The Orion Project (Rewrite) (indefinite hiatus)

Chapter 37

Devon sat in his seat, running his thumb over the front of his helmet as he held it in his hands. He slightly shook as the airship hit some turbulence and the snap of someone's fingers yanked him out of his thoughts.

"Devon?" Rose asked.

"W-What?" He asked.

"You good man?" Lucas chuckled.

"Y-Yeah, I'm good. Why do you ask?"

"Cause you've been starin' at your 'elment for most of the trip home." Alyssa said.

"I'm fine, really. Just...post mission nerves I guess."

"HA! 'Post mission nerves'?" Lucas laughed. "You're just mad cause your bond threw you off a roof!"

"Well, I'm upset with her but....it helped me complete the mission so I can't be too mad." Devon mused.

"But something is bothering you." Rose said.

"Nothing is bothering me Rose, seriously."

"I'm your sister, I can tell when you're upset Dev."

It took a short pause for Devon to formulate his thoughts. He sighed before he turned to her.

"We did good, right?" He asked.

"Of course we did!" Alyssa exclaimed. "We killed a terrorist!"

"What I mean is, is that the people will see this? We caused a bit of damage and I'm sure that there were civilian casualties due to our actions." He explained.

"Yes," Rose declared. "They will see this as a very important victory for them and they will view us in a positive light. Even with the casualties, I'm sure they'll see us for the warriors we are." She gently rubbed his shoulder and he nodded.

"Yeah, I'm sure they will." He reassured her, maybe he was reassuring himself more than her. He didn't know.

"You should ask that Doctor about this." His bond said.

"I'm sure he'd say the same thing, just, more logical than Rose."

"Hmph, do whatever you wish."

"What's your deal?"

"I despise that pathetic excuse of a doctor. He does deserve the title."

"I get it, you and I are stuck together, probably forever, but do you hate this or me that much?"

"I desire the freedom of the skies. I do not regret meeting you and becoming your 'bond' but I do not celebrate the steps that were taken to reach this point."

"But what does that have to do with my concerns?"

"You have not followed my advice once since you were sent out into the world! You delude yourself and your mind by not asking questions. The kind of questions that matter, you ignore."

"Then tell me what I'm missing here! What should I ask him?!"

"That is for you to decide, youngling. I will watch over you, guide you, help you, and nurture you until your death. I will not tell nor make your decisions for you."

"Geez, I almost wonder if you need a therapist or something."

"Human therapy would only result in the practitioner ending themselves if they delved into my mind."

"That's dark."

"No, it is a fact."

"I can't believe you."

"Believe it youngling, for sometimes the truth can break you."

"Alright! I get it! I'm going to rest until we get back to Orion. I'll talk to you later."

"Rest well youngling."

Devon sighed and leaned his back against his seat. Rose looked at him with a slightly concerned expression.

"You okay?"

"My bond being cryptic as she always is." He smirked.

"Mmm, yeah, I get you. My bond is weird in his own way too." She hummed.

"Like, is she trying to help me? Guide me? Make me look like a fool?" He laughed softly. "She's weird."

"I am not."

"Uh huh."

"What?" Rose asked.

"Just responding to her." He sighed.

"I'm quite surprised you can have full conversations with her like this." Rose said.

"You can't?" Devon quirked an eyebrow.

"I can when I sleep." Rose explained, waving her hand. "But during the day, my bond is like a cat sleeping in the afternoon sun. I can him but he will only rush me just so he can go back to sleep."

"For a bird, I'd have thought he would be more active." Lucas said.

"Yeah, he was for a while before this mission but then he decided sleep was suddenly so important." She said with annoyance.

"Maybe you can ask Seraph if he has an energy drink for bonds! Haha!" Alyssa cackled.

"Hmm, maybe I will." Rose mused.

"I don't think that'd go over well for you." Devon said.

"Probably, but I'd like to talk with him more. He's an amazing conversationalist during the night." Rose sighed.

"Give 'im a good smack on the beak and tell 'im ta get off his lazy arse!" Alyssa said.

"I'm sure it'll get better Rose." Devon laid a hand on Rose's shoulder. "Without resorting to violence, hehe."

"I'm sure it will." Rose giggled.