apologized while panting.
"Olivia? Did you just get here? I thought you were behind me?" Samuel asked.
"Sorry...sir...I was...distracted by my thoughts..." Olivia answered, regaining her breath.
"Hm, well, I suppose it's better that you experience such a distraction now and not during the demonstration. I'd like your assistance in explaining everything to our guests. Assuming you'd be comfortable with that." Samuel said.
"Yes, sir! I'd love to!" Olivia enthusiastically agreed, her vigor restored.
"Excuse me, Mister Hayden," Moxxie spoke, gaining the robotic man's attention. "Did we hear you correctly? A demonstration? Of what?" He inquired.
"A fine question to ask, Mister..." Samuel trailed off, waiting for his name.
"Moxxie, sir," Moxxie responded.
"A fine question to ask, Moxxie," Samuel repeated, wanting to address him properly. "Keeping this brief so we don't waste time with unnecessary exposition. We agree that the only way for you to believe what we've shared with you thus far is if you see it yourself. After all, this could be an elaborate ruse despite the grandness of our setting and the technology you see around you. So, if everyone finds it acceptable, we would like to escort you to a separate building in the complex where we can dispel any doubts or uncertainties you may have." He explained.
"I have no objections; irrefutable evidence is precisely what I'm looking for," Gabriel said.
"Likewise. As the Queen of Hell, I must thoroughly look into the alleged existence of another realm." Lilith said.
Looking at the rest of the group, Samuel was met with a unanimous nod of agreement. None would argue or have issues with the Archangel and their Queen's judgment. With that settled, everyone followed Samuel through the facility and to the tram station. Once there, the majority of the group was able to board. A second trip would be necessary to get the rest.
Those who had been here previously weren't as shocked by the Martian terrain. But the new arrivals had the same gasping expressions and widened eyes the others did during their first tram ride. Eventually, everyone gathered again at a new station. From there, they'd continue to follow Samuel as he guided them to an observation room.
As for Doomguy, like last time, he separated from the group to enter the room that would be used for the demonstration.
"Take a seat, whichever you prefer. Or stand, should that be your preference." Samuel invited while gesturing to the empty chairs.
"Excuse me, sir," Millie spoke as she and her husband sat in the front row. Those on the shorter side needed to be there. Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to see a thing. "What exactly are we going to be watching? It'd be nice to know and not be completely surprised." She asked.
"For your viewing pleasure, you'll witness one of Doom's Demons alive and well. But do not be worried. The creature won't be alive long enough to pose any threat. The room you see through the glass has several security precautions. If ANYTHING abnormal occurs, your safety takes priority, and the issue will be efficiently sorted." Samuel answered.
"Is one of them that armored man, by chance?" Stella inquired. She made sure several people were separating her from her husband AND that he sat in a different row than her.
"Oh, yes. If anything, all of the measures I've taken will be wasted effort on my part. My associate is quite skilled at dealing with Demonic problems." Samuel confirmed.
"Man. Between this and all that shit we read back at the hotel, this guy must be the real deal," Blitzo commented. "That, or you're blowing smoke out of your ass." He added as an alternative explanation.
SMACK
Paimon, seated behind the Imp and his son to ensure their behavior, slapped the horned Hellspawn to bring him back in line. After that, there weren't any more questions or colorful commentary from anyone. All that was left was to get things underway.
"Olivia," Samuel spoke as he turned toward the glass. "While I begin the sequence to open a portal below, could you tell everyone what to expect?" He requested.
"Of course, sir." Olivia accepted, now facing the group. "Doctor Hayden is preparing to establish a connection between this reality and Doom via a rift created by his technology. However, the gateway's location is random. The most important reason behind this decision is to ensure Doom's denizens cannot prepare an invasion force of considerable size. This does mean we might have to wait a few minutes before one or multiple creatures discover it. When this happens, they will come through to our side. Upon arrival, Doomguy, the armored man you've met, will dispatch them. Be warned; this demonstration will be immensely graphic. If at any point you are distressed or nauseated by what you see, speak up, and I will escort you to a nearby medical office." She told them. "Any questions while there is still time?" She asked.
To no surprise, everyone stayed quiet. There'd been enough questions up until now. What the uncertain and curious among the group wanted was clarity. So, they'd hold their tongues, hoping this wasn't a farce.
"We're ready," Samuel informed everyone before switching to his commlink with Doomguy. "I'm opening the portal now." He said.
Receiving Samuel loud and clear, Doomguy nodded, knowing he could be seen from where the Doctor stood. After a few more seconds, a few feet away from the space marine, a light blue portal appeared. Slowly growing in size and becoming less transparent as the connection stabilized, everyone eagerly and anxiously anticipated whatever was to come through. Even with some knowledge of Doom's beasts, their imaginations ran wild.
Seconds. Minutes. They both passed without anything happening. Yet, as Olivia said, this could take a bit. For all they knew, Samuel's random choice could've been in the most barren location of Doom.
But then, something happened. It was so fast that you'd miss it if you blinked. Of everything everyone expected, including Samuel and Doomguy, they would've never foreseen this.
FWOOM
From within the portal, a massive arm shot forward. It was bigger than anyone present by a large margin. Its skin was as black as obsidian and looked like armor. The most eye-catching detail was an equally sizeable blade on the forearm.
However, it didn't strike Doomguy. Instead, the hand at the end of the arm, which was open, closed itself around his body. After that, the arm withdrew into the portal with the same speed it traveled when it appeared. Leaving everyone who remained in the observation room speechless.