Cronos: The Orion Project

Chapter 18

"You have all grown since your arrival to Orion Industries!" Solaris said, his hands clasped behind his back.

Both Devon and Jackson's squads stood at the ready outside of the facility. They were all in a similar uniform to Solaris, with the exception of the blue accents on their shoulders and chests. The ocean crashed against the beachhead as they listened to the Major speak.

"This year is when your training and medical procedures are accelerated. Consider this a sort of mid term test." He continued. "You will face many trials and obstacles that no one can prepare you for. You must be able to face them head on, without the support of anyone here."

"What the Major is trying to say is that, from this day onwards, we do not know what to expect." Doctor Seraph stated. "So whatever you experience, please, you must inform us so we can try and figure out what it is you are going through."

"Do you not have any idea on what we may face?" Jackson asked.

"Of course not! Haha! You all are our first real test group! We would not know what to expect in such an experiment." Seraph laughed.

"That does not inspire confidence Doctor." Desir said.

"W-Well, it's true. We are diving in to uncharted waters here. It is always wise to be prepared." Seraph responded.

"But telling them that? You're even dumber than I thought." Aesir huffed.

"Ouch."

"Regardless of that," Solaris took over. "Understand that we have never tested anyone like we have with you. All of you are the first, the first of many to come. You are going to become our vanguard, our most elite. You all shall be named our Zealots!"

"Yes! Yes of course! I have decided to name this first generation 'Zealots'!" Seraph stated, trying to salvage his blunder. "Nothing shall compromise you in our goal for peace and prosperity! You shall be the spear that drives back our foes! Wherever they may be!"

"For that reason, we shall be amping up your training." Aesir said. "From now on, you will be pushed to your physical, emotional, mental, and magical limits. Everyday will be a challenge, and everyday we shall push you until you collapse!"

"You won't be gettin' a break anytime soon." Arcturus grumbled. "Be ready for that."

"What exactly is going on today sir?" Devon asked.

"Why, the most important operation to date!" Seraph gleefully said. "Today is your bonding! Your Vinculum!"

"Bonding with...what? Exactly?" Jackson asked.

"You shall see. Now then, prepare yourselves! Jackson! Your team is up first. Devon, be on standby and wait for the operation to end. We shall commence with yours once Jackson's is finished." Seraph ordered.

"Yea sir!"

...

Hydros was uneasy. He was worried. He was anxious. It had been a long ten years since the children arrived at Orion. It had been an even longer fifteen years since he and his crew had been hired into Orion. He knew this day would come, and yet, he felt a terrifying, wintry, fear claw at his chest.

Tick's words plagued his mind since the day he uttered them. "We do not know where their loyalties lie." Hydros had been all too aware of that fact since the children's first operation. He did not want to believe it, but knew it to be true. Time was not on his side, in fact, it seemed to stalk him every single day. And today, it felt like it's cold, icy breath, was brushing the back of his neck. One day, it's freezing cold blade would finally embed itself in his throat, and he feared for who would be the one to do its bidding.