"So, that's why Samuel was so pissed. Mister Mute had to blow up Vega to stop Doom." Husk said after Olivia was through speaking.
With shut mouths and attentive ears, everyone listened to Olivia's history lesson on the entity known as Vega. In summary, Vega was an artificial intelligence Samuel created. With the advancements brought upon by Argent Energy, Vega was capable of reaching intellectual heights previously assumed to be impossible. More than that, Vega became a true sentience with a personality and wants.
However, the one thing Olivia wasn't sure of was Samuel's relationship with Vega. Were they comparable to a Father and child? It was no one's place to pry to find the answer. Still, even if the relationship wasn't to that degree, Vega was Samuel's greatest achievement in life. Anyone would've been affected by Vega's sacrifice if they were his creator.
"Husk, two things." Charlie started while sighing. "First, can you PLEASE call Doomguy by his name? Second, it's not as if Doomguy had a choice. The only way he could stop Doom was through Vega's destruction." She said.
"No." Husk began by answering her question. "And yeah, sure, the situation was shitty. I'm not saying there was an obvious alternative that could've been taken. Still, the gun-toting lunatic pressed the detonation button and kept Vega's continued existence a secret from Samuel. All I'm saying is the man had a DAMN good reason to hold a grudge." He told her.
"That is a bit weird, honestly." Moxxie chimed in with a contemplative expression. "Why did Doomguy keep Vega's survival a secret until now?" He asked.
"If you'd allow me, I could offer a potential answer."
...
...Who...just...spoke? The voice seemed to come from all directions. It was pleasant and sounded polite.
"...Did...everyone just hear that?..." Katie asked, receiving nods from the others.
"Apologies. I didn't mean to surprise you. Doctor Hayden and Samur instructed me to speak with you immediately and introduce myself. After finding you in the tower, I accessed the largest machine in the room. The terminal behind the man in the robes."
The voice spoke again. This time, it offered directions to its source. As everyone turned to look at the terminal it referred to, Michael, in particular, needing to do a one-eighty spin, they saw on its biggest screen an image. It was a blue circle surrounded by curved bars with interestingly designed lines inside them.
"It's the AI!" Lucifer exclaimed with an excited grin. "Er, sorry. It's Vega, right?" He corrected himself.
"Yes." The image spoke. When it did, its blue coloration flashed. "I am Vega, the artificial intelligence created by Doctor Samuel Hayden to help oversee and maintain the UAC's operations on Mars. I also assisted Doctor Hayden and Doomguy in preventing Doom's invasion of our native reality. It's a pleasure to meet all of you." He introduced.
Following that, everyone swarmed the terminal, including Gabriel. None of them had ever seen something like this before. Genuine man-made sentience.
"Is that what you're supposed to look like?" Husk was the first to voice a question.
"Truthfully, I could create any appearance for myself that I desired. However, this is how I was represented in my stages of infancy. As such, I see no reason to change it." Vega replied.
"Do you have feelings? Or do you only think in logic?" Moxxie asked.
"I am capable of emotions. However, I do prioritize logic. But be assured that I would never allow cruelty or inhumane actions to transpire should they be logical. Doctor Hayden designed me this way so I could always be a voice of reason even in stressful and emotional situations." Vega answered.
"What was it like being dead?" Loona inquired. "Or were you even dead at all? Was it like being asleep, instead?" She added.
"After the destruction of my body, I did not exist. My consciousness, as you can see, was preserved by Doomguy. But until it was put into the Ivory Tower, I was still in a state of non-existence. As such, I am incapable of answering your question." Vega responded.
"What are your thoughts on Doomguy? Do they have to do with what you said before? About having an answer to Moxxie's question?" Katie asked.
"I haven't spent enough time with him to form a detailed assessment. Most of my knowledge comes from what was recovered from Doom. Despite this, I believe I've reached a conclusive point regarding one aspect of his character unrelated to his hatred for the Demons. Doomguy shows a remarkable consideration for others. Upon discovering the deceased members of the Mars complex, his temperature rose, and his body tensed. Both are signs indicative of anger. Furthermore, he saved my life. He didn't need to show such care for something that wasn't alive, but he did." Vega answered.
"Don't say that about yourself! You're as real as anyone!" Charlie exclaimed. This woman just met this artificial intelligence, yet she already cared about him.
"Thank you for saying so, Charlie," Vega replied, causing her to gasp.
"You already know my name?!" Charlie questioned with an excited grin.
"Yes. Again, I apologize if this wasn't appropriate." Vega started. "As I've been conversing with you, I've also been accessing all of the information within the Ivory Tower. Your Grandfather permitted me to do so. I need to study and familiarize myself with much, but I felt it important to learn your identities first for conversational purposes." He explained.
"Very considerate for a machine..." Gabriel muttered, only to realize how bad that sounded after he said it. "F-Forgive me! I didn't mean to say something so disrespectful!" He exclaimed in a fluster.
"You need not say sorry. I understand how unusual this must be. From what I can gather, there has yet to be an AI like me in your reality." Vega said.
"THAT is a MASSIVE understatement!" Lucifer exclaimed. Honestly, it amazed the others how invested he was in Vega. His enthusiasm was legitimately on par with his Daughter. "Sure, we have devices with speech recognition, but they're automated tools and nothing else. You, on the other hand, are a person. It's amazing!" He went on.
"I agree." Alastor chimed in. "Normally, I hate new technology. I find most of it to be needlessly complicated and pointless in its existence. But it may be worthwhile if something like you can be produced." He stated.
"Your kind words are appreciated," Vega responded.
"Excuse me!" Michael interjected while raising his hand. A bit odd since he was the closest to the terminal. "Are my Father and Samuel coming to rejoin us?" He asked.
"No. I'm speaking with them about our plans moving forward. I can handle multiple operations, functions, and conversations simultaneously. However, the Ivory Tower has made this far easier than with my previous body. Even more can be accomplished and done now, aiding us against Doom." Vega answered.
In reaction to that, someone else raised their hand. They were further back in the group, so it was necessary, unlike when Michael did it.
"Yes, Miss?" Vega called upon the individual.
"Regarding what you said just now." Octavia started while lowering her arm. "If you're doing so much at once, are you also checking on those still recovering? If so, is there a way you can speed up their recovery?" She inquired.
"I have studied the conditions of those you refer to. I could restore them to consciousness, but I'd need permission before proceeding." Vega replied.
"Why? Is it drastic?" Moxxie asked.
"No. However, it would be quite alarming. Even so, it wouldn't worsen the others' state or harm them." Vega answered.
"I say we let him do it. With everyone back on their feet, time won't need to be dedicated to catching them up to speed individually." Gabriel stated.
Feeling the same way as the Archangel, everyone else nodded.
"Very well. I shall inform Doctor Hayden and Samur. One moment, please." Vega requested.
For the next few seconds, there was silence. The group pondered what Vega intended to do. Yet, they wouldn't need to consider it for long. The result showed itself before ten seconds had gone by.
Suddenly, the Ivory Tower filled with screams. Be at ease; they weren't of pain or misery. All of the voices heard were scared and startled. Following the uproarious outburst, a varied array of shouts and questions could be heard from various rooms.
"Holy shit. What did you do?" Husk asked as everyone looked back at the terminal.
"After informing Doctor Hayden and Samur of my intent, I asked for their suggestions on what would be best. Samur insisted that I go with a particular noise as he was confident it'd work without fail. Doctor Hayden offered no objection." Vega answered, back with them.
"Ah. An alarm clock. Simple, yet effective." Alastor commented. "So, what was the sound?" He inquired.
"The Trumpets of Heaven. That is the name of the sound file Samur created that he allowed me to use." Vega stated.
Upon hearing that, Lucifer, Gabriel, and Michael's eyes widened. Each of them shivered as if a chill ran through their spines.
"Of course...he'd tell you to use THAT..." Lucifer muttered in horror.
"My head's never stopped ringing..." Michael whined while gripping his noggin.
"I'll never understand our Father's obsession with that instrument...it's nearly as horrid as Doom..." Gabriel said, unsettled to his core.
"Looks like God liked to mess with his children like any proper Papa." Alastor joked, amused by the siblings' reactions.
"Pardon the interruption," Vega spoke, getting the attention back on him. "It would be best if you attended to the others." He advised.
"Yeah. Letting Blitzo, of all people, start roaming the tower is a recipe for disaster." Loona agreed as she headed for the exit.
Following the Hellhound, the group dispersed to see their loved ones, friends, and acquaintances. As they did, they'd catch everyone up on what transpired during their slumber. Properly preparing themselves for whatever was to come next.