Urdak's technology was the wildest of mortal imagination made real. The more of it Samuel examined, the greater his fascination became. Even in their current state, the inventions of the Maykrs were astounding. Samuel, apart from repairing them, would LOVE to perform full examinations of every device. However, that was best saved for more peaceful times.
"Hmm..." Samuel hummed. The apparatus before him was unique, even compared to the other Maykr-made machines he'd seen. There were several of these contraptions positioned in certain locations. All of them were aimed at other floating landmasses nearby. "It...seems to be a means of travel. But why would the Maykrs need this if they are constantly in a state of levitation?" He pondered aloud. "Vega, could you provide me with more information?" He requested.
...
...
Silence.
"He must be preoccupied with something else." Samuel reasoned. Although Vega could handle multiple things at once, if someone were conversing with him, then he'd give them his direct attention. "Never mind me, Vega. It's nothing important." He said afterward, not wanting to disrupt whatever the AI was engaged with.
Without Vega's assistance, Samuel began examining the device more intimately. He knelt before it and attentively scanned every component. Although this would be fairly low on the list of things needing repair, if Samuel's assumption about its function proved true, he could find other uses for it by making more. His first idea was to improve the mobility in a certain mute's suit.
"Samuel!"
A voice. It belonged to one of the Maykrs. In reaction, Samuel stood up before turning to be eye-to-eye with them. When he did, he discovered that the Maykrs weren't by themselves.
Walking in the middle of their group was the Marine. However, he wasn't the same as before. His finely-polished chrome suit was replaced with a new attire. Immediately, anyone, not just Samuel, could tell who had made it and with what technology.
Most of the armor was a pristine white with plentiful accents of red and gold. The material used for it was beautifully reflective. Like any Maykr, including Khan, it was ornately gorgeous yet entirely functional. The most eye-catching detail of an already attention-grabbing ensemble was the helmet. The face had been stylized to look like the skull of a Maykr.
"Felt like a change of clothes, did you?" Samuel joked as the group reached him.
"Ha, ha, I suppose you could say that." One of the Maykrs replied, speaking on the Marine's behalf. "We've long promised the Marine to improve his equipment if Urdak was ever secured from Doom's clutches. This is the result." They stated.
"Does this mean he has weapons of original Maykr design?" Samuel inquired.
"That he does. In addition to improving his pre-existing arsenal, we've given him weapons we would use against the Demons. Most are melee, but that's no issue for him. He's as precise and deadly with them as with anything that shoots." The Maykr shared.
"What about the Soul Cube? Do you have ideas for it? Or do you intend to dismantle it?" Samuel asked.
"Oh! We're glad you asked." The Maykr began, excitement filling their face. "We're intending to repurpose it as a prison for the Demons. However, due to them lacking souls, it will require a LOT of testing before we're certain we can keep them locked within." They said.
"On that note, I'd like to know something if you can tell me," Samuel requested before proceeding with the question. "As we know, my partner was strengthened by absorbing the Demons' essence upon their deaths. Yet, as you've pointed out, they don't have souls, unlike the Wretch. How can he absorb energy from them when they lack what the Praetor was designed to take advantage of?" He inquired.
"Ooh! That's a VERY good question!" The Maykr exclaimed, their excitement growing. "As we've all established, the Demons of Doom are extensions of the realm itself. To be more precise, they're concentrated manifestations. Their ethereal composition is DRASTICALLY different depending on the species. The importance of these differences is what they're given more of. Archviles, for example, are overflowing with Arcane power. Whereas Barons are meant to be a balance between physical prowess and Arcane manipulation. So, depending on the Demon slain, Doomguy's suit will absorb a focused type of energy. If he kills a Baron, his physicality and attunement with the Arcane are improved in equal amounts. When he kills an Archvile, he receives a MASSIVE increase in his Arcane attunement. However, this doesn't mean that Doomguy can conjure fireballs. There is a difference between having the capacity for the Arcane and being adept at it. Archviles are instilled with all of Doom's knowledge regarding this subject, so they aren't just walking caches of Arcane energy. This, of course, applies to ALL Demons. They are put together to serve specific purposes and thus have the knowledge to be perfect at them." They explained.
"This...is incredible," Samuel responded. It was no surprise that he was so quick to form a proper relationship with the Maykrs and Khan. He was an eager intellectual, and they were fountains of knowledge who happily shared it.
"We're glad you think so." The Maykr said with a smile. "Is there anything else you'd like to know about this topic?" They asked.
"I...believe there is..." Samuel muttered, giving it some thought. "You say that the Demons' essence is crafted to fulfill specific functions. The same applies to their bodies. However, there ARE some Demons who I doubt serve any real function beyond being savage beasts." He answered.
"Could you name a few?" The Maykr requested.
"Cacodemons immediately come to mind. They're nothing more than floating stomachs with teeth and eyeballs. What could my partner gain by killing them? Furthermore, what purpose do they serve Doom?" Samuel questioned.
"Ah, excellent choice." The Maykr complimented him before elaborating. "At first glance, Cacodemons do seem rather pointless. They're not intelligent. They're not the strongest. Their bite strength is dangerous, but they're one of the slowest creatures in Doom. However, as you said yourself, they're floating stomachs. They are designed to naturally produce the most effective digestive compound ever seen within Creation. Although we haven't examined them since the war's end, we'd be confident that Cacodemons remain unchallenged where the potency of their bile is concerned. Combatively, this ensures that if there is an obstacle Doom's legions can't overcome, the Cacodemons can melt it. Yet, this also provides an advantage that Doom likely doesn't even acknowledge or care about if they do. Cacodemons are IMPOSSIBLE to poison or harm with chemical agents. If they weren't, their bile would melt them inside out. Remember, a Cacodemon's bile isn't JUST acid." They informed him.
"..." Samuel was silent for a few seconds. He was confident he could discern the use of the Cacodemons' essence with this information. "...So...when my associate kills Cacodemons...their essence improves his resistance to damaging agents, materials, and compounds. Furthermore, it's why he can't be easily killed with toxic gas or venom entering his bloodstream." He guessed.
"Precisely!" The Maykr confirmed with a grin. "The Wretch's Praetor takes those essences and, similarly to how you purify Hell energy to make Argent, repurposes them to enhance the wearer. If Doomguy were to absorb an ACTUAL soul, then it'd be a continuous supply that'd constantly improve him since souls can't be depleted of their energy or destroyed." They stated before holding up a finger. "However, much like the essence of the Demons, the soul's properties would influence what specific aspects of Doomguy's soul and current vessel are being improved through the draining process. Hypothetically, if either Doomguy or the Marine were to take energy from the other, they would see improvements in their reflexes, resolves, combat ability, Etc." They added.
"Hm. Perhaps we should consider shoving both of you into one body, then?" Samuel proposed in jest while looking at the silent soldier.
In reply, the Marine slightly tilted his head. He needed to be sure Samuel was only joking.
"I promise, there was no serious intent behind that," Samuel assured, understanding the gesture. "However, with what you've shared with me, we can't deny the potential in providing those two a means to improve themselves when they're not fighting or training. Do you have any ideas?" He asked, speaking again to the Maykrs.
"Oh, that is an interesting prospect..." The same Maykr from before responded as each of them started thinking. "...Unfortunately, we never conceived such a thing before. Even when the war was in full swing, we focused on easily produced yet effective inventions." They told him.
"..." Silent again. The gears of Samuel's mind spun quickly to think of something on the spot. "...The Divinity. It's a machine that draws power from a source for another purpose. You specifically designed it to work with Khan's soul. So, you do have the technology for this venture. We need only to repurpose it." He said.
For a moment, the Maykrs stared at Samuel in amazement. That idea was...brilliant. For multiple logical reasons, they hadn't considered re-examining the Divinity to use it for anything else. But now that Khan was free and Argent protected them, they could safely study the apparatus for this purpose. Plus, knowing the Marine, he'd willingly allow himself to be their test subject as they explored the possibilities of this idea.
"Alright!" The Maykr exclaimed as they clapped their hands. "We have an exciting new experiment to conduct! And, with its proximity to Mother, we can also monitor her condition and assist with her treatments." They stated.
Having no arguments or anything else to say, Samuel and the Marine followed the Maykrs back to the main facility. Yet, as they'd soon discover, their new project wasn't the only exciting thing that awaited them.
Meanwhile, In Hell...
Katie was a heterosexual woman. Her attraction to men was no worse than any other like her in this regard. While not a prude, she wasn't as much of a shameless pervert as Angel Dust and, ESPECIALLY, not Tom Trench. If she were ever to appreciate a fine specimen of the male variety, it was tasteful and tactful.
Watching Doomguy effortlessly pick up equipment and items wasn't alluring by itself. It was the images that Katie's mind conjured which made the display so enticing. It recalled what the space marine looked like without his armor. The UAC-branded shirt that gripped his torso. The biceps whose size hadn't been exaggerated by the suit he wore. If anything, the Mantis Demon was AMAZED they weren't breaking free of their confines.
However, that wasn't the only piece of the armor that flawlessly showcased the mute man's physique. As Katie observed him moving around the room, her eyes drifted down his lower back and spotted a pair of well-defined-
"GAH!"
That sudden shout brought Doomguy to an immediate halt. Alastor, who was on his side of the studio, was genuinely started and jumped a bit. He'd been focused on installing his devices, which the space marine was prioritizing for now.
"Good Lord, woman!" Alastor exclaimed with widened eyes. "What happened? Did you electrocute yourself? Pinch a finger? Stub a toe? Sprain a wrist or ankle?" He asked. Despite his usual attitude and the specific nature of his questions, the Radio Demon was legitimately concerned. The way the Mantis Demon had shouted made it seem like something bad had happened.
Katie, whose eyes were also wide, stared at the two men who looked back at her. She had to think quickly. She had to do something. An excuse. Anything. LITERALLY. ANYTHING.
"...I...did this..." Katie slowly said as she raised her right hand. Across its palm was a VERY nasty gash. Discretely, before revealing the appendage, she summoned one of her lower arms and sliced the palm open with its attached blade. Despite the severe wound she secretly inflicted on herself, she was handling the pain impressively. It was almost as if it wasn't hurting at all.
"Oof. Quite the messy injury." Alastor commented with a raised brow. "How'd that happen?" He inquired.
"...The...desk...here..." Katie began, pointing at the furniture with her left hand while the right one continued to bleed profusely. "It's...poorly made. The edges on the underside are rough as shit. It's almost like rusted metal." She explained.
"Ah. Yes, that is the gamble we take by acquiring our wares in Hell." Alastor said before putting a hand to his chin. "Perhaps Samuel could make us replacements? The items on Mars are of impeccable quality." He suggested, now looking at the space marine. "What say you? Do you think it'd be possible?" He asked.
First, Doomguy nodded to answer Alastor's question. Then, he suddenly started approaching the wounded woman in their company.
"Uh...what're you doing?..." Katie questioned as her eyes widened again. Her composure was balancing itself on a wire.
"What do you mean: what're you doing? The man's going to treat your wound." Alastor explained on Doomguy's behalf. He'd be AMAZED if that wasn't the intention. "We can't have you bleeding out on us. It'd leave a terrible stain." He added, returning to his whimsical self.
"Oh...right...my hand..." Katie recalled, now looking at her STILL bleeding palm. All of this was happening so quickly that she was struggling to keep up.
Upon reaching the Mantis Demon, Doomguy gently took her hand into his. With the backside resting in his palm, he began cycling through his suit's storage to see if he had anything on him that could help. During this, Katie's eyes wandered to the perfectly portrayed pectorals before her.
"For...fuck's...sake..." Katie thought. Her eyes moved against her will. "What the fuck is WRONG with me? Has it been SO long since I've seen a man this attractive?" She questioned, only to immediately squint. "Wait. Yes. Of course, I have. The man who I spend most of my time with is a disgusting piece of shit. Any others I've interacted with to ANY degree were purely for business. Regardless of their looks or physique, it was all transactional. I saw them more as walking wallets and blackmail opportunities." She recalled.
During this span, Doomguy finished going through his inventory. Unsurprisingly, he didn't have any first-aid supplies on standby. Whenever he needed to revitalize himself, he'd just take a dose of Invulnerability or beat something to death. Neither was a viable option here.
"Got nothing?" Alastor assumed since Doomguy was still holding Katie's hand. "I can fetch a first-aid kit. They're in all of the bathrooms, and there's one right outside the studio. We purposefully chose to set up shop here BECAUSE of that convenience." He offered.
In response, Doomguy nodded. Yet, the Radio Demon's departure left these two all alone. A fact that immediately struck the Mantis Demon.
"LOINS. COOL. YOUR. FUCKING. SELVES." Katie mentally commanded her body to obey her. Seriously, this was pissing her off! It's not as if she had a deep emotional bond with Doomguy; they hadn't even gotten to know each other yet! Was having a, at minimum, DECENT guy with an AMAZING body all it took to get her excited these days?!
...
...
Yup. After considering it for a moment, that's what it was. Hell. Fucking. Sucked. So did the people. Honestly, despite how she felt about them before, Katie was ASTONISHED that Charlie and Vagatha managed to form a PROPER relationship. That shit happening in HELL, of ALL places, was like striking oil with your garden hose.
With the root of the problem understood Katie could calm herself. It was nothing more than her baser instincts. She hadn't been in the company of ANY worthwhile men the ENTIRE time she'd been in Hell. After learning a fair amount about Doomguy's fight against Doom and seeing the kind of person he was, it made sense that she'd feel lust. Essentially, it was no different than being fed garbage for years then suddenly you're given a full-course meal.
...
...
"What the fuck is taking that prick so long?" Katie vocally wondered while turning her head to look at the room's entrance. "The bathroom is RIGHT there. Is he pissing or something?" She asked.
Doomguy was thinking the same. Why hadn't Alastor come back when the restroom was so close? After a few more seconds, the duo would get their answer. They'd also receive unexpected visitors.
"Sorry for the delay." Alastor apologized as he walked into the room. In his hands was the promised first-aid kit. In his company was a trio whose appearance had a far greater impact on Katie than on Doomguy.
"HOLD ON," Katie yelled, causing the Radio Demon to stop. "WHERE THE FUCK DID THEY COME FROM?!" She asked.
"Hm?" Alastor responded before looking over his shoulder. "Oh! Them! Yes, well, funny story..." He started. Oh, this bastard. He knew PRECISELY what he was fucking doing. "On my way out of the bathroom, I noticed them coming this way. Out of courtesy, I greeted them, and we struck up a conversation. You know how time flies when engrossed in a pleasant discussion." He told her, resuming his approach. "Now, then, let's get your hand fixed." He said while setting the first-aid kit on the desk.
Standing a few feet into the room was a trio. Two Demons, one Imp. Katie ignored the Imp. In her defense, you would, too. That pair of Demons? They were Royalty. We're talking TOP-TIER Royalty.
Asmodeus, Ruler of Lust. Beelzebub, Ruler of Gluttony. Random Imp, a...clown of some kind. This was not only an INSANELY weird trio, but it was also a shock to Katie's system. Two of THE most important people in Hell's hierarchy had just strutted into the room. And, OF COURSE, Alastor treated it with no ceremony WHATSOEVER.
However, as Alastor attended to Katie's injury (Doomguy continued holding the hand), the Mantis Demon studied the trio's demeanor. First off, they were completely silent. Secondly, they looked past Alastor and herself. Their gazes were fixated on the space marine, which Katie didn't blame them for. Lastly, while Asmodeus and the Imp were mostly neutral in their body language and expressions, Beelzebub grew distressed the longer she looked at Doomguy.
"As it turns out..." Alastor spoke to get Doomguy and Katie's attention back on him. "Gabriel took these three, along with Paimon, to Urdak. During the night, they've been playing catch up to all we've learned and done. Paimon's still in the lobby talking with the others. Gabriel is also present. So are Stella and Octavia." He informed them. Simultaneously, he finished bandaging Katie's injury.
After examining (and secretly appreciating) Alastor's doctoring of her hand, Katie was ready to give him an earful about his lax attitude about this sudden development. But before the Mantis Demon could figuratively chew out the smiling Sinner, one of the trio approached them. Specifically, they were walking toward Doomguy with an unblinking stare.
Katie and Alastor backed away once they noticed this. They watched as the Ruler of Gluttony drew closer to Doomguy. Her eyes were intensely focused, but the emotion within them didn't convey intrigue. What they displayed was horror.
"How?..." Beelzebub questioned in a trembling whisper. "You're...so...broken..." She continued.
Katie and Alastor hadn't the faintest idea what was happening. Thankfully, their other guests would fill them in.
"Beelzebub is an empath. The best in Hell." Asmodeus informed the duo as he and the Imp approached. "She can sense people's emotions. Vibes, as she'd put it. I'm the same way but with carnal desires." He explained.
For a brief moment, Katie screamed internally. Did the fucking Lord of Lust detect her earlier hot spell?! The mere thought was enough to make her want to wound herself again. But that concern was swiftly put aside as she and others continued observing the interaction between the space marine and the Queen of Gluttony.
Slowly, Beelzebub put her hands on the sides of Doomguy's helmet. She wasn't trying to remove it; he could tell as much from her expression. Having heard Asmodeus, he knew she was going to get a proper read on the state of his soul. However, a part of Doomguy considered stopping her. He didn't know what it'd do if she experienced all of it.
Sadly, the window of opportunity was minuscule. As Doomguy began debating his choices, Beelzebub pressed her forehead against his while closing her eyes. It'd only take a second. A quick peak into the full nature of his soul. Surely, it wasn't worse than what she already-
Suddenly, Beelzebub's eyes shot open. A pained yell escaped her lungs and filled the air. If anyone else outside the room heard it, they'd assume she'd been violently assaulted. In truth, that wasn't too inaccurate.
"BEE!" Asmodeus exclaimed in alarm as he and the others rushed to her aid.
Beelzebub was panting. Her back lay on the floor. She stared up at Doomguy as her body began to shake. It was an intense involuntary trembling.
"What did you do?!" Asmodeus questioned once they reached her, looking at the space marine. "I swear, if you did this on purpose, I'll-"
"NO!" Beelzebub shouted, preventing him from saying something stupid. "He...didn't do anything...it's...what was done to him...it was horrible...it had to be...I've never felt anything like that..." She said, barely able to speak between her pants.
As the others focused on Beelzebub's condition, Doomguy chose to take his leave. The Queen of Gluttony wanted to stop him, fearing that he believed he was at fault. But, as it was so apparent, she'd need some time to recover. What she felt within his soul was indescribable. Yet, if she were to summarize it with one word, it was one she'd already uttered. Broken.