"What's taking them so long?" Michael wondered aloud as he looked at the elevator.
It'd been some time since the others descended to follow Samuel, Gabriel, and the injured Doomguy. Michael, Lilith, the Goetias, and I.M.P. remained where they were so as not to overcrowd the room where the space marine was being treated. However, Samuel had returned with Olivia by his side in that span. He told them that he and she would get work on Doomguy's equipment if it could be salvaged.
This then led to the question that the Angel posed. Why were the others remaining in a lower part of the facility? The only logical deduction would be that they were having a discussion. But about what?
"I'm sure they're focused on Doomguy's condition," Lilith said. "After all, he did fall into an ocean of acid." She reminded.
"Right, but Samuel told us he was better now. So, they have to be talking about something..." Michael argued, mumbling the last bit.
As the Angel busied himself with his thoughts, a certain Imp was doing his best to sneakily approach the elevator. Unfortunately, he was noticed.
"What do you think you're doing?" The cold voice of Paimon inquired, forcing the lanky fellow to halt.
"Well, I just figured we could see what's keeping them. No reason we can't, right?" Blitzo responded with a nervous grin.
"Our Queen advised that we remain here. I know you don't have a brain in the cavity of your skull, but still, do try to THINK a LITTLE." Paimon scolded him.
Normally, Blitzo would have some wisecrack or smartass thing to say. But, ignoring the overall situation, he wasn't dumb or suicidal enough to get a rise out of Paimon. However, before he could turn around and rejoin the group, everyone noticed that the elevator had been called. In the seconds that followed, they waited to see who was returning.
Yet, when the lift reached its destination and the doors opened, everyone present was stunned. Inside the elevator was a human man. He stood at six-foot-six, was Caucasian, and possessed a REMARKABLE physique. None of them, not even Lilith, had seen such a beautifully sculpted body in their life.
Although, upon further inspection, they noticed that this glorious form was COVERED in scars. Scratches. Burns. Stab wounds. Severe bruising. The list went on. Each one told a story. Combined, they painted a picture of a life with little reprieve from conflict and violence.
Of course, there were other details beyond the physique and its amassed history of injuries. For example, his face and head. Regarding the former, this man looked like a MAN. An unwavering focus in his piercing green eyes. An expression that showed determination and resolve. With even a passing glance, you could tell he was a soldier.
As for the latter, the man's head had a peculiar shape, almost cube-like. However, that was mainly due to his IMPRESSIVE jawline. The strength it exuded was great enough to shatter steel. At least, that's what came into the others' minds. Like his expression and gaze, the man's head was befitting a warrior. The short and well-kept brown hair on his head was evidence of that as well. It couldn't be grabbed by keeping it at that length, meaning it wouldn't be a liability in combat.
However, among these established details, another swiftly grabbed everyone's attention after they stared at the man for a few seconds. For the Imps present, who were the shortest, they noticed it IMMEDIATELY. Because of their height, they were at eye level with this detail. So, they quickly realized this man was only dressed in a set of boxers. A VERY well-fit pair of undergarments.
The group silently stared with widened eyes at this man for a full minute. As for the man, he returned their stare and didn't move because he was expecting them to say or do something. Why else would they be so fixated on him? Yet, as nothing continued to transpire, the man took his leave.
"...Was...Was that..." Michael barely spoke. His mind, like the others, was trying to process what they'd seen.
"It...had to be...there's no one else..." Lilith spoke, a bit better off than her Brother-In-Law but still shocked.
"...I wonder if his dick is as scarred as his body?" Blitzo asked as he folded his arms. His mind, unsurprisingly, focused on THAT of all things. "I mean, the Demons have had to go for his junk at some point, right? So, do you think it's messed up or-"
THUD
That sound resulted from Blitzo having his head shoved into the floor by Paimon. The entire skull, including the horns, was now deep within the ground. An impressive display from the Noble since the floor was made of metal.
Elsewhere, In A Different Part Of The Complex...
The Foundry. The main means of production for the Mars complex. If something needed to be made, it was done here. So, what better place was there for Samuel and Olivia to tend to Doomguy's suit?
Despite knowing about the facility due to her codexes, Olivia was still amazed by its scale. Massive pools and waterfalls of magma contrasted well with the industrial atmosphere of the building. Large turbines were used to keep it at a suitable temperature, and countless drones filled the air as they went about their tasks assigned by Samuel. With all of this at his disposal, it was no wonder he restored the complex so efficiently.
"Impressed?" Samuel inquired as the two walked through a series of bridges over the magma. "I couldn't help but notice that look on your face. It's been there ever since we arrived." He added.
"Sorry." Olivia apologized with an embarrassed smile and a small blush. "I've been so busy studying these past weeks that I haven't explored the complex. So, this is my first time seeing it in motion like this. It's impressive beyond words." She told him.
"I agree. It reminds me of simpler times when everyone was focused on saving humanity. There was a palpable excitement in the air. Everyone's minds and imaginations raced with endless possibilities. Nearly every day, there was a breakthrough or discovery." Samuel said.
"Would...they have been ecstatic about us, sir?" Olivia asked with slight hesitation. Now aware of what happened, she was hyper-cautious about any questions regarding the past.
"Absolutely. I don't doubt that my employees would've had the same enthusiasm as when we found my partner. It would've been nice to see." Samuel answered.
Afterward, Olivia became quiet. Although Samuel didn't sound sad in his tone, she didn't want to make things awkward by talking about life before the invasion. Still, she was grateful for the conversation and his allowance to speak about it.
Eventually, the duo found themselves in a specific room of the Foundry. Here, weapons and armor for the UAC's former security would've been made.
"Alright. Let's assess the damage." Samuel stated, followed by him placing what little there was of the space marine's suit onto a table.
An overhead device began scanning the remains once they were placed. After a few seconds, a holographic display appeared for the duo to see.
"Oh! Look at that!" Olivia was quick to exclaim as she pointed at a particular part of the information shown. "If I'm not mistaken, the suit's storage is still intact." She said.
"Well, I'll be damned," Samuel responded, astonished by its survival. "It seems a great deal of care was put into its construction. It's still damaged, but compared to everything else, its resilience is impressive." He stated.
"On that subject, sir." Olivia started while looking at him. "Who made this suit? Was it Doomguy?" She inquired.
"I don't know. That's one mystery we've still not solved." Samuel confessed while interacting with the display to see the rest of the information. "I'd guess it was my partner if not for one specific component." He admitted.
"The soul capture functionality?" Olivia guessed.
"Correct. His conflict with the Demons wouldn't grant him an understanding of their technology. Even if he took time to study the augmented members of Doom's forces, that wouldn't help him to conceive this. Someone with remarkable intelligence and knowledge of souls and their properties created it." Samuel told her.
"But...that would mean Doomguy encountered someone who helped him. When could that have happened? Who could it have been?" Olivia questioned.
Before Samuel could offer a reply, the door to the room opened. When the duo heard this, they turned their heads to look to see who could've arrived. Of course, it was Doomguy. But when Olivia realized this, her eyes shot open, and her pink face turned red.
"D-DOOMGUY!?" Olivia shouted in alarm. Her amazement that she was seeing him without his suit (despite having done so earlier and not processing it like the others) conflicted with the fact that he was almost NAKED.
"Could you not have dressed before coming here?" Samuel asked. He'd seen Doomguy like this before when the sarcophagus was opened and several times after when he was studied. So, unlike everyone else, he didn't react.
In response to Samuel's question, Doomguy approached. This worsened Olivia's flustered state. Upon reaching the mechanical man, the space marine held up the PDA still in his possession. He wrote what he needed to say during the tram ride here.
"...I see," Samuel said after reading the message. "I appreciate you asking for permission. I also understand the hesitation. However, I agree with the decision to use the materials. We can't be reserved about the severity of Doom. I'll get all of it ready for use." He told him.
In reply, Doomguy nodded his head. Additionally, for a brief moment, his expression softened. It was a mixture of appreciation and empathy. Afterward, he'd depart just as swiftly as he had arrived.
"Stop by the personnel building and put some clothes on! You'll make things awkward for the others if you don't!" Samuel called out to him, receiving a wave of the hand from Doomguy to convey he was heard.
"Sir?" Olivia spoke to get his attention. She calmed herself down after hearing what Samuel said when he read Doomguy's message. "What was that about? Is everything okay?" She asked.
"The others were concerned about those in your reality's Heaven and Hell not believing us even with the children of God confirming it's all true. So, they asked if they could have access to more of our evidence. My partner was worried about the sensitive nature of the articles." Samuel answered.
"Sensitive, how?" Olivia pressed, hoping she wasn't being nosey.
"The materials are quite graphic. They show the Demons behaving as you'd expect. Part of our research was to see how they would kill their prey. So, we created experiments where dummies filled with meat were used as targets for them. The rest should be obvious." Samuel explained.
"Ah. That makes sense. Imagining those creatures tearing anything apart, meat or not, would be distressing. I assume it'd be nothing less than ravenous." Olivia said.
"That it would," Samuel confirmed. "Now then, shall we continue with our work?" He suggested.
"On your lead, sir," Olivia responded with a smile.
Samuel contemplated if he'd made the right choice as the duo set themselves to their task. He didn't want to lie to Olivia but didn't want to upset her. Ultimately, he decided to make it a problem for his future self. Hopefully, though, she will understand his reasoning when the time comes.
Back At The Office Building...
"WAKE UP, MAN!" Angel Dust shouted while violently shaking the still unconscious Blitzo.
Not long after Doomguy's departure, those below returned to the group on the main floor. When everyone was present, they began to discuss the shocking reveal of the space marine's appearance. To Angel Dust's dismay, neither Michael, Lilith, the Goetias, nor the conscious members of I.M.P. would tell him anything about Doomguy's lower half out of basic-level decency. Leaving Blitzo as his only hope.
"You do realize if that idiot opens his mouth again, I WILL rip out his tongue, right?" Paimon asked with a raised brow. Under NO circumstances would he allow this fool to shame them by talking about another man's genitals.
"I might do the same to Angel if he doesn't extinguish his burning loins," Vagatha commented. Annoyed and disgusted by the Spider Demon's behavior.
"DON'T YOU DARE JUDGE ME!" Angel Dust shouted angrily at the Latina before resuming his shaking of the Imp.
As the arachnid continued his desperate attempt to obtain information about Doomguy's nether region, the others were focused on non-perverse topics.
"Really? There were that many scars?" Charlie asked with a pained expression.
"Mhm. I don't think there's an inch on him that isn't scarred." Moxxie confirmed with a nod.
"I've seen my fair share of nasty wounds and reminders, caused a lot too, but nothing compares to what he's got." Millie chimed in. Her profession as an assassin made her a sort of expert concerning injuries.
"The guy looks like if a battlefield came to life. If we were told he's fought in a hundred different wars, we'd believe it." Loona commented.
"I wonder if he's in pain?" Nifty asked, her expression similar to Charlie's.
"He says he doesn't know," Charlie answered, remembering when they first met. "Olivia and I, after we saw the scars on his forearm, asked if they still hurt. He told us through sign that he wasn't sure if the pain was gone or if he'd just gotten used to it. He could constantly be suffering yet doesn't register it anymore." She explained.
"Although tragic, it does add more significance to Doom," Gabriel mentioned as he crossed his arms. "Doomguy has been fighting them all this time, but they're no worse for wear like him." He stated.
"Counterpoint, the Demons needed to seal him away." Alastor reminded everyone.
"Yeah, but that was mainly so they could figure out how to kill him. Considering the Demons managed to ambush him like this, which Samuel said wasn't normal, they're already smarter than when Doomguy fought them during the invasion. It makes you wonder what else they're cooking." Katie argued.
"Nothing pleasant, that's for certain," Azrael replied with a slight sneer; just thinking about those monsters irritated her. "But we should wait to talk about that with Lucifer. Right now, let's be grateful that Doomguy and Gabriel were able to return from that wretched place." She said.
Thump Thump Thump Thump
That sound was almost the same as Doomguy's footsteps. What made it different was that it sounded like a normal albeit heavy pair of boots instead of ones made of metal. When this noise reached everyone's ears, they followed it out of the hallway they were grouped to the main area. There, they'd see something that could be added to the growing list of surprises formed over the last few hours.
Approaching the main area from the tram station was Doomguy. Sadly, for a particular spider, he was clothed. On his torso was a gray-colored form-fitting shirt with "U.A.C." written over the right breast in black lettering. His legs were concealed with green military pants, and his feet wore brown military boots, which matched the brown fingerless gloves on his hands.
In short, Doomguy now, more so than with his hi-tech suit, was the perfect image of a soldier. He looked like he was about to do drills or prepare for deployment. If the latter were true, Charlie would surely have a fit.
"NO!" Angel Dust cried out before falling to his knees. His face was planted against the floor, and his hands were balled into fists.
Seeing this, Doomguy stopped walking. First, he looked at the despaired Demon. Then, he moved his gaze to the others for an explanation. A noticeable confusion was present in his features.
"He's torn up because he didn't get a good look at your crotch," Cherri informed him with an amused smirk.
"Yeah, he's a dumbass," Vagatha said while looking down at Angel Dust. "So, this is you, huh?" She asked, returning her focus to the space marine.
In response, Doomguy nodded. Following that, he came closer so everyone could get a good look at him and get used to his appearance.
"I won't lie. You've got one hell of a jaw." Husk complimented Doomguy as he was observed.
"I think his eyes are more striking. They say so much the longer you look at them." Alastor commented.
"You'd think that his suit made up SOME of his muscles. Like armor plating or something..." Katie said. Although not as unabashedly horny as Angel Dust, she couldn't keep herself from "appreciating" Doomguy's physique.
"Alright, alright. I think that's enough ogling." Lilith told everyone while moving to stand beside the space marine. "Angel, please, pick yourself up." She requested while lightly nudging the Spider Demon with her foot.
"It's not fair..." Angel Dust whined, slowly getting back to his feet. "It was right there...and I didn't notice..." He carried on.
"Consider yourself fortunate. If Blitzy hadn't paid so much attention to that part of Doomguy's body, I wouldn't be holding him in my arms right now." Stolas responded. The duty of carrying the limp Imp fell onto him.
"Ahem." Lilith cleared her throat, regaining the attention. "Now that we're mostly gathered, I believe it's time we get our next course of action sorted. We have a general idea, but we must ensure we have a concrete plan and everyone knows their role." She stated.
"Pardon the interruption," Katie interjected while slightly raising her hand. "I'd just like to ask Doomguy about the information he went to see Samuel for." She said.
In response, Doomguy removed Olivia's PDA from his pants pocket and began typing.
"He's going to get it for us. He agrees that it's necessary." Doomguy wrote.
"Okay. Thank you." Katie said once she read it. "With that in mind, I'll wait to work on my broadcast preparations until I have the info in hand." She told them.
"What about your co-anchor? Won't he need to be informed?" Vagatha inquired.
"If Tom knows what's good for him, he won't object when I say I have a scoop," Katie replied with a toothy smirk.
"Snarkiness aside, I am ready to give a radio broadcast whenever desired," Alastor said before looking at the Mantis Demon. "Would you prefer us to be simultaneous? Or should I go first or second?" He asked.
"Hm, good question..." Katie hummed, giving it some thought. "I think you could reinforce the information. We do an initial broadcast with me via television, complete with video evidence for ultimate shock value. Then, with his colorful tongue and varied vocabulary, the Radio Demon can expand on what the people have been told. It might get into the territory of fear-mongering and preying on their imaginations, but that would admittedly benefit us." She suggested.
"I concur. Besides, if I wait to do my transmissions in the evening, it'll be a chilling tale for any listener. With the images of the Demons from their TVs, they'll see the monsters in every shadow. Any thumps in the night might be perceived as the footsteps of a brute. Again, as you say, that would be exploiting their anxieties. But it would ensure no one takes the information lightly, and it becomes the only thing anyone is talking about." Alastor agreed.
"Alright, then. That's settled." Katie said as she held out her hand.
"That it is. Well done, Miss Killjoy." Alastor responded while taking her hand and shaking it.
"Hold on," Cherri interjected. "What the fuck is this? You two were at each other's throats downstairs. Now you're suddenly buddy-buddy?" She questioned.
"Oh, please. We still hate one another. But this is business. Plus, we're not going to fuck everything up to mess with the other. That's some petty novice-level shit." Katie told her as their handshake ended.
"I couldn't have said it better myself. We'll have plenty of time to one-up each other. Right now, we need to be focused on the situation and nothing else." Alastor stated.
"I'm genuinely glad to hear that," Lilith confessed while breathing a sigh of relief. "It's no secret that we all have our preferred way of getting things done. Knowing that we won't allow that to affect our responsibilities is comforting." She said.
"On that note," Paimon spoke up. "Your majesty, what would you have me do? To be honest, I'm not sure there's much I can contribute. My influence is mainly in Noble society. But, in that regard, you have FAR more sway than myself." He asked.
"Although a fair point, I would still like the Goetia family to handle the Nobility and Overlords. I, Lucifer, Charlie, Gabriel, Michael, and Azrael will be far too busy with our family and managing the reaction of Heaven and Hell to deal with anything else. Additionally, there is the elephant in the room." Lilith answered
"You mean God? You know, Mister-All-Knowing, who hasn't said or done anything since this shit all started?" Husk guessed.
"Yes, precisely," Lilith confirmed with a nod.
"Lilith," Gabriel spoke to get her attention. "If it would be of no issue, I'd like to try and talk with my Father before we do anything. If we can convince him to join in our efforts, then all of the plans we're making won't be needed." He proposed.
"Are you sure, Gabriel?" Azrael inquired. "Father has always been insistent on not getting involved. I realize that these circumstances are BEYOND exceptional, but still." She said.
"Yeah, Gabriel." Michael joined in. "You said so yourself. If Father felt he was needed, he would've gotten involved already. You know he's quite sensitive when it comes to these matters." He reminded.
"Forgive my bluntness, but to take a page from Lucifer's book, I don't give a damn." Gabriel firmly responded with a serious glare. "This is not a group of Demons getting rambunctious. Nor is it a scenario where Divine intervention to save mortals from themselves is being debated. Doom is an evil that must be dealt with." He stated before looking at Doomguy. "Should I need any assistance, I shall bring Doomguy with me. I believe his favoritism for the direct approach would be very useful." He said.
In reply, Doomguy gave the Archangel a thumbs up. Gabriel helped extract him from Doom. The space marine owed him one. Plus, Doomguy was growing fond of him.
"Hopefully, storming the Ivory Tower won't be required," Lilith spoke, regaining control over the conversation. "Before we move on, I just want to confirm with you, Paimon, that you won't mind bearing the brunt of the Nobles and Overlords as we handle our kin, Heaven, and Hell." She said, focusing back on the Owl Demon.
"Of course not, your grace," Paimon replied with a bow. "However, I feel myself and my family are not as well informed as the rest of you. Would it be possible to receive the same amount of information that the rest of you have? So that way, we'll be better prepared?" He requested.
"Is that possible?" Lilith asked, speaking to Doomguy.
In response, the space marine typed the following message on the PDA: "It'd be difficult to convey everything in a few pages or books. The others have had time to process everything and discuss it with Samuel or me. So, they can only be properly prepared if they talk to either of us."
"I see. Well then, Doomguy, would you mind?" Lilith asked.
"No. It shouldn't take long." Doomguy wrote.
"Thank you," Lilith said with a smile before returning to Paimon. "Would it be of any issue for Doomguy to stay with all of you? Just until he's certain, you're ready?" She inquired.
"Not at all. The Goetia gladly welcomes you." Paimon told Doomguy, receiving a nod of gratitude from him.
"Wait!" Charlie interjected, much to her mother's surprise. "Doomguy's meant to be resting. Since Uncle Gabriel will be busy dealing with Grandpa after we see Dad again, he should use this time to recover from what happened earlier." She stated.
"Do not worry, Princess," Stella responded. "I give you my word that he will want for nothing while in our company. And I also promise my Husband's failings will not be an issue for any of us moving forward." She assured.
"Hmph, just HAD to get one in there, didn't you..." Stolas grumbled. Although, he was aware that if he hadn't been so careless with the Grimoire, the Goetias wouldn't be involved like this.
"Well, I suppose..." Charlie hesitantly agreed. It wasn't that she didn't trust Stella; she just wanted to get started on her self-given goal of helping Doomguy.
"Good. Then everything's arranged." Lilith decided. "Katie will get to work at her station. Alastor will be on standby for the radios. The Goetias will handle the Nobility while receiving education on Doom from Doomguy. And our family will attend to the realms and other related matters." She listed. "Is there anything else?" She asked.
"Yeah, over here." Angel Dust called out. "What I want to know is, what are the rest of us supposed to do? I know we don't have influence, connections, or power like the rest of you. But we still want to help the big guy however we can." He said.
"Yeah! What can we do?" Nifty joined in with a surprising amount of fire in her eye.
"Hmm, I'm not sure. And I promise I don't intend that to sound as rude as it does." Lilith admitted with an apology.
"Hey," Cherri spoke up. "I've got a suggestion. What if all of us do crowd work? Think about it. Vaggie and Husk got the hotel on lockdown. They can spread the word to the guests and get things going there. Me, Angel, and Nifty could hit the streets. I got my gang, who could help us out. Plus, when the news breaks, everyone will have questions. So, we make some flyers or some shit like that and spread'em around when the time is right. Do you want enlightenment? Head to the Happy Hotel. We'll get you set up." She suggested.
"Damn, Cher, that's some good thinking." Angel Dust praised her.
"Yeah. It is." Vagatha agreed. "We could, in a sense, turn the hotel into our operations hub. It'll be easier to manage if we have a definitive central location that everyone can visit. Compared to the Royal castle or even the Goetia estate, they're not built to accommodate much foot traffic." She said.
"Plus, I won't have to leave my bar. Which is nice." Husk chimed in. Grateful for any chance to not do much.
"That sounds perfect." Lilith agreed with an ecstatic smile. "Do you have any objections?" She asked, speaking to Doomguy. To which she received a simple headshake.
With that, this meeting was adjourned. Samuel and Olivia would be occupied for an unknowable amount of time attending to Doomguy's suit and equipment. So, everyone headed for the Slipgate, which the space marine could operate. They'd start their tasks, then contact Samuel later to let him know how things were progressing and reconvene.