The Devil. A robotic scientist. A former school teacher. This unlikely trio was gathered in Samuel's office. For a while now, they'd been thoroughly discussing the situation of the world leaders in this reality, branding Samuel Hayden as enemy number one.
With Lucifer and Olivia being outsiders in the most extreme definition possible, Samuel had to get them up to speed on humanity's situation. First and foremost, the energy crisis. Olivia already knew a fair bit due to the codexes she had received. Even so, the former teacher and the Devil immensely enjoyed having such a detailed summary of humanity's growing struggles and how the UAC, mainly Samuel, solved them through Argent Energy.
However, one of the casualties of Doom's invasion was the destruction of the filtration system and severe damage done to the tower by Olivia Pierce. Admittedly, some of those problems WERE caused by a certain angry space marine, but that was water under the bridge by now. Additionally, Lucifer did comment on the incredible coincidence of Olivia sharing a name with the former protégé of Samuel, which they had previously discussed.
Returning to the matter at hand, Samuel assured Lucifer and Olivia that he wasn't planning to keep the production of Argent Energy offline. Yes, he knew his partner would be STRONGLY against it. However, humanity's stockpile of Argent Energy sources, such as batteries and other similar things, would run out in months. Doom, of course, was the priority overall. Yet Samuel, despite what he told the world leaders, wouldn't let billions of lives across the solar system suffer. His grievances were with them, not the innocent people who were completely unaware.
As such, Samuel proposed an immediate restoration of the Argent Energy stream. The filtration system was fully repaired by now. The tower needed more work, but if Samuel prioritized it, it'd be done in a few days. He hoped restoring the stream would reassure humanity that he had not abandoned them and was not a threat.
Undoubtedly, the world leaders AND the UAC were already painting him in the public eye as a villain with a god complex. Once those marines Lucifer scared the ever-loving shit out of got back to Earth, hoo boy, that would only make it harder to maintain credibility and trust with the masses. But Samuel stressed that he was still grateful for the Devil's assistance and that there were no ill feelings about his methods.
However, this led to their next big concern. The world leaders had only sent a fairly sizable squad of marines this time. After those rattled soldiers returned home and shared their experience, a FAR greater force would be sent. Additionally, they'd likely be permitted to forgo an attempt at a peaceful resolution and go straight into violence. It was this point that the trio were currently discussing.
"I could provide an army." Lucifer offered. He was standing while Olivia took the seat opposite Samuel. She tried to decline, but the Devil refused. Now, of all times, he chose to behave like a proper gentleman.
"I fear that would only escalate things further," Samuel replied. "Could you provide conjurers? No amount of man-made weaponry would be capable of breaking through a barrier of Arcane energy." He inquired.
"I might. Emphasis on MIGHT. Our best bet would be to gather several magical items that wouldn't require constant attention." Lucifer responded.
"If I may?" Olivia requested while raising her hand. "Sir, what if we employed the assistance of the facilities on Mars' moons? Surely they would know that you haven't become a terrorist." She proposed.
"I've considered the possibility. If we can contact them, they could be a viable aid. However, that's assuming the UAC leaders on Earth haven't already spoken to the outposts and informed them of my so-called betrayal. If they have, I doubt we'll even get a transmission through." Samuel said.
"What about Doomguy?" Lucifer suggested. "He'd be able to rough'em up without killing anyone. Plus, there's nothing they could do to harm the man. He'd be the perfect solution." He reasoned.
"While true, I don't know how well he'd fare against aerial bombardment. My associate is durable, but he's not invincible. A few payloads of explosives or barrages of focused plasma beams and he'd die like anyone else." Samuel stated.
"Although I'm not suggesting we use such a weapon against the soldiers, DOES one exist? A weapon so powerful that regardless of number, neither the world leaders nor UAC would feel comfortable challenging it?" Olivia asked.
"Hmm...I believe Phobos was working on something to that effect. For what purpose? I do not know. I didn't look into it too much because I wasn't interested in developing weapons. That was the board's desire, to take Argent Energy and use it to solidify humanity's strength in the universe. With the BFG's conception, I can't deny the effectiveness of such a use for my creation. Yet, I still do not approve in the slightest. Argent Energy is meant to HELP people, NOT make it easier to kill them." Samuel answered. A palpable disdain was in his voice near the end.
"Sadly, it seems we may have to. Assuming we can get Phobos on our side. You may as well try and call them now. If we can't get through, then that's that. We'll be able to cross them off our list of options." Lucifer told him.
Agreeing with that logic, Samuel turned his attention to his monitor. He received an alert notification as he tried to establish a commlink with Phobos, interrupting the process.
"What's going on?" Olivia inquired. She and Lucifer heard a sharp noise, typically associated with urgency, come from the computer.
"...Someone's attempting to connect to the Slipgate." Samuel started, studying the information appearing on his screen. "And when I say someone, I mean an actual individual using an unknown apparatus. This isn't a trick by the Demons." He clarified.
For a moment, Lucifer and Olivia said nothing. This unexpected occurrence was equally shocking and confusing. Who other than the UAC had the technology to do this?
"Should...we allow it?" Lucifer asked, being the first to speak. "How dangerous is this?" He added.
"Yes, we should," Samuel answered, surprising them both. "The only way someone could try this is if they knew the Slipgate's coordinates and how to connect to it. Only one person comes to mind." He explained before heading for the exit.
"But Doomguy doesn't have his suit. How is he doing this?" Olivia inquired as she and Lucifer followed.
"Perhaps it's the aid of the Divine," Samuel said, hoping they'd understand his meaning.
"...It couldn't be..." Lucifer quietly muttered in disbelief. "Are you saying...that it could be my Father?..." He questioned.
"That's the only explanation that makes sense. Of the information we possess, God is the only one who, in theory, would be capable of this action. If you have any other ideas, please, share them before we reach the Slipgate." Samuel replied, ending with a request.
"If it is God, why use a machine?" Olivia pondered aloud, hoping to hear their thoughts.
"Should God not be as powerful as assumed, then it works out. If he is, he may not be able to open a portal to a location outside his influence or where he's never been." Samuel proposed.
"That does poke holes in the "All-Powerful" image my Father has crafted, though," Lucifer noted.
"Speaking of, how are you feeling, sir?" Olivia asked.
"For starters, don't feel the need to call me sir. Call me Lucifer; I'd prefer it." Lucifer said with a smile. "As for your question, I'm remaining neutral. Everything I've learned from Samuel has proven one thing to be true; my Father is a liar. To what extent? We'll find out. However, I will not judge him until I know the story. I'd be a proper bastard if I preemptively decided he had NO justifiable reasons for his actions." He answered.
"Huh, surprisingly level-headed..." Olivia unintentionally mumbled. Afterward, she flailed with an embarrassed blush on her face. "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to...I mean...it was..." She stuttered.
"It's alright. I understand." Lucifer assured the flustered Sinner. "Ask my Wife; she'll attest. I don't always have a cool head. However, letting ego or fragile feelings cause problems for us would be miserable. Even if I get angry, I'll try with all my willpower to remain civil." He stated.
"Don't be concerned for us. This, for you, is a family matter. Although Doom is the reason for these revelations, that doesn't take away the personal nature it has for you and your kin. If we should learn something upsetting, don't force yourself to contain your natural reaction. We won't think less of you." Samuel responded.
"That's very considerate of you to say. Thank you." Lucifer said with another smile.
A few minutes later, the trio arrived at the Slipgate. After Samuel interacted with it, a portal would appear. It wasn't the usual blue color that everyone had come to know. Instead, it was golden.
From within, two people would emerge. Doomguy, and another. The second entity, a fusion of flesh and metal, appeared alongside the space marine. As Lucifer and Olivia were overcome with shock, Samuel was unaffected. Nothing surprised him anymore after his experiences with Doom and discovering a new reality.
"Greetings," Samuel spoke while extending a hand toward the entity. "I am Doctor Samuel Hayden. I'm in charge of the Mars complex and its associated facilities." He introduced himself.
"Hello. It's a pleasure, Mister Hayden. I've observed you ever since you discovered Doom's existence." The entity responded as it took his hand and shook it. "My name is Samur Maykr. However, you'd know me better as the presumed God of Creation." It stated.
THUNK
That was the sound of Lucifer's cane falling from his grasp. If Olivia were holding anything, she would've dropped it too. Both stared, frozen like statues, at this creature. This was God? This was Lucifer's Father?
"I know. You have questions." Samur started, now facing them. "If you allow me, I'd happily answer all of them." He told them.
"Of course." Samuel welcomed without hesitation. Again, unaffected by this reveal. "Let's return to my office. It'll be more comfortable there." He suggested.
Following that, everyone went to Samuel's office to listen to Samur. However, Doomguy would assist Lucifer and Olivia. He'd also pick up the Devil's cane for added consideration points.
Meanwhile, In Hell...
"You didn't have to come home with me," Paimon said while exiting a limousine. "Really. You didn't." He stressed.
The meeting with Asmodeus and...ugh...his boyfriend went well. Honestly, better than any of Paimon's expectations. What he didn't predict or assume was the outcome. Asmodeus, out of sheer gratitude for being allowed to be involved with something of this magnitude, wanted to contribute to the gala. That's...just...so...nice of him...
"Paimon, this is the third time you've said that," Asmodeus replied while he and Fizzarolli exited the vehicle. "I'm starting to think you don't want us here." He told him.
"...No...not at all..." Paimon lied through the single most forced smile of his entire existence. "It's just...you'll already have SO much on your plate dealing with the people of your Ring and attending the gala as honored guests. I don't see a reason to burden you with party planning." He explained, masterfully as ever.
"Aw, that's so sweet of you to be so concerned," Asmodeus responded with an appreciative smile. It seemed that most of his brain was disabled when he wasn't being plowed or doing the plowing. That was Paimon's perception, anyway. "But don't worry P. I am SO used to dealing with hectic organization issues. I'll get my best decorators on speed dial. I just need to see the party space first." He assured.
"Plus, you've got me! And I'm a RIOT at ANY event!" Fizzarolli exclaimed with a grin.
"...Yippee..." Paimon said with another fake smile. This time he added two thumbs up.
With that conversation over, the trio headed into the manor. Upon entry, Paimon noticed a peculiar absence of noise.
"Stella? Octavia?" Paimon called. His Son being left out was not by accident.
Instantly, the trio heard a pair of footsteps. As they looked in the direction the sound came from; they saw an Imp butler approaching.
"Hello, sir." The butler greeted with a bow. "Apologies for the silence. Everyone left due to emergency business brought upon by the arrival of Gabriel." He informed them.
"NO. SHIT. THE ARCHANGEL WAS HERE?!" Asmodeus shouted in excitement. Both he and Fizzarolli began looking around to see if they could find a trace of him.
For a moment, the butler said nothing. He looked to Paimon for confirmation that it would be acceptable to continue.
"They're filled in. Mostly. You can proceed." Paimon permitted.
"Very good, sir." The butler replied before continuing. "Everyone was whisked away to Heaven. God wanted to speak to them. However, your Son is here since he was out in the city when Gabriel arrived. He had gone out on business related to the gala. At least, that's what the only other person who's been here implied." He stated.
"And who was this person?" Paimon inquired.
"She introduced herself as Velvette of the three Vs. To my knowledge, they're a group of Sinners who've reached Overlord status. She claimed your Son had sought her talents in potion making and other similar fields. He confirmed this himself after being informed of her arrival." The butler explained.
...Okay. What the fuck was this? No, seriously. Was Stolas retarded? Was he TRULY incapable of following a SINGLE GODDAMN DIRECTION?! Lord Lucifer had TOLD THEM that he would handle the Vs. Yet, here was Stolas, being the problematic bastard like always.
"...Could you show Asmodeus and his lover to the main area of the gala? They'd like to get a feel for the space as they'll assist with the organization." Paimon asked the butler.
"Of course, sir." The butler accepted before focusing on the ruler of Lust. "If you gentlemen will please follow me." He requested.
"Don't worry. I'll be with you shortly." Paimon promised as they left.
Waiting until the others were out of sight before departing, Paimon hurried up the stairs to search for his Son. He didn't ask the butler where Stolas might be since he had a good assumption. Sure enough, when Paimon eventually reached the library, he could hear Stolas rambling like an idiot about something, even WITH the doors closed.
BAM
With overwhelming strength, Paimon threw the doors open. They flew into their connected walls with enough force to embed them. He expected his coward of a Son would scream from such a startle. But no, Stolas merely turned around with a surprised expression. Admittedly, this was the best restraint Paimon had ever seen.
"Father?" Stolas questioned once he realized who had entered. "Did everything go well in Lust? Has Asmodeus-"
THUD
Without a word, Paimon rushed into the room. He grabbed his Son by the throat and slammed him into the floor. Tightly did Paimon's talons squeeze the neck of his offspring.
"ARE. YOU. A FOOL?!" Paimon yelled in anger, his form becoming undone due to his rage. "ONCE, STOLAS. JUST. FUCKING. ONCE. THAT'S ALL I ASK. LISTEN TO ME, GODDAMN YOU! LISTEN TO A SINGLE WORD I'VE EVER SAID! BUT NO! YOU JUST HAVE TO BE AN ENTITLED LITTLE SHIT, DON'T YOU?! AND YOU'RE NOT EVEN THE GOOD KIND OF ENTITLED! YOU DON'T USE YOUR NOBILITY OVER THE COMMON FOLK! YOU DON'T ABUSE YOUR POWER LIKE A PROPER GOETIA! YOU ARE SUCH A MEASLY LITTLE WORM WITH NO BACKBONE TO SPEAK OF! A PATHETIC PARASITE WHO ONLY CAUSES PROBLEMS! EVEN WHEN IT MEANS FUCKING WITH OUR LITERAL LORD! NOT TO MENTION WHAT'S AT STAKE FOR US! DO YOU EVER THINK FOR ONE MOMENT?! WELL?! DO YOU?! ANSWER ME!" He shouted.
Stolas struggled against his Father's hand, gripping it tightly with his own. For a moment, his eyes moved upward. From his position, he could see the Grimoire on its podium. To his joy, it began to glow with orange light.
"PAIMON!" A familiar voice called from elsewhere in the manor. "What's going on up there? It sounds like a wrestling match! And no, I don't mean THAT kind!" It inquired.
Hearing whoever was speaking snapped Stolas's attention back to his Father. Simultaneously, once Stolas's gaze was off the Grimoire, the orange light faded.
"F-Father..." Stolas choked out. "W-Who...is...that?..." He asked.
"THAT, my worthless child, is Asmodeus," Paimon answered, leaning forward when he did. "If we did not have guests in this house at this VERY moment with whom I must present the best image of ourselves, I'd throw you about this room until the others came home. HOPING with EVERY part of my soul that I'd FINALLY fix whatever brain damage you've had since birth. I don't doubt Stella's tried her best to knock some sense into you. But I hit MUCH harder." He told him before releasing him. "Make yourself presentable, come downstairs, and try FOR ONCE not to be a fucking disgrace." He ordered.
With that, Paimon left the room. Yet as he did and proceeded down the hall, Stolas smiled. While rubbing his throat, he looked back at the Grimoire. The opportunity wasn't now. But soon, it would be.
Back On Mars...
You know, after that initial shock, Lucifer took everything pretty well. He just needed a place to sit and a drink while his Father explained everything. As for Olivia, she received a seat and beverage, too. Both courtesy of Doomguy, who fetched them for her.
To no one's astoundment, Samuel reacted to everything without any sign of amazement. Yes, yes, he didn't have a face. But by this point, those who had spent enough time around the mechanical man knew when his brain was working and when some level of emotional reaction was happening. Like Lucifer and Olivia, he listened to Samur's every word with unwavering focus.
When it was done, everyone silently waited for Lucifer to say something. Doomguy and Samur had come to Mars for a purpose, but this was more important. Lucifer's ENTIRE life and understanding of Creation were different now. The same applied to his Father, who had a past he was unaware of. How would the Devil respond?
"..." Lucifer stared at his now empty mug. Only a light stain of the coffee that had been inside it remained. "...I have one question. Only one. Please, even if it's brutal, tell me the truth." He requested, keeping his focus on the mug.
"Of course. Ask away." Samur accepted.
"...Samuel...has said that the powers I and the Demons in my Hell possess are not too dissimilar from Doom's. This was proven true when Doom attempted to interact with the Grimoire, and Samuel conjured a portal to the realm with the same item. How is this possible? Does this imply that I am no different than those monsters? Could I somehow transform to be like them? Even without their influence?" Lucifer asked.
"I understand your concern. It's entirely logical. However, Doom's power, yours, Hell's, and the Sinful differ. Yes, they have many similarities. But the energy you are familiar with comes from YOUR souls. As I've explained, Doom is sentient. Its Demons are directly connected to its soul. This is how they can be killed repeatedly yet always return. The source remains unaffected. Defeating even the strongest Doom offers would be no different than me slapping you. It's inconsequential. However, although powerful, this doesn't make Doom omnipotent. It CAN influence you should you allow it. If you become a prisoner of Doom, then they could use your essence as a resource. Souls cannot be destroyed; you know this. As such, Doom takes those it captures and consumes and uses them endlessly. They are not allowed peace. But that is only IF you fall into their possession. Otherwise, no matter how many similarities there are or how evil any entity is, Doom will never have an instantaneous claim of them. It is only through surrender or domination that Doom can control you. And, despite being the Devil, I know that would never happen. You're far too good to be like them, Lucifer." Samur answered.
Hearing his Father say this allowed Lucifer to breathe. Secretly, he had feared for the safety of himself, his Wife, and his Daughter. If there were any chance that Doom could begin possessing or morphing them into horrid beasts, he'd be at a loss for what to do.
"Thank you, Dad," Lucifer said with a renewed smile, finally looking at him.
"No thanks are needed. When you and some of your siblings began showing signs of what we'd later deem Sin, I did all that was possible to determine if this was a danger to you. Despite my secrecy, I hope you know I would NEVER allow anything to happen to my children. You weren't a strategy to help myself hide better from Doom. You were always meant to be my family." Samur replied.
"Heh. Even if everything that's happening weren't, I'd still be confident of that." Lucifer assured as he stood up. "Still, I DO wish you had been upfront with us. We could've helped you. Although, I'm sure Michael or Gabriel has already chewed your ear off about that." He went on before hugging his Father. "...You do have ears, right?" He concluded with a question, making his Dad laugh.
"Yes. They're just not obvious." Samur responded, accepting the embrace.
Sniffle
Immediately, all eyes turned to Olivia. When they did, a faint blush came to her cheeks.
"Sorry..." Olivia apologized while wiping her eyes. "It's just so sweet. I'd never expect the Devil, of all people, to be so...emotional." She confessed.
"I'm a multi-faceted individual; I'll have you know." Lucifer proudly stated as he and Samur separated.
"Pardon the interruption," Samuel interjected. "But, besides enlightening all of us, I assume there is another reason why you came to Mars rather than bring us to you." He said.
"That there is," Samur confirmed as he gestured to Doomguy. "The good sir here said you could help us with a conundrum. The details can be expanded upon later. For now, what's important is what we need, an artificial sentience of immense intelligence capable of handling a mountainous number of tasks simultaneously." He told him.
Slowly, Samuel's head turned to face Doomguy. However, the space marine didn't react. He assumed that the good Doctor had already discovered something in his suit.
"...He's fortunate his suit's core systems are durable. If they weren't, I'd ask you to restrain me so I don't attempt to punch him." Samuel replied.
"I'm...not sure I follow..." Samur confessed, confused by that statement.
"It's a LONG story, sir," Olivia commented with a sigh. "Like with so much else, it can be saved until later." She continued, now looking at Samuel. "However, regarding this topic, I'm afraid relying on Vega, the AI you've come here for, might be impossible. I'm not an expert; I know very little. But I know Vega would require IMMENSE power and a body that won't overheat." He concluded.
"You're correct. Well done." Samuel praised her, making her smile. "Vega's abilities are unmatched. Even I am no equal to my creation. However, he needs a vessel that can properly withstand the demand of his intelligence. Could you provide that, Samur?" He asked.
For a quick second, Samur and Doomguy exchanged a look. Afterward, smiles appeared on their faces.
"Why, yes, Samuel. I think that can be managed." Samur answered while facing him again. From the confidence in his voice, it seemed there would be no issues.