The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 24

    Devon crossed his arms as he studied the hologram floating before him. The crystal sheen of the mountain pierced through even the hologram and he could only wonder what it was made of. A red outline at the base of the mountain dimly flashed like a near burnt out lightbulb. It was a large, oval shape and it dug a good three quarters of the way into the foot of the mountain.

"This is your first assignment." Solaris said. "This infestation must purged for the surrounding towns."

He tapped a few buttons and three green outlines of the towns popped up around the mountain.

"The Atrian military is having a rough time keeping the Chimera's in check and mercenaries are dropping like flies. It will be your job to go in there and remove them. Understand?"

"Yes sir!"

"Go get ready, you leave as soon as you are."

The five of them stepped in the armory, their armor and weapons were waiting for them inside. Devon slid his hands into his gauntlets and the metal shifted over him like mercury. It hardened as soon as it reached his shoulders. He stepped into his boots and they also followed suit until they reached his waist.

He swung his chest plate over his head and it snapped in place below his rib cage. His back was quickly covered along with his waist and crotch. He picked up his helmet and slid it slowly on his head. The HUD blinked to life and he heard an almost satisfying hum from it. Small lines along the armor lit up blue notifying him everything was good to go.

He slung his sword across his back and a small bit of the armor shifted over the blade, making a makeshift holster for it. He grabbed a pistol and a rifle, slotting the former on his right hip while carrying the other in his arms. He turned to the rest of his team, finding them all waiting for him.

"Ya ready?" Alyssa asked.

"Let's go."

   They strolled through the hangar towards the Atlas awaiting them. It was silent in the hangar, and the only sound was the metallic thumping of their boots echoing throughout. Everyone watched as they climbed into the ship and its engines roared to life. 

...

    It was midday when they reached the southern edge of the continent. They looked out the viewports on the sides of the ship, taking in the new scenery. Devon was anxious, it was his first mission of course, however, he was more nervous about interacting with people outside Orion.

What would the people think of them? Would they be happy they helped? Or would they be on edge? Questions raced through his head and his anxiety only grew. He was glad for his helmet, he did not want his concern to show.

"You must steady your nerves young one." His spirit tenderly said. "Your fears will cloud your judgement in battle."

Well, yeah, I know but...

"I do believe your concern should be directed towards the hoard you shall soon face."

That doesn't really help.

"It does not matter if it does. You should not care what others think of you. You are young, you shall learn how to interact with the rest of the world in time."

But...

"No buts, focus your mind, and take your first steps."

The Atlas landed next to an encampment of military personnel. Soldiers in simple green armor with red markings hesitantly turned towards the craft, their weapons slightly raised. The door to the ship opened and out marched Devon and his team. The afternoon sun caught the side of their armor, making shine and giving them an unsettling presence.