The situation on Eureka demanded expertise that no one in Julius's nascent empire possessed. Data had scoured all available databases.
"Analysis is complete, Commander," the android announced. "Theoretical and practical understanding of the Immaterium, or 'the Warp,' is virtually non-existent outside the highest echelons of the Imperium of Man. The individual possessing the most profound and practical knowledge of this force is most likely the Emperor himself."
Julius clenched his jaw. Contacting the Emperor was out of the question. It was like throwing themselves to the wolves, revealing their existence and their heretical technology. He needed another solution. One from outside this universe.
"The System, then," he declared, connecting to the familiar interface in his mind. "I need to summon an expert. Not a warrior, but a scientist. Someone who has understood a demonic or dimensional energy and learned to manipulate and control it. The criteria are: superior intelligence, experience with trans-dimensional energies, absolute pragmatism, and loyalty guaranteed by the System."
The Champion menu scrolled at a frantic pace before stopping on an imposing figure, part man, part machine.
[Character: Samuel Hayden - Universe: Doom]
< Status: Former President of the Union Aerospace Corporation, cybernetic entity.>
< Skills: Genius scientist and engineer, Expert in trans-dimensional energy (Argent), Exceptional strategist and logistician.>
< Relevant Experience: Contained, studied, and exploited Hell energy (a dimension analogous to the Warp). Designed technologies to combat and manipulate it.>
< Profile: Pragmatic, cold, with complex motivations but absolute loyalty to Commander Julius Braveheart.>
< Summoning Cost: 150,000 energy units.>
Hayden. The man who had played with Hellfire and, in a way, had managed to tame it. It was a risk. His methods were ruthless, his motives often obscure. But with the System's loyalty guarantee, it was the safest bet.
"Summoning confirmed," Julius ordered.
< Consumption of 150,000 energy units.>
In the summoning chamber of the Conqueror's Star, a massive form materialized. Samuel Hayden, nearly three meters tall, his cybernetic body gleaming with cold metal, his sensor eyes emitting a reddish glow. He observed his new environment with analytical calm, his gaze finally settling on Julius.
"Commander Braveheart," said a deep, synthetic voice, yet imbued with a sharp intelligence. "I am Samuel Hayden. The System has briefed me on the situation. You have a problem with an unstable dimensional power source."
Julius, despite Hayden's intimidating size, immediately sensed the keen mind behind the sensors. This was exactly what he needed.
"Doctor Hayden. Welcome. One of my scientists, Egon Stetmann, has, with the help of a xeno species, created a reactor drawing power from the Warp. He claims to have stabilized it. I need you to go to the site, the planet Eureka, to assess the risks, secure the device, and... channel Stetmann's unpredictable genius."
Hayden tilted his metallic head slightly. "Demonic energy, by any name, obeys principles. It can be channeled, contained, exploited. Ignorance and enthusiasm are the greatest dangers. I will assess the situation."
"I'm sending you with a Spartan escort," Julius added. "For your safety and to... impress Stetmann if necessary."
"A judicious precaution," Hayden approved.
Before ending the communication, Julius turned one last time to the System. He needed a blueprint, a master plan. Something to guide, or at least channel, the mad genius of Stetmann and now the cold rigor of Hayden.
"System, purchase the technical plans for the Arc Reactor from the Marvel universe, Tony Stark version."
< Acquisition of [Technical Plans: Arc Reactor - Tony Stark]. Consumption: 25,000 energy units.>
A data-solid materialized in Julius's hand. He handed it to Hayden.
"Take this. These are the plans for an electromagnetic containment arc reactor, a cutting-edge technology from another universe. It doesn't use the Warp, but it represents a level of sophistication and stability that even Stetmann should respect. Use it as a benchmark, for inspiration, or as a fallback if his 'Gromril-42' shows the slightest sign of failure."
Hayden took the data-solid, inserting it into a port on his cybernetic arm. His sensors blinked.
"Analyzing. Remarkable design. Elegant containment engineering. This will provide a solid reference point. I will depart for Eureka immediately."
As Hayden's massive form left the chamber, escorted by two Spartans, Julius felt a slight relief. He had pitted a demonic dimensional expert against a mad genius and his tinkering monkeys. It was a calculated risk. Either they would create the power source that would propel his empire into a new age, or they would blow up the star system.
"Data," he said, turning to the android. "Place the Eureka sector under Level 1 quarantine. And prepare an emergency evacuation protocol. Just in case."